Infrared spectroscopy is a technique used to identify organic compounds based on their absorption of infrared light. There are two main types of infrared spectrometers - dispersive and Fourier transform. A dispersive spectrometer uses a prism or grating to separate infrared frequencies, while a Fourier transform spectrometer uses an interferometer and Fourier transform algorithm. Infrared absorption occurs when the vibrational frequency of a bond matches the infrared frequency, allowing identification of functional groups in molecules from their spectra.