Quartz-enhanced photoacoustic spectroscopy
First Claim
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1. A method for performing photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS) of a sample, the method comprising:
- (a) providing a light source configured to introduce light having at least one wavelength into the sample such that at least one molecule within the sample is stimulated, generating an acoustic signal;
(b) accumulating the acoustic signal in a resonant acoustic detector; and
(c) displaying an output signal indicative of the acoustic signal.
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Abstract
Methods and apparatus for detecting photoacoustic signals in fluid media are described. The present invention differs from conventional photoacoustic spectroscopy in that rather than accumulating the absorbed energy in the fluid of a sample cell, the absorbed energy is accumulated in an acoustic detector or sensitive element. In a preferred embodiment, the acoustic detector comprises piezoelectric crystal quartz. The quartz is preferably in the shape of a tuning fork.
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Citations
15 Claims
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1. A method for performing photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS) of a sample, the method comprising:
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(a) providing a light source configured to introduce light having at least one wavelength into the sample such that at least one molecule within the sample is stimulated, generating an acoustic signal;
(b) accumulating the acoustic signal in a resonant acoustic detector; and
(c) displaying an output signal indicative of the acoustic signal. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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- 13. A photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS) system for detecting an acoustic signal, the system comprising an acoustic detector, wherein the acoustic detector accumulates at least one resonant acoustic signal and emits an electrical signal corresponding to the acoustic signal.
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15. An acoustic detector comprising a piezoelectric material, the piezoelectric material configured to accumulate acoustic signals.
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