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Photoacoustic Spectroscopy Overview

Photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS) is a technique that detects the acoustic waves generated in a sample due to heating from modulated optical radiation. PAS was first observed in 1880 and formally introduced as a spectroscopy method in 1973. In PAS, a sample is illuminated with light which causes the sample's electrons to become excited and produce heat upon relaxation. A microphone detects the kinetic wave produced in the sample, allowing detection of temperature changes as small as 10^-6 °C. PAS provides advantages over traditional optical spectroscopy such as the ability to analyze opaque samples with sensitivity limited only by the power source. Applications of PAS include chemical analysis of amorphous substances, nondestructive depth profiling, and medical diagnostics.

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141 views13 pages

Photoacoustic Spectroscopy Overview

Photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS) is a technique that detects the acoustic waves generated in a sample due to heating from modulated optical radiation. PAS was first observed in 1880 and formally introduced as a spectroscopy method in 1973. In PAS, a sample is illuminated with light which causes the sample's electrons to become excited and produce heat upon relaxation. A microphone detects the kinetic wave produced in the sample, allowing detection of temperature changes as small as 10^-6 °C. PAS provides advantages over traditional optical spectroscopy such as the ability to analyze opaque samples with sensitivity limited only by the power source. Applications of PAS include chemical analysis of amorphous substances, nondestructive depth profiling, and medical diagnostics.

Uploaded by

rish_236
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Photoacoustic Spectroscopy

(PAS)
Overview
• History of photoacoustic spectroscopy
• How the assay works
• Sampling techniques for:
– Gases
– Liquids and solids
– Powders, smears and gels
• Advantages of PAS
• Applications and the future
History of PAS
• Observed first in solids
by Bell in 1880.
• Method of
photoacoustic
spectroscopy Alexander Graham Bell
developed upon
invention of sensitive
microphones.
• Method of PAS was
formally introduced in
1973.
McPherson Photoacoustic Spectrometer
How PAS Works
• The photoacoustic effect is a translation of optical
energy in to mechanical energy by the sample.
• When illuminated by light of specific wavelength,
the analyte’s electrons become excited.
• The deexcitation process produces kinetic energy
or heat.
• Depending on the sample, the detector measures
the kinetic wave produced by the sample.
How PAS Works

• Sample placed into transparent cell.


• Beam intensity is modulated by beam splitter.
• Microphone detects sample signal.
Sources of Light
• Tungsten lamp
• High-pressure xenon lamp.
• Carbon arc lamp.
• Nearnst glower (for mid and near IR)
• Lasers (exemplary for detection at a specific
wavelength)
Sampling of Gases
• The sample gas fills a sealed cell.
• Optical energy exposure initiates internal heating of the
sample.
• A displacement sensitive microphone detects the
expansion in volume and the increased activity of the gas
particles.
• The microphone can detect a temperature change in the gas
of 10^-6 °C.
• The response time of gas is limited by the time it takes for
the kinetic wave to travel through the gas sample.
Sampling of Liquids and Solids

• Sample cell preparations are different from gas.


• Optical radiation produces kinetic vibration which causes a
detectable wave to travel through the sample.
• Piezoelectric detectors can measure the mechanical signal.
• Can detect a 10^-6 °C change in the sample.
Sampling of Atypical Matter
• Powders, gels and smears cannot be prepared like either
gaseous or nongaseous substances.
• Atypical matter is put into the sampling cell, which is
sealed and filled with a non-reactive gas.
• The heat generated by the substance will transfer to the
gas.
• This signal is detectable by a displacement sensitive
microphone.
• Detection limit: 10^-6 – 10^-5 °C
Advantages of PAS Limitations
• Indirect energy is measured as •Source of energy must be
opposed to optical radiation. sufficient (10 µW/cm^2).
– Can analyze opaque samples.
•The window of the
– Insensitive to scattered radiation.
sampling cell must be
• Variety of samples. transparent.
• No need for a photoelectric
•Background noise can
detector.
hamper the acoustic
• Sensitivity is only limited by the
measurements.
power source and the capacity of
the sample to absorb.
Applications of PAS
• Chemical study of amorphous substances:
– Oils
– Suspensions
– Powders
• One unique function is a nondestructive
depth profile analysis.
• Photoinduced reaction kinetic assays.
Future Trends
• Use of a wider spectrum of wavelengths for
analyzing samples.
• Non-invasive spectroscopic technique in
medicine
• Techniques to discover the intricate folding
patterns of complex proteins.
Sources
Rosencwaig, Allan. Photoacoustic Spectroscopy. John Wiley &
Sons, New York. 1980.
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