Photoacoustic spectroscopy for trace vapor detection and molecular discrimination

Photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS) is a useful monitoring technique that is well suited for trace gas detection. This method routinely exhibits detection limits at the parts-per-million (ppm) or parts-per-billion (ppb) level for gaseous samples. PAS also possesses favorable detection characteristics when the system dimensions are scaled to a microsystem design. Current research utilizes quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) in combination with micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS)-scale photoacoustic cell designs. This sensing platform has provided favorable detection limits for a standard nerve agent simulant. The objective of the present work is to demonstrate an extremely versatile MEMS-scale photoacoustic sensor system that is able to discriminate between different analytes of interest.