Theoretical analysis of a resonant quartz-enhanced photoacoustic spectroscopy sensor

• Published in: Applied physics. B, Lasers and optics Vol. 123; no. 2; pp. 1 - 11
• Main Authors: Aoust, Guillaume, Levy, Raphael, Raybaut, Myriam, Godard, Antoine, Melkonian, Jean-Michel, Lefebvre, Michel
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer Berlin Heidelberg 01.02.2017; Springer Nature B.V; Springer Verlag
• Subjects: Acoustic noise; Acoustics; Applied physics; Engineering; Instrumentation and Detectors; Lasers; Mathematical models; Mechanics; Numerical methods; Optical Devices; Optics; Photoacoustic effect; Photoacoustic spectroscopy; Photonics; Physical Chemistry; Physics; Physics and Astronomy; Quantum Optics; Quartz; Spectrum analysis; Systems design; Tuning; Resonant Cavity; Acoustic Emission; Quality Factor; Acoustic Field; Tuning Fork; DETECTION GAZ; SPECTROSCOPIE PHOTOACOUSTIQUE
• ISSN: 0946-2171; 1432-0649
• DOI: 10.1007/s00340-017-6640-z

In this paper, we report the first analytical model for quartz-enhanced photoacoustic spectroscopy in combination with an acoustic resonator. A generalized fundamental equation is proposed to model the photoacoustic effect, taking into account the coupling between the tuning fork and the surrounding fluid. The analytical signal-to-noise ratio is derived, yielding a direct physical insight with respect to the system design. Experimental behaviors are very well reproduced, and numerical finite elements methods are implemented to successfully confirm the relevance of our approach. We also provide a detailed explanation of the coupling dynamics between the quartz tuning fork and the acoustically resonant tube.