Buffer structure optimization of the photoacoustic cell for trace gas detection

Abstract

The equivalent four-pole network model is used to simulate one-dimension longitudinal acoustic resonator with different buffer diameters and lengths, aiming to reach a theoretic model which is able to estimate the optimal buffer geometry. In experiments, the buffer volumes are decreased gradually by filling a set of aluminum rings with different inner diameters and lengths into the buffers to get the desired dimensions. The experimental results show that the average deviation of 1.1% is obtained between the experimental results and the theoretical simulation at the buffer length of 30 mm. Experiments show that the minimum background signal occurs when the buffer length is equal to a quarter of the acoustic wavelength (λ/4). The amplitude of the photoacoustic signal is barely influenced when d buf>3d res. Considering that oversize of photoacoustic cell needs more measuring gas and more material, the buffer diameter can be deduced to d buf≈3d res. Therefore, smaller photoacoustic cell is desirable.