Photoacoustic spectrometry and resonant frequency tracking based dual-mode gas sensor

Abstract

Photoacoustic spectrometry has excellent advantages in trace gas detection. However, due to the influence of gas saturation absorption, when the gas concentration spikes to a certain level, this technology is difficult to achieve accurate detection. Therefore, a dual-mode gas sensor based on photoacoustic spectroscopy and resonant frequency tracking is developed by the features of both detection technologies. A tunable DFB diode laser in the 1654 nm wavelength range and a loudspeaker are used for the photoacoustic detection, and the resonant frequency tracking, respectively. A resonant photoacoustic cell is used as the sensing element to work in dual-mode by time-division multiplexing technology. The wavelength-modulated photoacoustic detection is enabled in the methane concentration below 30%. When the gas concentration exceeds 30%, it will be automatically switched to the measurement-mode of resonant frequency tracking by the fast Fourier transform. The double-range gas detection is realized by a single sensor with dual-mode detecting functionality. With the wavelength modulation and lock-in harmonic detection method, the minimum detectable limit (1σ) of 3.5 ppm CH4 was demonstrated under the photoacoustic detection mode. The response time of the sensor is about 10 s within the measurement range of double-range.