Simultaneous dual-harmonic detection for LITES with a multi-pass configuration based on combined flexural modes of a quartz tuning fork

Abstract

The simultaneous dual-harmonic detection for light-induced thermoelastic spectroscopy (LITES) with a multi-pass configuration based on combined flexural modes of a quartz tuning fork (QTF) is demonstrated. To enhance the photothermal energy absorbed by a custom QTF, the laser beam is designed to pass through the QTF multiple times. With dual-frequency modulation methodology, the second harmonic (2f_fun) signal and the first harmonic (1f_ove) signal are simultaneously inspired at resonant frequencies of fundamental and overtone flexural modes of the QTF, respectively. Thus, precise light intensity and gas concentration can be retrieved concurrently with corresponding 1f and 1f-normalized 2f signals using frequency division multiplexing technology. In comparison to traditional LITES under the same condition sensor, our triple-pass configuration performs 1.84 times better in signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). According to Allan variance analysis, 1f-normalized 2f signal enables a longer integration time of 1100 s and a lower detection limit of 0.07 ppm. The corresponding normalized noise equivalent absorption coefficient (NNEA) is 0.8 × 10−9 cm−1W/Hz1/2.