Battelle Memorial Institute

Nancy S Foster-Mills

James E Amonette

S Thomas Autrey

John L Daschbach

David L Green

Gerald J Posakony

Tom Autrey

S Tom Autrey

Methods and apparatus for simultaneous or sequential, rapid analysis of multiple samples by photoacoustic spectroscopy are disclosed. Particularly, a photoacoustic spectroscopy sample array vessel including a vessel body having multiple sample cells connected thereto is disclosed. At least one acoustic detector is acoustically positioned near the sample cells. Methods for analyzing the multiple samples in the sample array vessels using photoacoustic spectroscopy are provided.

Photoacoustic spectroscopy sample array vessels and photoacoustic spectroscopy methods for using the same

Methods and apparatus for analysis of multiple samples by photoacoustic spectroscopy are disclosed. Particularly, a photoacoustic spectroscopy sample array vessel including a vessel body having multiple sample cells connected thereto is disclosed. At least one acoustic detector is acoustically coupled with the vessel body. Methods for analyzing the multiple samples in the sample array vessels using photoacoustic spectroscopy are provided.

Photoacoustic spectroscopy sample array vessel and photoacoustic spectroscopy method for using the same

The invention encompasses photoacoustic apparatuses and photoacoustic spectrometry methods. The invention also encompasses sample cells for photoacoustic spectrometry, and sample cell/transducer constructions. In one aspect, the invention encompasses a photoacoustic spectroscopy apparatus, comprising: a) a sample reservoir and an acoustically-stimulable transducer acoustically coupled with the sample reservoir, the transducer comprising a detector surface having a substantially planar portion; and b) a beam of light configured to be directed through the sample at an angle oblique relative to the substantially planar portion of the detector surface to generate sound waves in the sample. In another aspect, the invention encompasses a photoacoustic spectroscopy sample cell, comprising: a) a first block of material having opposing front and back surfaces, the front surface comprising a substantially planar portion configured to be against a sample and the back surface comprising a substantially planar portion configured to be joined to a transducer, the back surface being parallel to the front surface; and b) a pair of opposing side surfaces joined to opposite ends of the front and back surfaces, one of the opposing side surfaces being configured for passage of light therethrough and extending at a first oblique angle relative to a plane containing the substantially planar portion of the front surface.

Photoacoustic spectroscopy apparatus and method

The present invention is a transducer for photoacoustic detection having at least two piezoelectric elements wherein at least a first piezoelectric element has a first frequency and at least a second piezoelectric element has a second frequency. The improvement according to the present invention is that at least two piezoelectric elements are longitudinal elements for longitudinal waves; and the first frequency is different from said second frequency. In other words, the invention is a multi-frequency longitudinal transducer for photoacoustic detection.

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Richland, WA, United States of America

Nancy S Foster-Mills