Optical concentration measuring method

Abstract

To provide a concentration measuring method with which the concentration of a predetermined chemical component can be accurately, quickly, and nondestructively measured down to a concentration range of an extremely small amount with a simple means, and to provide a concentration measuring method with which the concentration of a chemical component in an object to be measured can be accurately and quickly measured down to a concentration range of a nano-order extremely small amount in real time, the method having universality, i.e., the ability to be embodied in various forms and modes. Light having a first wavelength and light having a second wavelength, which have different light absorptances with respect to an object to be measured, are each radiated onto the object to be measured using a time-sharing method; the light having the first wavelength and the light having the second wavelength, optically passing through the object to be measured as a result of the irradiation with the light having the first and second wavelengths, are received with a common light receiving sensor; a differential signal between a signal related to the light having the first wavelength and a signal related to the light having the second wavelength to be output from the light receiving sensor according to the received light is formed; and the concentration of a chemical component in the object to be measured is derived on the basis of the differential signal.