Photoacoustic analyzer and method

Abstract

A photoacoustic device for analysis of fluids. The device is made up of (A) a source of a pulsating beam of light, preferably of the chopper type, and (B) an enclosure, preferably an elongated structure having a generally cylindrical, e.g. essentially tubular shape; and containing and holding--in sonic insulation--at least one reference chamber and at least one measuring chamber in an essentially linear or serial arrangement in a common cell within the enclosure, preferably in an essentially coaxial arrangement; the enclosure and the common cell provide a path P for the pulsating beam of light through the reference chamber and through the measuring chamber. For most purposes, it is preferred that the light beam pass first through the reference chamber and subsequently into the measuring chamber. Optionally, a second reference chamber is arranged at the end of the measuring chamber and a second measuring chamber may follow.