Wavelength modulation waveforms in laser photoacoustic spectroscopy

Different wavelength modulation waveforms were studied comprehensively in tunable diode laser photoacoustic spectroscopy. The generation of the photoacoustic signal was studied by way of simulations and experiments. A cantilever-enhanced photoacoustic detector and CO(2) sample gas were used in the experiments. The modulation waveforms compared in this study were sinusoidal, triangular, shaped, and quasi-square waves. All four waveforms allow background-free detection of trace gases. Compared to the conventionally used sinusoidal modulation, the triangular, shaped, and quasi-square waves enhanced the photoacoustic signal by factors of 1.12, 1.42, and 1.57, respectively.