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Updated: Nov 7, 2025

Three-dimensional Optical-resolution Photoacoustic Microscopy
Published on: May 3, 2011
Radiocarbon dioxide detection using cantilever-enhanced photoacoustic spectroscopy
Abstract:
In this Letter, we report on the sub-parts-per-billion-level radiocarbon dioxide detection using cantilever-enhanced photoacoustic spectroscopy. The 14C/C ratio of samples is measured by targeting a 14CO2 absorption line with minimal interference from other CO2 isotopes. Using a quantum cascade laser as a light source allows for a compact experimental setup. In addition, measurements of sample gases with 14CO2 concentrations as low as 100 parts-per-trillion (ppt) are presented. The Allan deviation demonstrates a noise equivalent concentration of 30 ppt at an averaging time of 9 min. The achieved sensitivity validates this method as a suitable alternative to more complex optical detection methods for radiocarbon dioxide detection used so far, and it can be envisioned for future in situ radiocarbon detection.
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