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Compact optical fiber photoacoustic gas sensor with integrated multi-pass cell
Enbo Fan1, Haojie Liu1, Chao Wang2
1Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Optical Fiber Sensing and Communications, Institute of Photonics Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China.
Photoacoustics
|July 14, 2023
Summary
A novel compact photoacoustic gas sensor uses a fiber-optic Fabry-Perot cavity for sensitive detection. This device achieves parts per billion (ppb) detection limits for trace gases, ideal for industrial and environmental monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Optoelectronics
- Spectroscopy
- Acoustic sensing
Background:
- Miniature, high-sensitivity optical fiber acoustic sensors are crucial for compact photoacoustic spectroscopy.
- Existing sensors often face limitations in size and sensitivity for specific applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate a compact photoacoustic gas sensor utilizing a diaphragm-based fiber-optic Fabry-Perot cavity.
- To integrate acoustic sensing and multipass cell functionalities within a single fiber-optic device.
Main Methods:
- A nanoscale graphite film was employed as a flexible diaphragm to enhance acoustic sensitivity.
- The Fabry-Perot cavity inner surface was coated with a highly-reflective gold film to create a multipass cell for signal amplification.
- A 20 mW laser at 1532.8 nm was used for excitation.
Main Results:
- The sensor achieved a low detection limit of approximately 50 parts per billion (ppb) for acetylene (C2H2) gas.
- An integration time of approximately 100 seconds was utilized for the measurements.
- The device exhibited a millimeter-scale diameter.
Conclusions:
- The developed optical fiber photoacoustic gas sensor offers a compact solution for trace gas detection.
- Its ppb-level detection limit makes it promising for industrial process control and environmental monitoring applications.
