Analysis of overtone flexural modes operation in quartz-enhanced photoacoustic spectroscopy

Quartz-enhanced photoacoustic spectroscopy sensing using trapezoidal- and round-head quartz tuning forks

In this Letter, two novel, to the best of our knowledge, quartz tuning forks (QTFs) with trapezoidal-head and round-head were designed and adopted for quartz-enhanced photoacoustic spectroscopy (QEPAS) sensing. Based on finite element analysis, a theoretical simulation model was established to optimize the design of QTF. For performance comparison, a reported T-head QTF and a commercial QTF were also investigated. The designed QTFs have decreased resonant frequency (f0) and increased gap between the two prongs of QTF. The experimentally determined f0 of the T-head QTF, trapezoidal-head QTF, and round-head QTF were 8690.69 Hz, 9471.67 Hz, and 9499.28 Hz, respectively. The corresponding quality (Q) factors were measured as 11,142, 11,411, and 11,874. Compared to the commercial QTF, the resonance frequencies of these QTFs have reduced by 73.45%, 71.07%, and 70.99% while maintaining a comparable Q factor to the commercially mature QTF. Methane (CH4) was chosen as the analyte to verify the QTFs' performance. Compared with the commercial QTF, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the CH4-QEPAS system based on the T-head QTF, trapezoidal-head QTF, and round-head QTF has been improved by 1.75 times, 2.96 times, and 3.26 times, respectively. The performance of the CH4-QEPAS sensor based on the QTF with the best performance of the round-head QTF was investigated in detail. The results indicated that the CH4-QEPAS sensor based on the round-head QTF exhibited an excellent linear concentration response. Furthermore, a minimum detection limit (MDL) of 0.87 ppm can be achieved when the system's average time was 1200 s.

Quartz-enhanced photoacoustic spectroscopy for multi-gas detection: A review

Multi-gas detection represents a suitable solution in many applications, such as environmental and atmospheric monitoring, chemical reaction and industrial process control, safety and security, oil&gas and biomedicine. Among optical techniques, Quartz-Enhanced Photoacoustic Spectroscopy (QEPAS) has been demonstrated to be a leading-edge technology for addressing multi-gas detection, thanks to the modularity, ruggedness, portability and real time operation of the QEPAS sensors. The detection module consists in a spectrophone, mounted in a vacuum-tight cell and detecting sound waves generated via photoacoustic excitation within the gas sample. As a result, the sound detection is wavelength-independent and the volume of the absorption cell is basically determined by the spectrophone dimensions, typically in the order of few cubic centimeters. In this review paper, the implementation of the QEPAS technique for multi-gas detection will be discussed for three main areas of applications: i) multi-gas trace sensing by exploiting non-interfering absorption features; ii) multi-gas detection dealing with overlapping absorption bands; iii) multi-gas detection in fluctuating backgrounds. The fundamental role of the analysis and statistical tools will be also discussed in detail in relation with the specific applications. This overview on QEPAS technique, highlighting merits and drawbacks, aims at providing ready-to-use guidelines for multi-gas detection in a wide range of applications and operating conditions.

A Low-Cost Optoacoustic Sensor for Environmental Monitoring

Attention to Black Carbon (BC) has been rising due to its effects on human health as well its contribution to climate change. Measurements of BC are challenging, as currently used devices are either expensive or impractical for continuous monitoring. Here, we propose an optoacoustic sensor to address this problem. The sensor utilizes a novel ellipsoidal design for refocusing the optoacoustic signal with minimal acoustic energy losses. To reduce the cost of the system, without sacrificing accuracy, an overdriven laser diode and a Quartz Tuning Fork are used as the light source and the sound detector, respectively. The prototype was able to detect BC particles and to accurately monitor changes in concentration in real time and with very good agreement with a reference instrument. The response of the sensor was linearly dependent on the BC particles concentration with a normalized noise equivalent absorption coefficient (NNEA) for soot equal to 7.39 × 10⁻⁹ W cm⁻¹ Hz^−1/2. Finally, the prototype was able to perform NO₂ measurements, demonstrating its ability to accurately monitor both particulate and gaseous pollutants. The proposed sensor has the potential to offer a significant economic impact for BC environmental measurements and source appointment technologies.

Mid-Infrared Quartz-Enhanced Photoacoustic Sensor for ppb-Level CO Detection in a SF6 Gas Matrix Exploiting a T-Grooved Quartz Tuning Fork

An optical sensor for highly sensitive detection of carbon monoxide (CO) in sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆) was demonstrated by using the quartz-enhanced photoacoustic spectroscopy technique. A spectrophone composed of a custom 8 kHz T-shaped quartz tuning fork with grooved prongs and a pair of resonator tubes, to amplify the laser-induced acoustic waves, was designed aiming to maximize the CO photoacoustic response in SF₆. A theoretical analysis and an experimental investigation of the influence of SF₆ gas matrix on spectrophone resonance properties for CO detection have been provided, and the performances were compared with the standard air matrix. A mid-infrared quantum cascade laser with a central wavelength at 4.61 μm, resonant with the fundamental band of CO, and an optical power of 20 mW was employed as the light excitation source. A minimum detection limit of 10 ppb at 10 s of integration time was achieved, and a sensor response time of ∼3 min was measured.

Quartz-enhanced photoacoustic spectroscopy exploiting a fast and wideband electro-mechanical light modulator

A quartz-enhanced photoacoustic spectroscopy (QEPAS) gas sensor exploiting a fast and wideband electro-mechanical light modulator was developed. The modulator was designed based on the electro-mechanical effect of a commercial quartz tuning fork (QTF). The laser beam was directed on the edge surface of the QTF prongs. The configuration of the laser beam and the QTF was optimized in detail in order to achieve a modulation efficiency of ∼100%. The L-band single wavelength laser diode and a C-band tunable continuous wave laser were used to verify the performance of the developed QTF modulator, respectively, realizing a QEPAS sensor based on amplitude modulation (AM). As proof of concept, the AM-based QEPAS sensor demonstrated a detection limit of 45 ppm for H₂O and 50 ppm for CO₂ with a 1 s integration time respectively.

Quartz-enhanced photoacoustic spectroscopy employing pilot line manufactured custom tuning forks

Pilot line manufactured custom quartz tuning forks (QTFs) with a resonance frequency of 28 kHz and a Q value of >30, 000 in a vacuum and ∼ 7500 in the air, were designed and produced for trace gas sensing based on quartz enhanced photoacoustic spectroscopy (QEPAS). The pilot line was able to produce hundreds of low-frequency custom QTFs with small frequency shift < 10 ppm, benefiting the detecting of molecules with slow vibrational-translational (V-T) relaxation rates. An Au film with a thickness of 600 nm were deposited on both sides of QTF to enhance the piezoelectric charge collection efficiency and reduce the environmental electromagnetic noise. The laser focus position and modulation depth were optimized. With an integration time of 84 s, a normalized noise equivalent absorption (NNEA) coefficient of 1.7 × 10-8 cm-1∙W∙Hz-1/2 was achieved which is ∼10 times higher than a commercially available QTF with a resonance frequency of 32 kHz.

Photoacoustic spectroscopy for gas sensing: A comparison between piezoelectric and interferometric readout in custom quartz tuning forks

We report on a comparison between piezoelectric and interferometric readouts of vibrations in quartz tuning forks (QTFs) when acting as sound wave transducers in a quartz-enhanced photoacoustic setup (QEPAS) for trace gas detection. A theoretical model relating the prong vibration amplitude with the QTF prong sizes and electrical resistance is proposed. To compare interferometric and piezoelectric readouts, two QTFs have been selected; a tuning fork with rectangular-shape of the prongs, having a resonance frequency of 3.4 kHz and a quality-factor of 4,000, and a QTF with prong having a T-shape characterized by a resonance frequency of 12.4 kHz with a quality-factor of 15,000. Comparison between the interferometric and piezoelectric readouts were performed by using both QTFs in a QEPAS sensor setup for water vapor detection. We demonstrated that the QTF geometry can be properly designed to enhance the signal from a specific readout mode.

Piezo-enhanced acoustic detection module for mid-infrared trace gas sensing using a grooved quartz tuning fork

A grooved quartz tuning fork (QTF) with a prong spacing of 800 µm for QEPAS application is reported. The prongs spacing is large enough to facilitate optical alignments when a degraded laser beam is used for QEPAS-based trace gas sensors. The grooved QTF has a resonance frequency of 15.2 kHz at atmospheric pressure and is characterized by four rectangular grooves carved on the QTF prong surfaces. With a grooved-prong, the electrical resistance R of the QTF is reduced resulting in an enhanced piezoelectric signal, while the Q factor is not affected, remaining as high as 15000 at atmospheric pressure. The geometric parameters of the acoustic micro resonators (AmRs) for on-beam QEPAS were optimized to match the grooved QTF, and a signal-to-noise gain factor of ∼ 30 was obtained with an optimum configuration. The performance of the QEPAS-based sensor was demonstrated exploiting an interband cascade laser (ICL) for CH₄ detection and a 1σ normalized noise equivalent absorption (NNEA) coefficient of 4.1×10^-9 cm^-1 W/√Hz was obtained at atmospheric pressure.

Dual-Gas Quartz-Enhanced Photoacoustic Sensor for Simultaneous Detection of Methane/Nitrous Oxide and Water Vapor

The development of a dual-gas quartz-enhanced photoacoustic (QEPAS) sensor capable of simultaneous detection of water vapor and alternatively methane or nitrous oxide is reported. A diode laser and a quantum cascade laser (QCL) excited independently and simultaneously both the fundamental and the first overtone flexural mode of the quartz tuning fork (QTF), respectively. The diode laser targeted a water absorption line located at 7181.16 cm^-1 (1.392 μm), while the QCL emission wavelength is centered at 7.71 μm and was tuned to target two strong absorption lines of methane and nitrous oxide, located at 1297.47 and 1297.05 cm^-1, respectively. Two sets of microresonator tubes were positioned, respectively, at the antinode points of the fundamental and the first overtone flexural modes of the QTF to enhance the QEPAS signal-to-noise ratio. Detection limits of 18 ppb for methane, 5 ppb for nitrous oxide and 20 ppm for water vapor have been achieved at a lock-in integration time of 100 ms.

Influence of Tuning Fork Resonance Properties on Quartz-Enhanced Photoacoustic Spectroscopy Performance

A detailed investigation of the influence of quartz tuning forks (QTFs) resonance properties on the performance of quartz-enhanced photoacoustic spectroscopy (QEPAS) exploiting QTFs as acousto-electric transducers is reported. The performance of two commercial QTFs with the same resonance frequency (32.7 KHz) but different geometries and two custom QTFs with lower resonance frequencies (2.9 KHz and 7.2 KHz) were compared and discussed. The results demonstrated that the fundamental resonance frequency as well as the quality factor and the electrical resistance were strongly inter-dependent on the QTF prongs geometry. Even if the resonance frequency was reduced, the quality factor must be kept as high as possible and the electrical resistance as low as possible in order to guarantee high QEPAS performance.

Quartz Enhanced Photoacoustic Spectroscopy Based on a Custom Quartz Tuning Fork

We have designed and fabricated a custom quartz tuning fork (QTF) with a reduced fundamental frequency; a larger gap between the prongs; and the best quality factor in air at atmospheric conditions ever reported, to our knowledge. Acoustic microresonators have been added to the QTF in order to enhance the sensor sensitivity. We demonstrate a normalized noise equivalent absorption (NNEA) of 3.7 × 10-9 W.cm-1.Hz-1/2 for CO₂ detection at atmospheric pressure. The influence of the inner diameter and length of the microresonators has been studied, as well as the penetration depth between the QTF's prongs. We investigated the acoustic isolation of our system and measured the Allan deviation of the sensor.

Acoustic Detection Module Design of a Quartz-Enhanced Photoacoustic Sensor

This review aims to discuss the latest advancements of an acoustic detection module (ADM) based on quartz-enhanced photoacoustic spectroscopy (QEPAS). Starting from guidelines for the design of an ADM, the ADM design philosophy is described. This is followed by a review of the earliest standard quartz tuning fork (QTF)-based ADM for laboratory applications. Subsequently, the design of industrial fiber-coupled and free-space ADMs based on a standard QTF for near-infrared and mid-infrared laser sources respectively are described. Furthermore, an overview of the latest development of a QEPAS ADM employing a custom QTF is reported. Numerous application examples of four QEPAS ADMs are described in order to demonstrate their reliability and robustness.

Quartz-enhanced photoacoustic sensor for ethylene detection implementing optimized custom tuning fork-based spectrophone

The design and realization of two highly sensitive and easily interchangeable spectrophones based on custom quartz tuning forks, with a rectangular (S₁) or T-shaped (S₂) prongs geometry, is reported. The two spectrophones have been implemented in a QEPAS sensor for ethylene detection, employing a DFB-QCL emitting at 10.337 μm with an optical power of 74.2 mW. A comparison between their performances showed a signal-to-noise ratio 3.4 times higher when implementing the S₂ spectrophone. For the S₂-based sensor, a linear dependence of the QEPAS signal on ethylene concentration was demonstrated in the 5 ppm -100 ppm range. For a 10 s lock-in integration time, an ethylene minimum detection limit of 10 ppb was calculated.

Tuning forks with optimized geometries for quartz-enhanced photoacoustic spectroscopy

We report on the design, realization, and performance of novel quartz tuning forks (QTFs) optimized for quartz-enhanced photoacoustic spectroscopy (QEPAS). Starting from a QTF geometry designed to provide a fundamental flexural in-plane vibrational mode resonance frequency of ~16 kHz, with a quality factor of 15,000 at atmospheric pressure, two novel geometries have been realized: a QTF with T-shaped prongs and a QTF with prongs having rectangular grooves carved on both surface sides. The QTF with grooves showed the lowest electrical resistance, while the T-shaped prongs QTF provided the best photoacoustic response in terms of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). When acoustically coupled with a pair of micro-resonator tubes, the T-shaped QTF provides a SNR enhancement of a factor of 60 with respect to the bare QTF, which represents a record value for mid-infrared QEPAS sensing.

Review of Recent Advances in QEPAS-Based Trace Gas Sensing

Quartz-enhanced photoacoustic spectroscopy (QEPAS) is an improvement of the conventional microphone-based photoacoustic spectroscopy. In the QEPAS technique, a commercially available millimeter-sized piezoelectric element quartz tuning fork (QTF) is used as an acoustic wave transducer. With the merits of high sensitivity and selectivity, low cost, compactness, and a large dynamic range, QEPAS sensors have been applied widely in gas detection. In this review, recent developments in state-of-the-art QEPAS-based trace gas sensing technique over the past five years are summarized and discussed. The prospect of QEPAS-based gas sensing is also presented.

Octupole electrode pattern for tuning forks vibrating at the first overtone mode in quartz-enhanced photoacoustic spectroscopy

The design, realization, and performance analysis of an octupole electrode pattern configuration intended for the optimization of the charge collection efficiency in quartz tuning forks (QTFs) vibrating at the first overtone in-plane flexural mode is reported. Two QTFs having the same geometry, but differing in the electrode pattern deposited on the QTF prongs, have been realized in order to study the influence of the electrode pattern on the resonance quality factor and electrical resistance. A standard quadrupole pattern (optimized for the fundamental mode) and an octupole electrode layout have been implemented. Although both QTFs show the same resonance quality factor for the first overtone, the octupole pattern provides a reduction of the QTF electrical resistance by more than four times. The sensing performance of the two QTFs has been compared by employing them in a mid-IR quartz-enhanced photoacoustic sensor (QEPAS) system targeting a water absorption line. When operating at the first overtone mode, the QTF with an octupole electrode pattern provides a QEPAS signal more than two times higher with respect to the QTF employing the standard quadrupole configuration.

Synergetic Resonance Matching of a Microphone and a Photoacoustic Cell

We propose an approach to match the resonant characteristics of a photoacoustic cell with that of a microphone in order to enhance the signal-to-noise ratio in the photoacoustic sensor system. The synergetic resonance matching of a photoacoustic cell and a microphone was achieved by observing that photoacoustic cell resonance is merged with microphone resonance, in addition to conducting numerical and analytical simulations. Using this approach, we show that the signal-to-noise ratio was increased 3.5-fold from the optimized to non-optimized cell in the photoacoustic spectroscopy system. The present work is expected to have a broad impact on a number of applications, from improving weak photoacoustic signals in photoacoustic spectroscopy to ameliorating various sensors that use acoustic resonant filters.

Purely wavelength- and amplitude-modulated quartz-enhanced photoacoustic spectroscopy

We report here on a quartz-enhanced photoacoustic (QEPAS) sensor employing a quantum cascade laser (QCL) structure capable of operating in a pure amplitude or wavelength modulation configuration. The QCL structure is composed of three electrically independent sections: Gain, Phase (PS) and Master Oscillator (MO). Selective current pumping of these three sections allows obtaining laser wavelength tuning without changes in the optical power, and power modulation without emission wavelength shifts. A pure QEPAS amplitude modulation condition is obtained by modulating the PS current, while pure wavelength modulation is achieved by modulating simultaneously the MO and PS QCL sections and slowly scanning the DC current level injected in the PS section.

Feature issue introduction: light, energy and the environment, 2015

The feature issue highlights contributions from authors who presented their research at the OSA Light, Energy and the Environment Congress, held in Suzhou, China from 2 to 5 November, 2015.