Simultaneously Photoacoustic Measurement of Carbon Dioxide and Nitrous Oxide Using a Quantum Cascade Laser.

In this paper a photoacoustic senor for carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide detection is described which uses a quantum cascade laser. The sensor relies on a 4.43 μm continuous-wave room temperature quantum-cascade laser source and a homemade photoacoustic cell based on a cylindrical acoustic resonator. Primary laboratory tests have been performed for estimation of the achievable detection limits and possible applications for in situ and real time atmosphere measurements. It is demonstrated that the minimum detectable concentration of CO and NO under laboratory conditions is 8 ppbv and 0.45 ppbv, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]