Quartz enhanced photoacoustic spectroscopy based on an external cavity quantum cascade laser

Mid-infrared laser spectroscopy is a powerful analytical tool for trace gases detection. In this study, a spectroscopic system based on an external cavity quantum cascade laser (ECQCL) and quartz enhanced photoacoustic spectroscopy (QEPAS) was developed for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) measurements. Primary laboratory test on ethanol spectroscopy was investigated and compared with traditional direct absorption spectroscopy (DAS). Experimental results show that the proposed QEPAS is more sensitive than the conventional DAS method. In addition, the significant linear dependence of photoacoustic signal on sample pressures and laser operating parameters was observed.