Photoacoustic Detector

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

The invention relates to a compact photoacoustic detector designed to identify and measure the concentration of specific chemical species in liquids or gases. It uses a modulated light source (such as an LED or laser diode) positioned next to a transparent wall of an acoustic resonator. The emitted light enters the resonator and, if absorbed by a target species, generates an acoustic wave detected by a sensitive acoustic sensor. The configuration allows for miniaturized, highly selective, and sensitive detection of target substances.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Environmental monitoring for detecting pollutants such as CO₂, NO₂, or other gases in air or industrial emissions.
• Medical diagnostics using breath analysis to detect specific biomarkers.
• Industrial safety to monitor hazardous gas leaks or concentrations in manufacturing facilities.
• Process control in chemical or pharmaceutical industries to monitor gas or liquid compositions in real time.
• Smart home or building air quality monitors for allergens, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), or other contaminants.
• Automobile or transportation emission monitoring.
• Detection of contaminants in water or other fluids.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Highly sensitive detection of specific chemical species, even at low concentrations.
• Compact and miniaturizable design, suitable for on-chip integration and portable instruments.
• Low power consumption due to efficient modulated light sources and MEMS-based sensors.
• Can be mass-produced using established microfabrication (batch processing) technologies, reducing costs.
• Improved selectivity with wavelength-matched detection and advanced background signal cancellation circuits.
• Flexible for use across diverse species and adaptable to both gases and liquids.
• Fast response times due to high-frequency operation and efficient acoustic signal processing.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

Provided is a photoacoustic detector. The detector (10) comprises an emitter (14), an acoustic resonator (16), and an acoustic sensor (18). The emitter (14) is arranged adjacent to a transparent wall (20) of the acoustic resonator (16) and is configured to emit modulated electromagnetic radiation (22) that enters the acoustic resonator (16) through the transparent wall (20) in a direction that intersects with a direction of propagation of an acoustic wave (24) caused by the modulated electromagnetic radiation (22).