Resonance-enhanced low-pressure optoacoustic cell

A low‐pressure optoacousticcell is described that can be used to lock the emission frequency of a laser. A model is developed which describes the low‐pressure behavior of the optoacousticcell as a function of cell dimensions, gas properties, and operating pressure.Resonantoptoacousticcells are predicted to improve the acoustic signal levels significantly. Experiments were carried out with a cell filled with CF4. The model was found to accurately predict resonator quality, resonance frequency, and acoustic response for pressures ranging from 0.1 to 3.0 kPa. At these low pressures acoustic attenuation processes, slow vibration to translation (VT) relaxation and diffusion to the cell wall strongly influence the acoustic behavior of the cell. Using the relaxation time of the ν4 vibrational mode of CF4 as a fitting parameter its value was determined to be three times slower than VT relaxation from the ν2 level. The experimental values for the response were predicted by the model with an error of less than 10% in the whole pressure range. Predictions for the optoacoustic signal for different resonator dimensions were also confirmed. Model predictions for the optoacoustic signal for mixtures of gases and the influence of the temperature are also given. Especially the option of cooling the gas seems to be attractive for the case of CF4.