Applications of photoacoustic sensing techniques

TLDR

Photoacoustic (optoacoustic) methods are a subset of photothermal measurement techniques, previously reviewed in 1981 with a focus on pulsed photoacoustic spectroscopy in condensed matter. This paper reviews the theory and applications of photoacoustic methods within the broader field of photothermal measurement techniques. The review covers theory of exciting gaseous or condensed samples with modulated continuous or pulsed light, and discusses applications such as spectroscopy, monitoring deexcitation, probing material properties, generating mechanical motion, as well as related photothermal, particle‑acoustic, and wave‑acoustic methods.

Abstract

This paper reviews the theory and applications of photoacoustic (also called optoacoustic) methods belonging to the more general area of photothermal measurement techniques. The theory covers excitation of gaseous or condensed samples with modulated continuous light beams or pulsed light beams. The applications of photoacoustic methods include spectroscopy, monitoring deexcitation processes, probing physical properties of materials, and generating mechanical motions. Several other related photothermal methods, as well as particle-acoustics and wave-acoustics methods are also described. This review complements an earlier and narrower review [Rev. Mod. Phys. 53, 517 (1981)] that is mainly concerned with sensitive detection by pulsed photoacoustic spectroscopy in condensed matter.