Abstract: A photoacoustic sensor includes a sensor system for photoacoustic detection, at least one noise canceling pressure sensor and a control system in operative connection with the noise canceling pressure sensor to actively cancel the effects of noise in the environment on the sensor system. Another photoacoustic sensor includes a measurement volume, a source of light energy, a photoacoustic pressure sensor, and at least one vibration canceling sensor (for example, a microphone or an accelerometer). A further photoacoustic sensor includes a measurement volume, a source of light energy and a photoacoustic pressure sensor. The measurement volume has an inner surface that is continuously curved over substantially the entire inner surface other than where a window in optical connection with the source of light intersects the measurement volume.