Abstract: A system and method for nondestructive automated headspace analysis. The system includes a container conveyor that conveys a plurality of generally optically transparent sealed test containers through a pre-inspection region, an inspection region and a post-inspection region of the container conveyor, and that conveys at least one sealed reference container, through the inspection region. Also included is a zone including a laser emitter and a sensor located in the inspection region and arranged such that the laser source emits a laser beam such that it intersects with a container movement path. The conveyor alternatingly conveys test containers and reference containers through the zone.

Abstract: A system and method for nondestructive detection of gas in a sealed container. The system includes a tunable diode laser source that provides a uncollimated laser beam for absorption in a substance to be measured, a detector that detects the laser beam, and a zone that accepts one or more of the selected containers. Each container is substantially optically transparent and may contain the substance to be measured. The zone is located between the detector and a laser source configured to transmit the laser beam through the zone. The invention also includes a collection lens that focuses the laser beam onto the detector, the collection lens being located between the zone and the detector.