Abstract: Methods and apparatus for simultaneous or sequential, rapid analysis of multiple samples by photoacoustic spectroscopy are disclosed. Particularly, a photoacoustic spectroscopy sample array vessel including a vessel body having multiple sample cells connected thereto is disclosed. At least one acoustic detector is acoustically positioned near the sample cells. Methods for analyzing the multiple samples in the sample array vessels using photoacoustic spectroscopy are provided.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for analysis of multiple samples by photoacoustic spectroscopy are disclosed. Particularly, a photoacoustic spectroscopy sample array vessel including a vessel body having multiple sample cells connected thereto is disclosed. At least one acoustic detector is acoustically coupled with the vessel body. Methods for analyzing the multiple samples in the sample array vessels using photoacoustic spectroscopy are provided.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for analysis of multiple samples by photoacoustic spectroscopy are disclosed. Particularly, a photoacoustic spectroscopy sample array vessel including a vessel body having multiple sample cells connected thereto is disclosed. At least one acoustic detector is acoustically coupled with the vessel body. Methods for analyzing the multiple samples in the sample array vessels using photoacoustic spectroscopy are provided.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for simultaneous or sequential, rapid analysis of multiple samples by photoacoustic spectroscopy are disclosed. Particularly, a photoacoustic spectroscopy sample array vessel including a vessel body having multiple sample cells connected thereto is disclosed. At least one acoustic detector is acoustically positioned near the sample cells. Methods for analyzing the multiple samples in the sample array vessels using photoacoustic spectroscopy are provided.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for detecting low levels of a substance of interest in a sample using photoacoustic spectroscopy are provided. This method comprises exciting the sample with light having a wavelength that is absorbed by the substance of interest; generating an acoustic wave within the sample; detecting the acoustic wave; and determining the amount of the substance of interest present in the sample. The method can be used to detect the amount of water in an oil sample at detection limits lower than currently available.

Abstract: The invention encompasses photoacoustic apparatuses and photoacoustic spectrometry methods. The invention also encompasses sample cells for photoacoustic spectrometry, and sample cell/transducer constructions. In one aspect, the invention encompasses a photoacoustic spectroscopy apparatus, comprising: a) a sample reservoir and an acoustically-stimulable transducer acoustically coupled with the sample reservoir, the transducer comprising a detector surface having a substantially planar portion; and b) a beam of light configured to be directed through the sample at an angle oblique relative to the substantially planar portion of the detector surface to generate sound waves in the sample.

Abstract: The invention encompasses photoacoustic apparatuses and photoacoustic spectrometry methods. The invention also encompasses sample cells for photoacoustic spectrometry, and sample cell/transducer constructions. In one aspect, the invention encompasses a photoacoustic spectroscopy apparatus, comprising: a) a sample reservoir and an acoustically-stimulable transducer acoustically coupled with the sample reservoir, the transducer comprising a detector surface having a substantially planar portion; and b) a beam of light configured to be directed through the sample at an angle oblique relative to the substantially planar portion of the detector surface to generate sound waves in the sample.

Abstract: The present invention is a transducer for photoacoustic detection having at least two piezoelectric elements wherein at least a first piezoelectric element has a first frequency and at least a second piezoelectric element has a second frequency. The improvement according to the present invention is that at least two piezoelectric elements are longitudinal elements for longitudinal waves; and the first frequency is different from said second frequency. In other words, the invention is a multi-frequency longitudinal transducer for photoacoustic detection.

Abstract: The present invention is a transducer for photoacoustic detection having at least two piezoelectric elements wherein at least a first piezoelectric element has a first frequency and at least a second piezoelectric element has a second frequency. The improvement according to the present invention is that at least two piezoelectric elements are longitudinal elements for longitudinal waves; and the first frequency is different from said second frequency. In other words, the invention is a multi-frequency longitudinal transducer for photoacoustic detection.

Abstract: The invention encompasses photoacoustic apparatuses and photoacoustic spectrometry methods. The invention also encompasses sample cells for photoacoustic spectrometry, and sample cell/transducer constructions. In one aspect, the invention encompasses a photoacoustic spectroscopy apparatus, comprising: a) a sample reservoir and an acoustically-stimulable transducer acoustically coupled with the sample reservoir, the transducer comprising a detector surface having a substantially planar portion; and b) a beam of light configured to be directed through the sample at an angle oblique relative to the substantially planar portion of the detector surface to generate sound waves in the sample.