Analytical optoacoustic spectrometry. Part I. Instrument assembly and performance characteristics

A simple single-beam spectrometer suitable for the study of optoacoustic spectra from small solid samples is described and the design of a suitable sample cell is reported. The performance characteristics of the spectrometer have been evaluated using different types of sample. A preliminary assessment of the predicted advantages of optoacoustic spectrometry over conventional techniques of ultraviolet-visible absorption and reflectance spectrometry for solid samples has been made.