Optimization and Testing of a novel Photoacoustic Spectromicroscopy Cell in the Mid-IR Spectrum

We have designed, constructed and optimized a novel cell for micro photoacoustic (microPA) spectroscopy (microPAS) as part of a collaboration between the Canadian Light Source and Natural Resources Canada. The cell allows inspection of micrometric samples under a visible light microscope, together with measurement of mid-infrared absorption spectra. Our goal is to introduce a methodology enabling mid-IR investigation of micrometric samples that are inaccessible by other measurement configurations; this includes opaque samples, as well as those that are prone to scattering or possess irregular topography. We have achieved this objective, building and testing a prototype PA spectromicroscopy cell using several different optical sources.