Thermal piston model for the optoacoustic effect: Sound generation in an optically thick gas

Journal Article · Mon Jan 05 04:00:00 EST 1987 · Appl. Phys. Lett.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.98123· OSTI ID:6921841

Stewart, R B; Diebold, G J

At high concentrations of an infrared absorbing gas, the optical absorption length for the incident radiation can become small compared with the thermal diffusion length in the gas. A description of the optoacoustic effect consequently must include thermal conduction of heat to the cell window since sound generation takes place in a thin layer of gas adjacent to the entrance window. A piston model is given here for the optoacoustic effect generated in a highly absorbing gas; in addition, experiments are reported that show new phase and amplitude dependences of the acoustic signal on gas concentrations, and modulation frequency.

• Research Organization: Brown University, Department of Chemistry, Providence, Rhode Island 02912
• OSTI ID: 6921841
• Journal Information: Appl. Phys. Lett.; (United States), Journal Name: Appl. Phys. Lett.; (United States) Vol. 50:1; ISSN APPLA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

657000* -- Theoretical & Mathematical Physics
657002 -- Theoretical & Mathematical Physics-- Classical & Quantum Mechanics
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
FLUIDS
GASES
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
MODULATION
OPACITY
OPTICAL PROPERTIES
PHOTOACOUSTIC EFFECT
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
PISTONS