Design of a Novel Photoacoustic Spectroscopy Sensor for Parts-per-billion Molecular Hydrogen Detection
Abstract
We present the design and modeling of a novel photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS) sensor capable of detecting molecular hydrogen at parts-per-billion (ppb) concentrations in air. The sensor leverages a high-power laser tuned to the 2121.834 nm absorption line of H2 for good selectivity, a compact barbell-shaped acoustic cell optimized for diffraction-limited operation to maximize the photoacoustic pressure, and a novel chip-scale fiber acoustic sensor with sub-µPa/√Hz pressure resolution to reduce the concentration detection limit. A comprehensive analysis based on published models reveals that this PAS sensor achieves an ultra-low detection limit of ~35 ppb H2 with a 1-second response time and negligible recovery time, meeting the requirements for real-time hydrogen leak detection in safety-critical environments.
Recommended Citation
M. A. Zobair et al., "Design of a Novel Photoacoustic Spectroscopy Sensor for Parts-per-billion Molecular Hydrogen Detection," Progress in Biomedical Optics and Imaging Proceedings of SPIE, vol. 13842, article no. 1384217, Society of Photographic Engineers (SPIE), Mar 2026.
The definitive version is available at https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3080841
Department(s)
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Keywords and Phrases
Hydrogen detection, Photoacoustic spectroscopy
International Standard Book Number (ISBN)
978-151069597-9
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
2410-9045; 1605-7422
Document Type
Article - Conference proceedings
Document Version
Citation
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2026 Society of Photographic Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE), All rights reserved.
Publication Date
06 Mar 2026
