Photoacoustic Infrared Spectroscopy

Book excerpt: Summarizes the current status of photoacoustic (PA) infrared spectroscopy so that chemical analysts and researchers can determine whether the method is appropriate for their needs. Michaelian (National Resources Canada) describes a series of seven experimental PA methods that have employed by researchers during the last two decades, characterizes depth profiling techniques, and outlines three numerical methods that pertain to PA spectroscopy. Following is the largest chapter, which overviews 15 applications of PA infrared spectroscopy to different sample materials, such as carbons, clay, wood, polymers, and textiles. An appendix cites 543 articles on PA published since 1978, along with their sample type. Annotation (c)2003 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com).