Photoacoustic microcantilevers

US8194246B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• UT-BATTELLE, LLC · US

Inventors

• Thomas G. Thundat · Knoxville, US
• Charles W. Van Neste · Kingston, US
• Gilbert M. Brown · Knoxville, US
• Lawrence R. Senesac · Knoxville, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 19, 2009
• Grant date: Jun 5, 2012
• Expiry date: Jan 30, 2030

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01N29/2418
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A system generates a photoacoustic spectrum in an open or closed environment with reduced noise. A source focuses a beam on a target substance disposed on a base. The base supports a cantilever that measures acoustic waves generated as light is absorbed by the target substance. By focusing a chopped/pulsed light beam on the target substance, a range of optical absorbance may be measured as the wavelength of light changes. An identifying spectrum of the target may detected by monitoring the vibration intensity variation of the cantilever as a function of illuminating wavelength or color.