Effect of buffer gases on the performance of SO2 trace measurement based on photoacoustic spectroscopy

•In this experimental work a laser photoacoustic spectrometer designed and fabricated.•Sensitivity of system for SO2 and NO2 are 353 ppb and 963 ppb respectively was measured.•Variation of PA signal and corresponding resonant frequency were measured in various pressures.•PA signals for Helium buffer gas case was the lowest signal.

In this experimental work a laser photoacoustic spectrometer designed and fabricated. System sensitivity for detection of SO2 and NO2 was measured. Resonance frequency variation versus pressure increase of Nitrogen, Argon, Helium and Air buffer gases was studied. Results show that, sensitivity of system for SO2 and NO2 are 353 ppb and 963 ppb respectively. It was shown that resonance frequency for Nitrogen, Argon, and Air buffer gases was not noticeably varied by buffer gas pressure increasing, but for Helium, resonance frequency not only is not in range of three other gases, but also grows by pressure increasing. The system noises were damped preparing two buffer chambers.