Gas-phase photoacoustics are treated comprehensively for the first time in this book. Review articles by leading scientists in the respective research areas introduce their fields, review present knowledge and conclude with the latest developments and future prospects. Topics covered include the theory of photoacoustics in the frequency and time domains, acoustic resonator models, a great variety of experimental setups and techniques, studies of spectrocopy and fundamental kinetic processes such as energy transfer and chemical reactions, and applications such as air and exhaust monitoring and trace gas detection in biology and agriculture. The book will interest newcomers to photoacoustics, since it gives an overview of the important directions of current research and detailed descriptions of experimental methods. It will also be a valuable source of information for those already involved in photoacoustic research due to its clear presentation of theory and experimental results. All relevant literature references in this rapidly expanding field of laser applications are included.

1. Principles of Photoacoustic and Photothermal Analysis.- 1.1 Photoinduced Processes and Detection.- 1.2 Principles of Photoacoustics.- 1.3 Recent Advances and Developments.- 1.4 Summary and Outlook.- References.- 2. Theoretical Foundation of Photoacoustics in the Frequency and Time Domains.- 2.1 The Equations of Linear Gas Dynamics.- 2.2 Theory of the Cylindrical Optoacoustic Resonator.- 2.3 The Pulse Source Thermal Lens Effect.- 2.4 Thermal Recovery.- 2.5 Short Time-Scale Measurements.- 2.6 Improved Models for the Pulsed Source Thermal Lens.- 2.7 Optics of the Thermal Lens.- 2.8 Conclusions.- References.- 3. Thermal Lensing.- 3.1 Introduction.- 3.2 Experimental.- 3.3 Theory.- 3.4 Applications.- 3.5 Summary.- References.- 4. Spherical Acoustic Resonators.- 4.1 Introduction.- 4.2 Basic Theory.- 4.3 Steady-State Response.- 4.4 Wave Modes.- 4.5 Thermal and Viscous Boundary Layers.- 4.6 Precoundensation Effects.- 4.7 Bulk Dissipation and Relaxation.- 4.8 Shell Motion.- 4.9 Imperfect Spherical Geometry.- 4.10 Ducts and Slits in the Shell Wall.- 4.11 Measurement of the Speed of Sound.- 4.12 Thermophysical Information from the Speed of Sound.- References.- 5. Laser Excitation of Acoustic Modes in Cylindrical and Spherical Resonators: Theory and Applications.- 5.1 Introduction.- 5.2 Optical Excitation of Acoustic Modes.- 5.3 Experimental Method.- 5.4 Theory.- 5.5 Applications.- 5.6 Conclusions.- References.- 6. Application of the Photoacoustic Effect to Studies of Gas Phase Chemical Kinetics.- 6.1 Pulsed Excitation.- 6.2 Continuous Excitation.- 6.3 Nonlinear Effects.- 6.4 Chemical Amplification.- 6.5 Unimolecular Reactions.- 6.6 Direct Detection of Reactants and Products.- 6.7 Flames, Combustion, and Other Applications.- References.- 7. Atmospheric and Exhaust Air Monitoringby Laser Photoacoustic Spectroscopy.- 7.1 Introduction.- 7.2 Basic Principles of Trace Gas Detection by Laser Photoacoustic Spectroscopy.- 7.3 Experimental Arrangements for Laser Photoacoustic Spectroscopy.- 7.4 Previous PA Studies on Trace Gases.- 7.5 Stationary CO-Laser PA System.- 7.6 Mobile CO2-Laser PA System.- 7.7 Conclusion.- References.- 8. Trace Detection in Agriculture and Biology.- 8.1 Photoacoustic Detection of Ethylene Production in Plants.- 8.2 Comparison of Chlorophyll Fluorescence and Photoacoustic Transients in Spinach Leaves.- 8.3 Potentialities of Photoacoustic Sensing.- 8.4 Conclusion.- References.