Portable 3D-printed umbrella photoacoustic cell for trace gas detection.

We purpose a novel portable 3D-printed umbrella photoacoustic (PA) cell, to the best of our knowledge, for trace gas detection. Its simulation and structural optimization were performed via finite element analysis using COMSOL software. We investigate the factors affecting the PA signals using both experimentation and theory. By measuring methane, a minimum detection limit of 5.36 ppm (signal-to-noise ratio, 223.8) with a lock-in time of 3s was achieved. The proposed miniature umbrella PA system indicates the potential for a miniaturized and low-cost trace sensor.