  We have designed, constructed and optimized a novel cell for micro
photoacoustic (microPA) spectroscopy (microPAS) as part of a collaboration
between the Canadian Light Source and Natural Resources Canada. The cell allows
inspection of micrometric samples under a visible light microscope, together
with measurement of mid-infrared absorption spectra. Our goal is to introduce a
methodology enabling mid-IR investigation of micrometric samples that are
inaccessible by other measurement configurations; this includes opaque samples,
as well as those that are prone to scattering or possess irregular topography.
We have achieved this objective, building and testing a prototype PA
spectromicroscopy cell using several different optical sources.
