Determination of the absolute quantum efficiency of sodium salicylate using photoacoustic spectroscopy

Abstract

Photoacoustic spectroscopy is employed as a calorimetric method for the determination of the luminescence quantum efficiency of sodium salicylate. The technique utilises the phenomenon of photoacoustic signal saturation, in which the amplitude of the photoacoustic signal is independent of the absorption coefficient of the sample. With careful practical technique, the method is accurate and precise. A mean value of 0.58 is obtained as the quantum efficiency of luminescence of solid sodium salicylate.