Custom-built light-pipe cell for high-resolution infrared absorption spectroscopy of tritiated water vapor and other hazardous gases

We present a new custom-built cell for high-resolution absorption spectroscopy of hazardous gases. The use of an aluminum light-pipe enables sensitive detection due to the small tube diameter and an increased particle density in the interaction volume for a limited analyte amount in the cell, while avoiding additional surfaces such as mirrors. To demonstrate this, we have used the cell to measure tritiated water isotopologues (HTO and traces of T2O) for which spectroscopic data is scarce, due to the challenge of performing spectroscopy of these highly radio-chemical aggressive substances. For this purpose, the new cell also features the efficient inline-production of tritiated water. In this paper we present the concept of the light-pipe cell and demonstrate its performance with a high-resolution absorption spectrum of gaseous HTO generated inside of this cell.