An amplifier-enhanced optical analysis system and method to optically
analyze a molecular component of a gas, liquid, or solid. The
amplifier-enhanced optical system comprises a laser, a light amplifier,
and an optical analysis means, all optically coupled so that light at a
predetermined wavelength in the near-infrared spectrum is transported
from the laser, through the light amplifier, and to the optical analysis
means, wherein the predetermined wavelength corresponds to an absorption
feature of the molecular component. Optical analysis means preferably
comprises photoacoustic analysis equipment.