An absorption spectroscopy apparatus including a sample cell having a
central axis, and a side wall coaxially positioned about the axis. The
side wall defines a generally circular cross-section of the cell as taken
along a plane extending perpendicular to the axis, wherein the generally
circular cross-section of the sample cell has an average radius. The side
wall includes a plurality of light reflective segments arrayed about the
axis, wherein each reflective segment has a cross-section taken along a
plane extending perpendicular to the axis of the cell that is concave
with respect to the axis. The concave cross-section of each segment has
an average radius that is unequal to the average radius of the generally
circular cross-section of the sample cell. Among other aspects and
advantages, the apparatus of the present disclosure is able to use
incoherent, non-collimated light sources while maintaining high optical
throughput efficiencies.