An embodiment of a gas analyzer is described that comprises a light source configured to produce a substantially collimated first beam with a diverging angle of less than about 15 degrees; a gas cell comprising an inlet configured to introduce a gas into the gas cell, an outlet configured to remove the gas from the gas cell, and a plurality of mirrors configured to reflect the substantially collimated first beam within the gas cell; and a detector configured to generate a signal in response to the substantially collimated first beam.