Heat Flux Sensor Based on Photothermal Beam Deflection for Thermal Characterization of Liquids

摘要

We propose and study a novel optoelectronic device for thermal characterization of materials. It is based on monitoring the photothermal deflection of a laser beam within a slab of a thermo-optic material in thermal contact with the material under study. An optical angle sensor is used to measure the laser deflection providing a simple and compact experimental arrangement We demonstrate the principle of operation of the sensor and a simple procedure that can be used to measure thermal effusivity of liquids. The proposed device could be implemented into a compact sensor head for remote measurements using electrical and fiber optic links.