Characterization of the Optical and Thermal Properties of Matter by Photothermal Techniques

摘要

When an intensity-modulated beam of electromagnetic radiation is incident upon an absorbing medium, heating will occur. Typical temperature rise associated with this process is on the order of 10 exp -5 - 10 exp -4 deg C. In recent years we have exploited such a small temperature rise to develop a novel and powerful class of spectroscopy called photothermal spectroscopy. This experimental tool provides a highly sensitive and non-invasive probe of the optical and thermal properties of matter. There are two primary ways of implementing photothermal spectroscopy: photothermal deflection, and photothermal displacement. This paper describes the experimental details of both approaches and gives brief examples of their application. The applicability of the technique to the investigation of thermal properties of solids is described. (ERA citation 10:034240)