Modulated photothermal radiometry applied to semitransparent samples: Models and experiments

Abstract

Mathematical modeling is presented of the combined conductive and radiative heat transfer occurring in a semitransparent material (STM) subjected to a periodic heat flux. The models rely on the quadrupole method, which is a very powerful tool to obtain analytical solutions in the Fourier or Laplace domain. Photoacoustic or photothermal radiometry techniques are reviewed. Two groups of methods are discussed depending on whether the sample has natural or opaque interfaces to simulate radiative exchanges with the surroundings. The metrological problem of measuring the phonic thermal diffusivity of semitransparent materials is investigated. Theoretical simulations are given. They explain some typical features of the phase-lag signal of temperature responses. Experimental measurements on pure silica validate the results and prove that these methods are efficient for the thermal characterization of STM.