Abstract
Several applications are presented of the Hamilton-Jacobi formulation of thermal-wave physics to the problem of laser photothermal depth profilometry of the thermophysical transport parameter (the thermal diffusivity) of inhomogeneous condensed phases (solids and liquids) with arbitrary, continuously varying thermal diffusivity profiles. A working general method for solving the inverse problem and obtaining arbitrary diffusivity depth profiles from the laser beam-intensity modulation frequency dependence of the photothermal signal (amplitude and phase) is described. Specific examples of profile reconstructions are presented, including magnetic field-induced thermophysical inhomogeneities in liquid crystals, laser processing inhomogeneities in steels and Zr-Nb alloys, and finally, evaluation of machining damage in metals. Whenever possible, profiles obtained photothermally are compared with those resulting from destructive methods, such as microhardness testing.
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Mandelis, A., Munidasa, M. Depth profilometry of near-surface inhomogeneities via laser-photothermal probing of the thermal diffusivity of condensed phases. Int J Thermophys 15, 1299–1309 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01458838
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01458838