Advanced Photothermal Infrared Spectroscopy Using Proximal Probe Techniques Subsurface Detection and Spatial Sensitivity

Recent progress in Localised photothermal Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (L-FTIR Spectroscopy) has shown that this could become a promising technique for materials characterisation and analysis. We have carried out several investigations towards a better understanding of the spatial sensitivity in general, and with the aim of demonstrating the capabilities of the technique. As the final step, a scanning mechanism will be included in the current localised set-up. Before doing this, we have carried out a further investigation to improve the signal-to-noise ratio, by using a tuneable infrared source, in the form of an Optical Parametric Generator (OPG).