The oscillating spot: A new active IR-radiometry technique for thermal characterization of solids

The Oscillating Spot is a new active IR-radiometry technique using a moving laser beam for thermal excitation of a solid sample and an IR detector to measure the temperature response at a fixed point of the sample on the laser beam path. This technique, faster then the usual modulated IR-radiometry, allows simultaneous measurements over a large spectrum of modulation frequencies. In comparison to the pulsed IR radiometry the local oscillation of the laser beam allows averaging, giving a better signal-to-noise ratio. The potential of this technique, which is a combination of the pulse and the modulation technique, is briefly discussed.