Photothermal measurement process

The photothermal measurement process is a highly developed technique used in surface technology to precisely measure the thickness of coatings or thin layers on material surfaces. In this process, light is used to generate heat in the coating and the resulting thermal effects are measured to draw conclusions about the thickness of the coating.

The process begins by irradiating the coating surface with a pulsed or modulated beam of light. When the light hits the coating, part of it is absorbed and converted into heat. The absorbed energy leads to localized heating of the coating, resulting in thermal expansion or deformation.

These temperature changes or thermal effects are recorded by highly sensitive detectors that are able to measure even the smallest temperature differences. By analyzing the measured thermal signals, the thickness of the coating can be precisely determined.

The photothermal measurement method offers several advantages for coating thickness measurement in surface technology. It enables non-invasive, non-destructive measurements that can be performed without direct contact with the coating surface. In addition, this method is particularly useful for the characterization of thin layers and coatings that are difficult to access or transparent, such as optical coatings or thin polymer layers.

The application of the photothermal measurement method to measure coating thickness in surface engineering provides a precise and reliable method for quality control and defect analysis of coatings. It enables precise characterization of the coating thickness and thus contributes to the optimization of production processes and the improvement of end product quality.