Analytical optoacoustic spectrometry. Part III. The optoacoustic effect and thermal diffusivity

Optoacoustic spectrometry can be employed to obtain data concerning the spectral absorption characteristics and thermal diffusivity of small solid samples. Theoretical expressions have been developed to relate the optical and thermal properties of such samples to the amplitude and phase of the signals observed in optoacoustic spectrometry when using dispersive and non-dispersive techniques. The validity of these expressions has been examined by using transparent and opaque materials with widely differing thermal diffusivities.