THERMAL-DIFFUSIVITY MEASUREMENTS OF THIN-FILMS AND MULTILAYERED COMPOSITES

This review discusses the following methods for measuring thermal diffusivity of thin materials: ac calorimetric method, flash method, mirage-effect method, picosecond time-resolved thermoreflectance method, photoacoustic method, etc. The measurements are classified into the following three cases: (a) that yield thermal diffusivity parallel to the surface of a thin material, (b) that yield thermal diffusivity perpendicular to the surface, and (c) that yield thermal diffusivity perpendicular to the surface of a thin material but deposited on a solid substrate. The contribution of inhomogeneity in the spatial distribution of the imparted thermal energy and obscureness at the edge of the restricted region, to which uniform thermal energy is imparted, is considered in each case. The contribution of temporal distortion of the temperature pulse, waves, etc., is considered in each measurement. The proper thickness of samples required for the measurements is discussed. In some of the measurements, the applicable materials are restricted, for instance, thermoreflectance measurements are applicable to metallic samples only. © 1990 Plenum Publishing Corporation.