oa Light-Induced Absorption in Materials Studied by Photothermal Methods

The knowledge of photoinduced absorption spectrum gives important information about the material defect structure, which largely determines its properties and practical application. This article reviews the developments and patent literature in the area of photothermal methods modified for measurement steady state and temporal behavior of light-induced (photoinduced) absorption in bulk materials and thin films. These noncontact methods are characterized with high sensitivity, temporal and spatial resolution and successfully expand traditional techniques. A number of various schemes of photothermal methods were modified for light-induced absorption measurement where compared. Every item has its advantages as well as disadvantages. The results of analysis show that existing photothermal technique is a promising solution to meet the size, simplicity of operation, inexpensiveness, possibilities, and cost requirements of this technique.