Laser Flash Thermal Diffusivity
A single 1-ms pulse of infrared laser light strikes the front of cylindrical sample while the backface is monitored with a infrared detector. The temperature rise curve is fit to a theoretical curve and the diffusivity is determined at several points on the curve. This is the standard measurement for thermal transport, including thermal conductivity, which is equal to the product of bulk density, thermal diffusivity, and the specific heat capacity. Thermal diffusivity may be measured between room temperature and 2000^o C.