Advanced photothermal infrared spectroscopy using proximal probe techniques subsurface detection and spatial sensitivity

Recent progress in Localised photothermal Fourier Transform Infrared Spectr oscopy (L-FTIR Spectroscopy) has shown that this could become a promising t echnique for materials characterisation and analysis. We have carried out s everal investigations towards a better understanding of the spatial sensiti vity in general, and with the aim of demonstrating the capabilities of the technique. As the final step, a scanning mechanism will be included in the current localised set-up. Before doing this, we have carried out a further investigation to improve the signal-to-noise ratio, by using a tuneable inf rared source, in the form of an Optical Parametric Generator (OPG).