Exploring Photothermal Deflection: DIY Experiment & Carbon Nanotube Alternatives

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The paper does not mention the specific power requirements in terms of current. In summary, it is possible to recreate the photothermal deflection experiment in a DIY environment, but it may be challenging without carbon nanotubes. The power requirements for the experiment may be intense, but the exact level needed depends on the materials used.
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ANarwhal
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I have recently been interested in photothermal deflection (aka the mirage effect) after having read this article:
http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2011/10/invisibility-cloak-mirage/
and this paper:
http://iopscience.iop.org/0957-4484/22/43/435704

I would like to recreate this experiment, is it possible/practical to do in a DIY environment, and without carbon nanotubes? If not, is it possible to make my own carbon nanotubes or buy some?

Does anybody know if the power requirements are intense? The paper mentioned high voltage was used but not how much current.
 
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In general, it is possible to recreate the photothermal deflection experiment in a DIY environment, however, it may be difficult to get the same results as what was achieved in the paper. Without carbon nanotubes, the experiment may require different materials and a different set up. It is possible to make your own carbon nanotubes, but this is a complex process that requires specialized equipment and materials. You could also purchase carbon nanotubes from various companies, such as Sigma Aldrich or Nanocyl. The power requirements for the photothermal deflection experiment vary depending on the specific set-up. Generally, high voltages are required, but the exact level needed depends on the materials being used.
 

1. What is photothermal deflection?

Photothermal deflection is a measurement technique used to detect small changes in the refractive index or absorption coefficient of a material. It involves shining a laser beam onto the sample and measuring the deflection of the beam caused by the thermal gradient created by the absorbed laser light.

2. How does photothermal deflection work?

In photothermal deflection, a laser beam is directed onto the sample and the deflection of the beam is measured using a sensitive detector. As the laser beam heats up the sample, it creates a thermal gradient that causes the refractive index or absorption coefficient of the sample to change. This change causes a deflection of the laser beam, which can be measured and used to calculate the properties of the sample.

3. What types of materials can be studied using photothermal deflection?

Photothermal deflection can be used to study a wide range of materials, including solids, liquids, and gases. It is especially useful for studying thin films, coatings, and semiconductors, as well as for detecting impurities and defects in materials.

4. What are the advantages of using photothermal deflection?

One of the main advantages of photothermal deflection is its sensitivity. It can detect very small changes in the properties of a material, making it a powerful tool for studying materials at a microscopic level. Additionally, it is a non-destructive technique, meaning that the sample is not altered during the measurement process.

5. What are some applications of photothermal deflection?

Photothermal deflection has a wide range of applications in materials science, physics, and chemistry. It is commonly used to study the thermal properties of materials, such as thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity. It is also used for quality control and characterization of thin films, as well as for detecting trace amounts of impurities in materials.

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