What is Laser Flash Analysis?
Laser Flash Analysis (LFA) is a transient thermal analysis technique used to measure the thermal diffusivity of solid materials. Thermal diffusivity describes the rate at which thermal energy spreads through a material – in units of square meters per second (m²s⁻¹). This method involves exposing the front face of a sample to a short, intense pulse of radiant energy from a laser or flash lamp. As the sample absorbs the pulse, it experiences an increase in internal temperature, creating a thermal gradient. The resulting heat fluxes are recorded at the rear face of the sample until thermal equilibrium is reached. The laser flash method is one of the most popular techniques for determining the thermal diffusivity of solids.
Depiction of the Laser Flash Analysis apparatus (Lin et al., 2005).
What are the Benefits of LFA?
LFA offers the benefits of small sample size requirements (typically 6 to 18 mm in diameter) and – despite the considerable machining requirements – a short testing time (generally within 40 to 200 ms), making it suitable for highly conductive materials. One of the greatest benefits of LFA is that it is an absolute method of measurement of thermal diffusivity that is accurate at a very high-temperature range (up to ~2500°C).
Laser Flash Analysis Testing Services
| Thermal Conductivity Measurement Range | 0.1 to 2000 W/mK |
| Sample Size | 12.5 x 12.5 mm (min. thickness of 1 mm) |
| Temperature Range | 25 – 500 °C |
| Material Types | Solids (typically metals and ceramics) |
| Sample Requirements | Homogeneous, isotropic |
| ASTM/ISO/EN Standards | ASTM E1461 |
Other methods may be available. Contact us at info@thermalanalysislabs.com or call (506) 457-1515 to discuss.
Dr. Genesis Infante is the Laboratory Manager at Thermal Analysis Labs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which material properties can you measure using LFA?
The LFA technique measures thermal diffusivity, which is a material’s ability to conduct heat relative to its capacity to store heat (α = k / (ρ cₚ)). Thermal diffusivity can then be combined with density and specific heat capacity to calculate thermal conductivity. Specific heat capacity can also be measured if required, and density can be determined using Thermomechanical Analysis (TMA).
How much does LFA testing cost?
The cost typically ranges from US $900 to US $2,100 per sample, depending on the sample type, testing conditions, and temperature range. Please contact us to receive a personalized quote tailored to your specific samples.
Note: We generally recommend that the specific heat capacity (Cp) be measured independently by the customer, as measuring it at our lab will incur an additional cost.
How do I submit a sample or request a quote for LFA testing?
You may submit a single sample or multiple samples, or request a quote, by contacting us through our online form, email, or call us at +1 (506) 457-1515. Please provide details about your material, sample count, sample sizes, and desired testing parameters to ensure an accurate quote.
What temperature ranges are supported for LFA testing?
We can perform LFA testing across a broad temperature range, typically from room temperature up to 1500°C, depending on the material and sample configuration.
What types of materials are suitable for LFA testing?
LFA is suitable for a wide range of solid materials, including metals, ceramics, polymers, composites, graphite, and coatings. We can confirm suitability for your specific samples. However, it is generally not recommended for insulators, liquids, or powders, as the technique assumes uniform heat flow and these materials can lead to uneven or poorly defined heat paths. LFA is commonly used for moderate- to high-temperature, thermally conductive solids, but can also be applied at lower temperatures depending on the material and instrumentation.
What is the accuracy of LFA measurements?
The measurement accuracy for thermal diffusivity is ±3% and specific heat is ±5%.
What is the turnaround time for LFA testing?
Typical turnaround time is 2 to 3 business weeks, depending on the sample type, testing method, and current workload. Expedited testing is available for an additional surcharge and can reduce the turnaround time to as little as a few days.
What sample sizes and preparation methods are required for LFA testing?
Sample size requirements vary, but flat, parallel discs are generally preferred. Surface preparation, such as applying a graphite coating, is necessary to ensure accurate measurements and is performed in our lab.
How do you report and present LFA data to clients?
Clients receive a comprehensive report including thermal diffusivity, calculated thermal conductivity (if density and specific heat are provided), measurement conditions, and graphs or tables.
What standards are followed for LFA testing?
We follow internationally recognized standards for LFA, including ASTM E1461, DIN EN 821, DIN 30905, and ISO 22007‑4:2008. This ensures that our measurements of thermal diffusivity are accurate, reliable, and comparable across different materials.
What are typical applications of Laser Flash Analysis (LFA)?
LFA provides precise thermal property measurements that support a variety of applications, including:
- Controlling heat within devices and materials to maintain optimal performance and longevity.
- Choosing materials that can withstand high temperatures and prevent overheating.
- Designing materials to endure rapid or extreme temperature fluctuations.
- Optimizing industrial processes such as molding, extrusion, or metalworking by understanding thermal behavior.
- Enhancing thermal performance in insulation materials and heat exchange systems.