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.