Thermal Metrology Got You Down?

December 18, 2023by John Gaskins

Unveiling Laser Thermal’s Innovative Solutions

Thermal metrology plays a critical role in a wide variety of industries, from electronics to manufacturing, ensuring the reliability and efficiency of products. However, traditional thermal measurement practices can be time-consuming, complex, and often require specialized knowledge. That’s why the researchers at Laser Thermal developed SSTR-F: the world’s first steady state thermoreflectance tool that quickly and accurately measures thermal conductivity and thermal resistance for materials, interfaces, thin films, and substrates.

To help introduce this groundbreaking new tool, Laser Thermal recently released a short explainer video that presents SSTR-F and explains how the tool simplifies the thermal measurement process for users of all skill levels.

Here are a few of the key points from the video:

1. Faster, more accurate data

Laser Thermal’s cutting-edge approach to thermal metrology diverges from conventional methods. Instead of relying solely on contact-based measurements or cumbersome equipment, SSTR-F leverages advanced laser technologies for non-contact measurements. This alternative method not only enhances accuracy but also significantly reduces testing time.

One of the primary pain points in traditional thermal testing is the time-consuming nature of the process. SSTR-F addresses this challenge by implementing rapid scanning and measurement capabilities. This enables users to obtain thermal measurements swiftly, accelerating the overall testing workflow. Whether you’re working on prototypes or production lines, Laser Thermal’s solution can streamline your thermal testing processes.

2. Versatility and reliability

Laser Thermal’s technology is versatile, catering to various materials and applications. Whether you’re dealing with bulk materials, assessing interfacial thermal resistance, or measuring thin films, SSTR-F provides precise and reliable thermal measurements across different scenarios. This adaptability makes it an ideal solution for industries with diverse thermal testing requirements.

In addition to measuring a variety of materials, it’s crucial that material scientists and thermal modelers have access to consistent and repeatable measurements. SSTR-F’s user-friendly interface and automated processes contribute to achieving this goal. The technology minimizes the dependence on user expertise, allowing individuals with varying skill levels to obtain accurate and consistent thermal measurements. This feature not only boosts efficiency but also reduces the margin of error in the testing process.

3. Enabling engineers and designers

In the fast-paced world of product development and design, time is of the essence. Traditional thermal testing practices often lead to workarounds and educated guesses, consuming valuable time that could be better spent on refining designs and optimizing performance. Laser Thermal steps in to break this cycle, allowing engineers and designers to focus on their core responsibilities.

Instead of relying on incomplete or estimated thermal data, SSTR-F empowers professionals to understand the full performance metrics of materials. By providing accurate and comprehensive thermal measurements, engineers can model and design with confidence, knowing that their decisions are based on precise data. This not only speeds up the design process but also minimizes the need for costly iterations and adjustments later in the development cycle.

Laser Thermal’s technology allows you to move beyond mere approximations, enabling a deeper understanding of how materials behave under different thermal conditions. This level of insight is invaluable for making informed decisions throughout the design and manufacturing stages. With Laser Thermal, you can eliminate the need for time-consuming workarounds and back-guesses, ensuring that your focus remains on the essential task of creating high-performing and reliable products.

In all, Thermal’s innovative approach to thermal metrology can help elevate research and development to new levels of precision, helping companies replace the frustration of incomplete data with a streamlined design process that is effective and efficient. If you’d like to know more about how you can bring thermal metrology testing in-house with SSTR-F, watch our video or schedule a free call to discuss your needs and learn how SSTR-F can help you meet them.

John Gaskins

As Co-Founder and CEO of Laser Thermal, John has conducted research characterizing the mechanical, optical and thermal properties of materials for almost two decades. John received his Ph.D. in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from the University of Virginia in 2013.  His work developed methodologies for testing the size dependent properties in thin film structures.  After his Ph.D. John joined Patrick Hopkins’ group extending his Ph.D. work focused on mechanical property characterization to optical and thermal properties. John is leading Laser Thermal’s development of SSTR-F to provide accessible small-scale thermal conductivity measurements to industrial and academic partners.