Photoacoustic Signal Formation in Heterogeneous Multilayer Systems with Piezoelectric Detection

International audienceA new efficient model describing photoacoustic (PA) signal formation with piezoelectric detection is reported. Multilayer sandwich-like systems: heterogeneous studied structure—buffer layer—piezoelectric transducers are considered. In these systems, the buffer layer is used for spatial redistribution of thermoelastic force moments generated in the investigated structure. Thus, mechanical properties of this layer play a crucial role to ensure perfect control of the detected voltage formed on a piezoelectric transducer by contribution of different regions of the studied structure. In particular, formation of the voltage signal strongly depends on the point at which the thermoelastic source is applied. Therefore, use of relatively simple linear Green’s functions introduced in frames of the Kirchhoff–Love theory is chosen as an efficient approach for the PA signal description. Moreover, excellent agreement between the theoretical model and measured results obtained on a heterogeneous “porous silicon-bulk Si substrate” structure is stated. Furthermore, resolving of the inverse problem with fitting of the experimental curves by the developed model allows reliable evaluation of the thermal conductivity of the nanostructured porous silicon layer