Abstract

We have recently reported on the use of surface photoacoustic wave spectroscopy to measure the electronic absorption spectra of thin molecular films.¹ The technique relies on the detection of the surface acoustic waves (SAW) generated when the energy absorbed in thin surface films thermalizes with the substrate. Absorbances as low as 10⁻⁵ were detected, film absorption spectra were obtained, and laser-induced desorption cross sections were measured. Here we report an increase in detection sensitivity of almost 3 orders of magnitude as well as application of the technique to other film systems.

© 1984 Optical Society of America