Abstract
A modification of the pulse method for measurement of thermal diffusivity is analyzed theoretically. The new method utilizes a pyroelectric detector instead of a thermocouple. The pyroelectric detector has the unique features of extremely high temperature sensitivity and a current response proportional to the time derivative of the temperature. The new technique requires only the experimental measurement of the time between the laser pulse and the peak in the pyroelectric voltage. Advantages include the possibility of automated operation of the experimental apparatus, no risk of thermal damage to samples which are poor heat conductors and freedom from errors due to heat losses.