Method for the Reduction of Photothermal Deflection Spectroscopy Data Taken on Amorphous Silicon (a-Si:H)

Abstract
Photothermal deflection spectroscopy (PDS) is a sensitive method used to measure weak optical absorption of sub-bandgap radiation. A method utilizing Fourier transformation is presented which allows removal of optical interference effects and noise which is typically present in PDS data taken on a-Si:H, yet leaves the underlying PDS spectra undistorted. The method greatly facilitates comparison of PDS spectra taken on different samples, and simplifies further analysis. Examples using a-Si samples produced under different deposition conditions are presented to demonstrate the utility of the method.