Thermal wave imaging of indented diamond coated WC

Photothermal radiometry has been used to obtain thermal wave images in the vicinity of indentations in WC-6% Ni coated with chemical vapor deposited (CVD) diamond. Features in the magnitude and phase of the thermal signal profile are consistent with a one-dimensional thermal wave theory that assumes (i) an air gap extending well beyond the visibly observable indented region, and (ii) a thermal resistance interface between the diamond film and the substrate over the entire coated surface. The theory allows us to estimate the air gap thickness, which decreases as the distance from the indented region increases. Air gap variations of tens of nanometers appear to be easily detectable.