Broadband photopyroelectric thermal spectroscopy of a supercooled liquid near the glass transition

Using different photopyroelectric configurations, we have experimentally studied the frequency dependence of the thermal properties of the glass former glycerol near its glass transition. With our method, an unambiguous and separate determination of the frequency dependence of the specific heat capacity and the thermal conductivity is possible. Within experimental uncertainty, in the frequency range from 0.1 Hz to 1100 Hz, unlike the specific heat capacity, the thermal conductivity of glycerol does not show any frequency dependence through the glass transition region. We have also extended the thermal spectroscopy frequency range to 100 kHz, which is one decade higher than other methods. (C) 2003 American Institute of Physics.