Time Domain Thermoreflectance Analyzer

Yes! In 2008, the PicoTherm Corpora­tion of Japan introduced the two ThermoreflectanceThermoreflectance is a method for determining the thermal diffusivity and thermal conductivity of thin films with thicknesses in the nanometer range.thermoreflectance apparatuses NanoTR and PicoTRonto the market. These two instruments allowed for measurements on materials in the thickness range from several tens of nanometers to several tens of micrometers. In particular, in the development of 5G instruments, manufacturers increasingly used the Time Domain Thermoreflectance Method as a laser flash method for thin films. 

In 2014, NETZSCH Japan K.K., a subsidiary of the NETZSCH Analyzing & Testing Business Unit, became the exclusive representation agency for the PicoTherm Corporation. In combination with our LFA instruments, PicoTherm’s product line now allowed NETZSCH to offer solutions for everything from thin films in the nanometer range to bulk materials in the millimeter range.

Since October 2020, the PicoTherm Corporation has been a 100% subsidiary of NETZSCH Japan, K.K. and thereby belongs entirely to the NETZSCH Group. 

Read also:

• 
  22.09.2022

  60 Years of NETZSCH-Gerätebau: Thermoreflectance – The LFA Method for Thin Layers 

NanoTR vs. PicoTR – Key Differences

1. Time Resolution & Measurement Range

NanoTR works with nanosecond (ns) time resolution, ideal for thicker thin films ranging from several micrometers down to tens of nanometers in thickness.

PicoTR operates with picosecond (ps) time resolution, enabling precise measurements on ultra-thin films ranging from several tens of nanometers up to a few hundred nanometers in thickness.

2. Laser Specifications

NanoTR: Pump laser ~1 ns pulse width, 1550 nm wavelength, ~100 µm beam; probe laser continuous-wave at 785 nm, ~50 µm beam.

PicoTR: Pump laser ~0.5 ps pulse width, 1550 nm wavelength, ~45 µm beam; probe laser ~0.5 ps pulses at 775 nm, ~25 µm beam.

3. Sample Thickness Compatibility (RF mode)

NanoTR: Resins: ~30 nm to 2 µm   I   Ceramics: ~300 nm to 5 µm   I   Metals: ~1 µm to 20 µm

PicoTR: Resins: ~10 nm to 100 nm   I   Ceramics: ~10 nm to 300 nm   I   Metals: ~100 nm to 900 nm

4. Measurement Speed

NanoTR: Very fast – results in seconds (< 30 s).

PicoTR: Fast – results in minutes (< 5 min).

5. Usage & Flexibility

Both support front-heating/front-detection (FF) and rear-heating/front-detection (RF) modes for opaque or transparent substrates. Both provide absolute measurements and comply with JIS R 1689 and JIS R 1690 for reliable thin-film thermal diffusivity and interfacial thermal resistance data.

Which One to Choose?

Choose NanoTR if you work with thicker thin films (from the micrometer range down to ~100 nm) and need ultra-fast results in seconds. Perfect for routine quality control and R&D where speed and flexibility matter.

Choose PicoTR if you need to analyze ultra-thin films (as thin as ~10 nm) with the highest temporal precision. Ideal for advanced research, cutting-edge materials, and applications where every nanometer counts.

Tip: Many labs use both systems together — NanoTR for speed on thicker layers and PicoTR for precision on the thinnest films — ensuring complete coverage from nanometers to micrometers. Please contact us directly and we will work with you to find the best solution.

At-a-Glance Comparison

Thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity are two important concepts in heat transfer, but they describe different properties of materials.

Thermal conductivity refers to the ability of a material to conduct heat. It is a measure of how well heat can flow through a substance when there is a temperature difference. The higher the Thermal ConductivityThermal conductivity (λ with the unit W/(m•K)) describes the transport of energy – in the form of heat – through a body of mass as the result of a temperature gradient (see fig. 1). According to the second law of thermodynamics, heat always flows in the direction of the lower temperature.thermal conductivity, the more efficiently heat is transferred. It is typically expressed as "k" and is expressed in units of watts per meter Kelvin (W/(m·K)).

Thermal DiffusivityThermal diffusivity (a with the unit mm2/s) is a material-specific property for characterizing unsteady heat conduction. This value describes how quickly a material reacts to a change in temperature.Thermal diffusivity, on the other hand, measures how quickly heat can travel through a material over time. It is defined as the Thermal ConductivityThermal conductivity (λ with the unit W/(m•K)) describes the transport of energy – in the form of heat – through a body of mass as the result of a temperature gradient (see fig. 1). According to the second law of thermodynamics, heat always flows in the direction of the lower temperature.thermal conductivity divided by the product of the material’s DensityThe mass density is defined as the ratio between mass and volume. density and Specific Heat Capacity (cp)Heat capacity is a material-specific physical quantity, determined by the amount of heat supplied to specimen, divided by the resulting temperature increase. The specific heat capacity is related to a unit mass of the specimen.specific heat capacity at constant pressure.

NETZSCH Time DomainA time domain analysis is based on changes in physical signals related to time. A time-domain graph shows how a signal changes over time. In the case of thermoreflectance or the laser flash method, the detector signal (voltage change) is recorded – at a minimum – over the time range between the energy input and the signal maximum (e.g., RF mode) or as a function of the expected heat diffusion time (e.g., FF mode).Time Domain ThermoreflectanceThermoreflectance is a method for determining the thermal diffusivity and thermal conductivity of thin films with thicknesses in the nanometer range.Thermoreflectance (TDTR) analyzers enable precise, non-destructive thermal characterization of ultra-thin films and interfaces – from just a few nanometers to tens of micrometers. 

Whether in microelectronics, coatings, or advanced materials research, TDTR technology closes the measurement gap where conventional methods reach their limits.

These instruments provide high-precision measurements of the thermophysical properties of metallic, oxide, organic and other films. The high accuracy can be confirmed by NMIJ Certified Reference Materials (NMIJ CRMs).

The cost of a NETZSCH TDTR analyzer can vary significantly depending on the model, features, and any additional accessories you may require.

To get an accurate and up-to-date price for your individual NETZSCH instrument, please contact your local NETZSCH representative or one of our authorized distributors. We will provide a quote tailored to your specific requirements, including any necessary training, installation, or additional features.

Our current delivery time is approximately 4 to 6 months, depending on the specific configuration of the instrument and current demand. For more complex customizations or during periods of high demand, the delivery time may extend beyond this range. 

For the most up-to-date information, we encourage you to contact us directly with a specific request. This will ensure that we can provide you with an accurate timeline tailored to your specific needs.

Some instruments are no longer available in our NETZSCH portfolio. However, accessories and spare parts are still available for you. Information on our legacy products can be found at the link below.

To request service or support for your instrument, please contact your local service representative. We’re here to assist you with any service needs or questions about your instrument!