Thermal-wave radar: A novel subsurface imaging modality with extended depth-resolution dynamic range

Combining the ideas behind linear frequency modulated continuous wave radars and frequency domain photothermal radiometry (PTR), a novel PTR method is introduced. Analytical solutions to the heat diffusion problem for both opaque and transparent solids are provided. Simulations and experimental results suggest a significant improvement in the dynamic range when using the thermal-wave radar (TWR) instead of conventional PTR. A practical TWR image resolution augmentation method is proposed.