A technique that determines the alteration in the refractive index of a medium as a result of the temperature rise in the path of a laser beam absorbed by the medium. The lens produced (usually divergent) causes a change (usually a decrease) in the irradiance measured along the laser beam axis.
See also: photothermal effects
Source:
PAC, 1996, 68, 2223. 'Glossary of terms used in photochemistry (IUPAC Recommendations 1996)' on page 2279 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199668122223)