Noninvasive measurement of thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity of biological materials (preliminary examination of heat transfer models and measurement accuracy)

A nonivasive technique was developed to measure the thermal conductivity and the thermal diffusivity of biological materials. This technique involves laser heating and infrared thermometry of target surface. The thermophysical properties are determined by comparing measured temperatures with those calculated analytically using an appropriate model. In this paper, heat transfer models that incorporate heat loss from the surface and laser absorption within the material were discussed. The accuracy of measurement was then examined using simulated experimental data that were generated by adding perturbation to a theoretical temperature response. The thermal conductivity and the thermal diffusivity of biomaterials. which are similar to those of water, are expected to be determined within an error of 1% and 6%. respectively.