optothermal

Optothermal refers to phenomena or devices that involve the interaction of light and heat. This broad term encompasses processes where light energy is converted into thermal energy, or where thermal energy influences optical properties. A common example is the optothermal effect, where light absorption leads to an increase in temperature. This principle is utilized in various applications, such as laser heating, photothermal therapy in medicine, and optical trapping where focused laser beams can generate localized heat.

Conversely, optothermal can also describe situations where heat affects how light behaves. For instance, the refractive index of many materials changes with temperature. This thermo-optic effect can be exploited in optical switches or modulators. In some contexts, optothermal might refer to a combined system where optical and thermal processes are integrated for a specific function. Understanding optothermal interactions is crucial in fields ranging from materials science and engineering to biology and astrophysics, where light and heat play fundamental roles.