Published online by Cambridge University Press: 15 February 2011
We present simulation and experimental results for determining the distribution of radiation throughout an RTP system and evaluating the design of optical temperature sensors. The simulations are performed with a general purpose, three dimensional Monte Carlo method. The simulation models internal reflection, absorption, and transmission within participating media explicitly, and includes wavelength, temperature, and material dependent properties. Simulation results are compared to measurements of the lamp intensity profile within the lamphouse and at possible sensor locations. Simulations are used to examine the effect of several optical probe designs. The predicted responses of potential sensor designs resulting from these studies are presented.