NIST is developing new photonic thermometers that use light to measure temperature with high precision. These devices rely on silicon-based sensors that detect changes in light properties caused by temperature variations. Some designs use ring resonators or Bragg mirrors, which shift their output wavelengths in response to temperature changes. Another innovation is a bolometer that uses carbon nanotubes to absorb light and measure heat with extreme accuracy. These new sensors are more durable, lightweight, and less prone to interference than traditional platinum resistance thermometers, which are fragile and require frequent calibration.
These photonic temperature sensors have wide-ranging applications in industries like aerospace, energy, healthcare, and environmental monitoring. They can be used in harsh environments, from factory floors to space, and offer real-time data without the need for frequent recalibration. NIST’s bolometers are already being used in satellites to measure solar radiation, which is vital for climate research. While some of these technologies are still under development, others are being tested or deployed, with the potential to replace older, less reliable temperature measurement methods in the near future.
Source: https://www.nist.gov/thermodynamics/temperature
Keywords: photonic thermometers, bolometer, silicon resonator
