NIST is developing a new photonic thermometry program to revolutionize temperature measurement technology. The program aims to create ultra-sensitive, chip-scale photonic temperature sensors that could replace traditional resistance-based thermometers, offering advantages in sensitivity, portability, and immunity to environmental interference.
The program has three main goals:
1. Developing high-resolution photonic temperature sensors using the thermo-optic effect
2. Creating cavity optomechanical devices that can measure thermodynamic temperature and serve as self-calibrating primary standards
3. Building a photonics-based platform for novel sensing applications
Photonic temperature sensors work by measuring how heat changes the dimensional and optical properties of miniaturized photonic devices, while optomechanics-based thermometry uses quantum-calibrated nanomechanical resonators to sense thermal motion.
The new technology has the potential to outperform current platinum resistance thermometers and could be deployed in various settings, from controlled labs to noisy industrial environments. NIST’s photonic thermometry program is part of their broader “NIST on a Chip” initiative to develop compact, portable quantum standards.
Source: https://www.nist.gov/programs-projects/photonic-thermometry
Keywords: photonic, thermometry, temperature, sensors, primary
