NIST has developed a novel chip-scale instrument using carbon nanotubes that could simplify absolute measurements of laser power, particularly for optical fibers in telecommunications networks. The miniaturized version of a cryogenic radiometer is a silicon chip topped with circular mats of vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VANTAs), which are the world’s darkest known substance.
The mini-radiometer builds on NIST’s previous work with nanotubes and could advance their ability to measure laser power delivered through fiber for calibration customers. The VANTA mats serve multiple functions in the radiometer, including light absorption, electrical heating, and temperature sensing. This innovative approach could potentially lead to more accurate and efficient optical power measurements compared to traditional radiometers, which are more complex and difficult to manufacture.
NIST plans to apply for a patent on the chip-scale radiometer and is exploring ways to improve its performance and expand its capabilities, such as extending the laser power range into the far infrared and integrating it into a multipurpose “NIST on a chip” device.
Keywords: Carbon Nanotubes, Laser Power, Mini-Radiometer, Nanotubes, Radiometer
