The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is developing a groundbreaking project called Thermal MagIC, which aims to create ultra-sensitive nano-thermometers capable of measuring temperature in microscopic 3D volumes in real time. These thermometers would use nanoscale magnetic particles whose signals change with temperature. This technology could revolutionize temperature measurement in fields like medicine, refrigeration, and manufacturing by offering much higher precision, faster readings, and the ability to measure temperature without intrusive sensors or wires. The system could measure temperatures as small as 25 millikelvin in volumes just a hundred micrometers in size, with results traceable to the International System of Units (SI).
The project is still in its early stages, with researchers working on creating highly sensitive magnetic nanoparticles and improving the signal detection system. They are using advanced software and modeling tools to speed up the development process. The team has already tested promising materials, such as iron and cobalt nanoparticles, and is exploring ways to enhance the magnetic signal strength using technologies like superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs) and atomic magnetometers. If successful, the technology could be ready for use in research and development within the next five years, with broader applications expected to follow.
Keywords: temperature measurements, nanoscale thermometry, magnetic signals
