Developments in Thermometry from 1984 to 2011: A Review

Abstract

Thermometry plays an extremely important role in engineering and basic sciences. Accurate measurements of temperature are vital for: (a) improving our understanding of various physical phenomena; (b) process control and optimization; (c) determination of material properties; and (d) energy conservation. This review highlights some of the developments that have occurred in thermometry during the period 1984 to 2011. The ensuing discussions focus on the physical principles that have been exploited for the purpose of thermometry. The developments mentioned in this review offer a peek into the past 27 years of thermometry research that has produced several innovations based upon optical refraction, luminescence, fluorescence, thermo-reflectance, color change, radiation, ferro-electricity, acoustic resonance, Raman Effect, and magnetic resonance principles, to name a few. In tune with the emergent interest in micro/nano-scale interdisciplinary technologies, automated high-speed manufacturing processes, and advances in medical engineering, many of the patents reviewed here relate to thermometry for specialized applications. A sizeable majority of these novel arrangements are non-intrusive and non-contact in nature, suitable for remote measurements. Developments on contact-type temperature sensors, that may require invasive techniques and arrangements, are also presented. Keywords: Developments, instrumentation, measurement, novel, sensor, technique, temperature, thermometry, luminescence thermometry, thermo-chromic semiconductor thermometry