Lanthanide-Doped Luminescent Materials for Use As Temperature Sensors Under Extreme Conditions

Abstract

We are continuing the development of ex-situ and in-situ temperature sensors for use under extreme conditions such as in explosions and under shock conditions. The sensors consist of trivalent lanthanide-doped luminescent materials. For the ex-situ measurements we have developed temperature and thermal impulse (temperature and time) sensors based on inorganic materials. We are using the fluorescence from the lanthanides to monitor temperature-induced irreversible phase transitions in these materials. Comparisons with thermocouple data and simulations show good agreement for explosion tests. For the in-situ temperature sensors we use two-color fluorescence thermometry of lanthanide doped inorganics as well as lanthanide-based organic complexes. Using these materials we are able to image sub-second laser-induced heating events.