A bolometer is a specialized device used to measure the intensity of electromagnetic radiation, especially in the infrared, microwave, and radio frequency ranges. These instruments are crucial in various scientific fields like astronomy, where they help detect faint sources of heat and light that other sensors might miss.
How Bolometers Work:
Bolometers operate on a straightforward principle: they detect radiation by measuring how it changes the temperature of a sensitive material. When radiation strikes the material, it absorbs energy and heats up. This temperature change causes a measurable change in the material’s electrical resistance.
Key Components:
- Sensitive Material: Typically, bolometers use materials like semiconductors or superconductors that are sensitive to small changes in temperature.
- Thermal Isolation: To ensure accurate measurement, the sensitive material is often thermally isolated from its surroundings to prevent interference from external temperature changes.
- Readout System: The change in electrical resistance due to temperature change is converted into a measurable signal using a readout system, usually involving electronics that can interpret and display the radiation intensity.
Applications of Bolometer:
Astronomy: Bolometers are extensively used in astronomy to study celestial bodies emitting infrared radiation, such as distant stars and galaxies.
Remote Sensing: They play a crucial role in satellite instruments and remote sensing devices used to monitor Earth’s climate and atmospheric conditions.
Materials Science: In research and development, bolometers help characterize materials based on their ability to absorb and emit radiation, aiding in the development of new technologies.
Who invented the bolometer and when?
The bolometer was invented by Samuel Pierpont Langley in the year 1880. His creation marked a significant advancement in scientific research, particularly in fields like astronomy and remote sensing, where precise detection of infrared and other forms of radiation became possible. Langley’s innovation continues to shape our understanding of the universe and remains instrumental in various technological applications to this day.
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Source: Britannica