PhotOQuanT
PhotOQuanT
Photonic and Optomechanical Sensors for Nanoscaled and Quantum Thermometry
PhotOQuanT project is funded by the European Metrology Programme for Innovation and Research (EMPIR). It aims to develop photonic and optomechanical sensors for realising future quantum and nanoscaled temperature standards.
For a wide range of processes, from consumer electronics to space instrumentation, there is a growing need to make temperature measurements at smaller scales. The range of currently available thermometers, however, cannot meet the challenge. Nanotechnology now offers the possibility of innovative 'optomechanical' sensors capable of measuring temperature on micrometre length scales. Not only could these new temperature sensors replace the standard high-accuracy platinum resistance thermometers but, embedded into production processes, many industrial users could benefit from the technology.
This project will design, fabricate, and characterise different photonic and optomechanical systems for temperature measurement. Calibration methods will also be developed to make the sensors traceable to the International Temperature Scale of 1990 (ITS-90). Beyond sensing capability on the micro- and nano-scale, other advantages include reduced cost, better portability and robustness, and increased resistance to mechanical shock and electrical interference. Additionally, optomechanical sensors could be developed as a future quantum-based primary standard for temperature measurement
Our mesoscopic sensors will enhance the reliability of temperature measurement for applications in fields such as transportation industry, space instrumentation, engine monitoring, power plant safety and consumer electronics. Their robustness offers a new solution to temperature measurement in the harsh environments found in chemical industry, nuclear, oil or gas industry. As a result of their high resolution and high reliability, they should enable power plants or engine industries to save energy and to enhance process efficiency.
PhotOQuanT also paves the way to
high accuracy temperature measurement on a mesoscopic scale. With an improved robustness and sensitivity, photonic sensors could replace standard platinum resistance thermometers.
