Bolometrien

Bolometrien is a German term that translates to "bolometry" in English. Bolometry is a technique for measuring the power of electromagnetic radiation. It works by absorbing the radiation in a material that heats up as a result. This temperature increase is then measured by a thermometer. The amount of heating is directly proportional to the power of the incident radiation, allowing for its quantification. Various types of thermometers can be employed, including resistance thermometers, thermocouples, and thermistors, depending on the specific application and sensitivity requirements. Bolometers are commonly used in astronomy to detect faint infrared and submillimeter radiation from celestial objects, as well as in various scientific and industrial applications where precise power measurement is necessary. The sensitivity of a bolometer can be enhanced by cooling it to very low temperatures, which reduces thermal noise and increases the relative change in temperature for a given amount of absorbed radiation. This cryogenic operation is particularly crucial for detecting weak signals in challenging environments.