Cernox

Cernox refers to a family of resistive temperature sensors manufactured by Lake Shore Cryotronics for cryogenic measurements. The sensing element is a zirconium oxide–based ceramic resistor whose resistance varies with temperature. The material is doped to achieve stable, repeatable resistance over a wide range and is available in several resistance values and form factors.

Operating principle: As with other resistance thermometers, Cernox sensors convert temperature to electrical resistance. The relationship between resistance and temperature is non-linear and provided by the vendor as a calibration curve for the chosen sensor and mounting configuration.

Performance and characteristics: Cernox sensors offer high stability, broad usable temperature range from a few millikelvin to several hundred kelvin (depending on the model), low self-heating at typical measurement currents, and notably low magnetoresistance. They also demonstrate good chemical compatibility with common cryogenic environments and can be used in magnetic fields with minimal disturbance to measurements.

Applications: They are widely used in low-temperature physics experiments, superconductivity research, magnet systems, and other cryogenic instrumentation where accurate temperature monitoring is required in magnetic fields.

Variants and installation: The sensors come in multiple resistance values and packaging options, including bare-chip elements and packaged assemblies designed for mounting in cryostats, dilution refrigerators, or superconducting magnets. Calibration data are provided by the manufacturer and should be used to interpret measured resistance.

See also: Resistive temperature sensor; cryogenics; Lake Shore Cryotronics.

Trademark note: Cernox is a registered trademark of Lake Shore Cryotronics, Inc.