Lämpömetrologia

Lämpömetrologia, often translated as thermometry or thermal metrology, is the science of precise temperature measurement. It encompasses the study and application of methods and instruments used to determine the temperature of a substance or environment. Accurate temperature measurement is fundamental to countless scientific, industrial, and everyday applications, from weather forecasting and medical diagnostics to manufacturing processes and scientific research.

The field of lämpömetrologia involves understanding the physical principles behind temperature measurement, such as thermal expansion, thermoelectric effects, and changes in electrical resistance. Key to lämpömetrologia are calibration procedures, which ensure that temperature measuring devices provide accurate and reliable readings against established standards. International temperature scales, such as the International Temperature Scale of 1990 (ITS-90), serve as the backbone for these calibrations, providing a consistent framework for temperature measurements worldwide.

Instruments used in lämpömetrologia range from simple thermometers like mercury-in-glass or alcohol thermometers to more sophisticated devices like thermocouples, resistance thermometers (RTDs), and infrared thermometers. Each type of instrument has its own operating principles, advantages, and limitations concerning accuracy, range, and response time. The development and refinement of these instruments, along with the underlying scientific understanding, are central to the ongoing progress in lämpömetrologia. Ensuring traceability of measurements to national or international standards is a critical aspect, guaranteeing that measurements made in different locations are comparable and reliable.