Optical sensing techniques for temperature measurement

Temperature is an important parameter that needs accurate measurement. Theoretical descriptions of the fluorescence ratio method, fluorescence lifetime sensing, and interferometric methods for temperature measurement are given. Fluorescence lifetime sensing calibration plots have been developed for temperature measurement from 20 degrees C to 600 degrees C using Er3+-doped glass, and from 20 degrees C to 90 degrees C using Sm3+-doped CaF2. Lifetime sensing results of Pr3+-doped YAG and Ho3+-doped fluoride crystals for temperature measurement are also summarized. Mach-Zehnder interferometer measurements revealed that the passage of a 300 mW laser beam of 915 nm changed the temperature of the Yb3+-doped YAG crystal by 7.1 degrees C. The interferometer technique is useful for measuring absolute temperature changes in laser cooling studies. (C) 2013 Optical Society of America