bolometer

Bolometers are resistance thermometers for measuring thermal radiation. Like other RTD elements, bolometers use metals with high temperature coefficients such as platinum or semiconductor thermistors.

Bolometers are extremely sensitive and respond to the slightest changes in radiation. To increase sensitivity, there are bolometers with superconductors. They can measure radiation powers of `10^-10` W. In order not to impair the measurements by additional resistances of the connecting leads, Wheatstone bridges are used for the measurement setup.