Laser Thermometers, how do they work?

[RaynorWolfcastle]

Not sure if this the right forum for this but I figured the best chances for a decent answer would be here.

So, how exactly do you measure temperature with light?

-Ice

 

[urameatball]

if its infra-red...
I've played around with them...

my brain is too tired right now to explain how it works.

 

[compudog]

I use a Fluke 89A non-contact thermometer at work for checking motors and switchgear. (I'm in industrial electrician at a plastics manufacturer.) A small laser diode illumintes the spot you are reading. It then uses the infrared signal (every object gives off infrared radiation (except at Absolute Zero ) The sensor detects this radiation and translates it into degrees F or C. The hotter an object gets, the closer the infrared waves are. If you have ever seen the element of an electric stove or heater, you know the higher the temperature the more light (visible) it gives off and the higher the temp. Just because you cannot percieve the waves, doesn't mean they can be measured. Hope this answers your question.

 

[RaynorWolfcastle]

Oh, its based on blackbody radiation. Yeah, I've studied that a bit, isn't that were quantum theory originated from?

Thanx for the respose

-Ice

 

[zephyrprime]

Yeah, black body radiation is at the heart of it. I wouldn't say that quantum mechanics originated from the study of black body radiation but it is *one* of the important elements in the history of QM.

 

[RaynorWolfcastle]

Well, from what I understand, it was the first beloved patriot in the armor of classical mechanics since it showed an instance where nature was not continuous. Which, along with later observations led to the advancement of quantum theory

-Ice