Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 23, 2026
13:27
Exploring the Effects of Atmospheric Forcings on Evaporation: Experimental Integration of the Atmospheric Boundary Layer and Shallow Subsurface
Published on: June 8, 2015
Ruby films as surface temperature and pressure sensors
Optics Express
|April 28, 2009
Summary
Chromium-doped alumina films on sapphire substrates function as surface thermometers. This method accurately measures temperature during sliding contact, achieving 2 degrees C repeatability.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Tribology
- Thermometry
Background:
- Surface temperature is critical in tribological applications.
- Accurate, real-time temperature measurement is challenging.
- Chromium-doped alumina offers potential for optical thermometry.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate chromium-doped alumina films as surface thermometers.
- To measure surface temperature during sliding contact with plastic bearings.
- To assess the performance and limitations of this thermometry technique.
Main Methods:
- Epitaxial growth of 0.3-micron chromium-doped alumina films on sapphire substrates.
- Utilizing R1 and R2 fluorescence peak analysis (curve fitting) for temperature determination.
- Employing a 0.25-watt argon laser for excitation and measuring signal in 30-100 msec.
Main Results:
- Temperatures were determined with a repeatability of 2 degrees C.
- Adequate signal was obtained from 200-micron diameter dots.
- Both average and local temperature increases were measured.
- Pressure-induced shifts were identified as a potential error source.
Conclusions:
- Chromium-doped alumina films are effective for surface thermometry in tribological studies.
- The method provides rapid and repeatable temperature measurements.
- Further refinement is needed to account for pressure-induced shifts.
Related Concept Videos
01:14Temperature Measurement Sites
A thermometer measures body temperature. The common sites for measuring body temperature are the oral cavity, axillary region, temporal artery, and skin surface, such as the forehead, abdomen, and axilla. True core body temperature is assessed in the rectum, tympanic membrane, pulmonary artery, esophagus, and urinary bladder.
Oral: When assessing oral temperature, the thermometer tip should be placed under the tongue in the posterior sublingual pocket. It offers accurate readings and can be...
Oral: When assessing oral temperature, the thermometer tip should be placed under the tongue in the posterior sublingual pocket. It offers accurate readings and can be...
01:20Pressure Gauges
Most pressure gauges, like those on scuba tanks, are calibrated to read zero at atmospheric pressure. Readings from such gauges are called the gauge pressure, which is the pressure relative to atmospheric pressure. When the pressure inside the tank exceeds atmospheric pressure, the gauge reports a positive value. Some gauges are designed to measure negative pressure. For example, many physics experiments must take place in a vacuum chamber, a rigid chamber from which some of the air is pumped...
01:22Thermometers and Temperature Scales
Any physical property that depends consistently and reproducibly on temperature can be used as the basis of a thermometer. For example, volume increases with temperature for most substances. This property is the basis for the common alcohol thermometer and the original mercury thermometers. Other properties used to measure temperature include electrical resistance, color, and the emission of infrared radiation.
As many physical properties depend on temperature, the variety of thermometers is...
As many physical properties depend on temperature, the variety of thermometers is...
03:02Constant Pressure Calorimetry
Calorimetry is a technique used to measure the amount of heat involved in a chemical or physical process or to measure the heat transferred to or from a substance. The heat is exchanged with a calibrated and insulated device called the calorimeter. Calorimetry experiments are based on the assumption that there is no heat exchange between the insulated calorimeter and the external environment. The well-insulated calorimeters prevent the transfer of heat between the calorimeter and its external...
01:13Equipments Used to Measure Body Temperature
Body temperature can be assessed using various devices and measured in Celsius or Fahrenheit.
Glass-bulb Thermometer:
Glass-bulb thermometers are hollow glass tubes with a bulb tip containing liquid such as ethanol or mercury. Historically, glass bulb mercury thermometers were the standard device to measure body temperature. Today, mercury thermometers are prohibited in many countries due to the hazardous effects of mercury and the risk of exposure if the glass bulb breaks. In general,...
Glass-bulb Thermometer:
Glass-bulb thermometers are hollow glass tubes with a bulb tip containing liquid such as ethanol or mercury. Historically, glass bulb mercury thermometers were the standard device to measure body temperature. Today, mercury thermometers are prohibited in many countries due to the hazardous effects of mercury and the risk of exposure if the glass bulb breaks. In general,...
01:16Measurement of Fluid Pressure
Fluid pressure is commonly measured using devices called manometers, which rely on liquid columns to indicate pressure differences. The height of a liquid column in a manometer reflects the pressure exerted by the fluid, providing a simple yet effective means of measurement. Different types of manometers serve specific purposes based on their configurations and the type of fluids involved.
A basic form of manometer is the piezometer, a vertical tube open at the top and filled with the same...
A basic form of manometer is the piezometer, a vertical tube open at the top and filled with the same...