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Updated: Mar 16, 2026
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The Kelvin and Temperature Measurements.
B W Mangum1, G T Furukawa1, K G Kreider1
1National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-0001.
Summary
The International Temperature Scale of 1990 (ITS-90) provides accurate thermodynamic temperature realizations through fixed-point calibrations and advanced radiation thermometry. This research details its practical implementation and dissemination for precise temperature measurements.
Area of Science:
- Metrology
- Thermodynamics
- Physical Chemistry
Background:
- The International Temperature Scale of 1990 (ITS-90) is the standard for accurate temperature measurement.
- Accurate thermodynamic temperature realization is crucial for scientific and industrial applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the realization and dissemination of the ITS-90.
- To detail methods for contact and radiation thermometry.
- To present ongoing research in thermometry.
Main Methods:
- Contact thermometry realization up to 1234.93 K using 15 fixed points and vapor pressure/temperature relations.
- Radiation thermometry realization above 1234.93 K using spectroradiometer calibration with blackbody sources.
- Absolute spectral and total radiometry from 60 K to 3000 K.
Main Results:
- High-quality temperature realization and measurement documented for ITS-90.
- Advancements in thermodynamic temperature uncertainty through sound velocity measurements and noise thermometry.
- Dissemination of temperature scale via calibration services for blackbody sources, lamps, and pyrometers.
Conclusions:
- The ITS-90 is effectively realized and disseminated through established methods.
- Ongoing research continues to refine temperature measurement accuracy and expand capabilities.
- Calibration services and resources are available to the thermometry community.
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