ZnTe Crystal Multimode Cryogenic Thermometry Using Raman and Luminescence Spectroscopy

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Cryogenics
• Optical Sensing

Background:

• Accurate temperature measurement is critical in cryogenic applications.
• Developing reliable, contactless thermometers for low temperatures remains a challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential of Zinc Telluride (ZnTe) crystals for precise cryogenic thermometry.
• To evaluate the performance of ZnTe using multiple optical sensing techniques.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Raman spectroscopy for temperature sensing in the 20-100 K range.
• Employed photoluminescence spectroscopy for thermometry in the 20-70 K range.
• Applied multiple linear regression and multiparametric sensing for enhanced Raman thermometry.

Main Results:

• Raman thermometry achieved a relative thermal sensitivity (S) of 3.82% K⁻¹ and temperature resolution (ΔT) of 0.12 K at 50 K.
• Photoluminescence thermometry offered higher sensitivity and resolution within its operational range.
• Synergistic use of multiple regression and multiparametric sensing improved Raman-based thermometry performance significantly.

Conclusions:

• ZnTe crystals are effective for contactless optical thermometry across a broad cryogenic range.
• The combination of Raman and photoluminescence spectroscopies enhances the reliability and operating range.
• ZnTe demonstrates significant promise as a versatile sensor for cryogenic applications.