From near absolute to over one thousand degrees – Lake Shore have a sensor to suit
With the UK’s record breaking hot weather continuing, we thought you might like to know that Lake Shore Cryotronics offer four types of sensor for temperature measurement:
Diodes
A diode temperature sensor is the general name for a class of semiconductor temperature sensors. They are based on the temperature dependence of the forward voltage drop across a p-n junction. The voltage change with temperature depends on the material. The most common is Silicon, but Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) and Gallium Aluminium Arsenide (GaAlAs) are also used.
Resistors
These sensors are based on the change of resistance with temperature, and can be classified as positive temperature coefficient (PTC) or negative temperature coefficient (NTC). Platinum RTDs are the best example of PTC resistance sensors.
Capacitors
Capacitors are also used for low temperatures, but usually not for temperature measurement. Capacitance temperature sensors have the advantage of being insensitive to magnetic fields, but they commonly experience calibration shifts after thermal cycling.
Thermocouples
Thermocouples are only useful where differential temperature measurements or low mass are the main consideration. They must be calibrated in-situ as the entire length of the wire contributes to the output voltage if it traverses a temperature gradient.
Each type sensor has its own particular advantages in terms of temperature range and response, as well as design features and drawbacks, so Elliot Scientific recommends contacting us to discuss your application and its requirements.
Lake Shore also do some nice instruments to go with their sensors!
New Model 372 AC Resistance Bridge/Temperature Controller
Lake Shore is now offering their new Model 372 AC Resistance Bridge/Temperature Controller for experiments requiring precise and accurate AC resistance measurements.
The Model 372 has a number of improvements in design and performance for greater accuracy when making temperature measurements at very low temperatures. The streamlined front-panel keypad interface and a customisable front display along with control, configuration, and monitoring software, make the Model 372 easy to use no matter what the application.
Monitor and frequency reference outputs for direct connection to external devices or equipment are supplemented with Ethernet, USB, and IEEE-488.2 connectivity. (LabVIEW™ drivers are available)
To complement the new controller, Lake Shore have also introduced the Model 3726 scanner option designed for connecting up to 16 ultra-low temperature measurement points. With lower input noise and DC bias current, the new scanner takes full advantage of the performance improvements built into the Model 372 and offers superior performance to previous generations.
Contact us now for pricing and delivery information.
May 2012 Newsletter Now Online
The Elliot Scientific May newsletter is now available as a PDF. In this issue we report on new lasers from FEMTOLASERS including the latest CEP4 oscillator, new collimators from Micro Laser Systems, new micropositioners from mechOnics, and Andeen-Hagerling’s capacitance bridge equipment.
To read it online magazine-style click here.
To download it in your browser as a PDF, click here.
Elliot Scientific 