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Bolometer: Definition
Bolometer: Definition
Definition: The bolometer is a device used for detecting and measuring the heat and
radiation of Microwave energy or RF. It uses the temperature sensitive resistive element
who resistance changes with the temperature. The Thermistor and Barretter are the
examples of the commonly used resistive element.
The circuit of the bolometer is in the form of the bridge whose one arm contains the
temperature sensitive resistor. The temperature sensitive resistor is placed in the field of a
microwave energy whose power is to be measured.
The temperature sensitive resistor absorbs the measured power because of which the heat is
generated in it. This heat changes the resistance of an element. The bridge circuit measures
the change in resistance. The figure below shows the circuit of the bolometer.
The DC bias is adjusted for balancing the circuit. The circuit of the bolometer is placed in the
field of the microwave signal. The element absorbs the radiation, which increasing their
temperature and hence causes the change in their resistance. The variation in resistance
makes the bridge unbalanced.
Barretter are very delicate as compared to the thermistors. The bolometer is commonly used
for measuring the power in the range of 0.01 – 10mW. The combination of bolometer and the
attenuators are used for measuring the power above the 10mW.