Radiometer

An example of a Crookes radiometer. The vanes rotate when exposed to light

A radiometer or roentgenometer is a device for measuring the radiant flux (power) of electromagnetic radiation. Generally, a radiometer is an infrared radiation detector or ultraviolet detector.[1]

Types

  • The name Radiometer is frequently used to refer to a Crookes radiometer ("light-mill"). This is an early device wherein a rotor in a partial vacuum spins when exposed to light.
  • The Nichols radiometer is a newer and more sensitive radiometer than the Crookes type.[2] It measures radiation pressure. It has two small mirrors suspended on a quartz fiber.[3]
  • A microwave radiometer operates in the microwave wavelengths. The radiometer contains argon gas to enable it to rotate.
  • The MEMS radiometer can operate on the same principles of Nichols or Crooke radiometers. It can operate over a wide spectrum of wavelength and particle energy levels.[4]

References

  1. "What is the difference between radiometers, spectrometers, and spectroradiometers?". Konica Minolta Sensing Americas, Inc. Retrieved 8 March 2016.
  2. "Radiometer". PlanetFacts.org. 23 September 2011. Retrieved 8 March 2016.
  3. "Nichols radiometer". Photonics Media. Retrieved 8 March 2016.
  4. [1] Archived 2017-01-18 at the Wayback Machine MEMS Radiometer United States Patent 7,495,199