Bolometer is used to measure:

The correct answer is Temperature.

Key Points

• A bolometer is an instrument designed to measure electromagnetic radiation by observing the temperature rise of a material.
• It is highly sensitive to temperature changes and can detect minute amounts of heat.
• Bolometers are commonly used in astronomy to measure the radiation from stars and galaxies.
• They work by using materials that change resistance with temperature, such as metals or semiconductors.
• The bolometer was invented by Samuel Pierpont Langley in 1878.

Additional Information

• Electromagnetic Radiation:
  • Electromagnetic radiation is energy that travels through space in the form of waves.
  • It includes radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma rays.
  • Bolometers are particularly effective in measuring infrared and microwave radiation.
• Types of Bolometers:
  • There are several types of bolometers, including cryogenic bolometers and semiconductor bolometers.
  • Cryogenic bolometers operate at very low temperatures to enhance sensitivity.
  • Semiconductor bolometers use materials like silicon or gallium arsenide to detect temperature changes.
• Applications of Bolometers:
  • Bolometers are used in various scientific fields, including astronomy, material science, and thermal imaging.
  • In astronomy, bolometers help in studying cosmic microwave background radiation and star formation.
  • In material science, they are used to measure thermal properties of materials.
• Historical Context:
  • Samuel Pierpont Langley's invention of the bolometer in 1878 marked a significant advancement in the field of thermal detection.
  • Langley's bolometer was initially used to measure solar radiation.
  • Modern bolometers have evolved with advanced materials and technology for greater sensitivity and accuracy.