Exploring Gas Temperature Measurement with Infrared Laser Technology

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter lonewolf219
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Infrared Laser Lasers
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of measuring the temperature of gas, specifically hydrogen, within a glass enclosure using infrared laser technology. Participants explore the principles of infrared measurement, the characteristics of hydrogen gas, and the implications of using different infrared devices.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes an experiment to measure gas temperature using an infrared laser in a glass enclosure.
  • Another participant questions the absorption characteristics of the gas in relation to infrared wavelengths and asks about the gas's mass and composition.
  • A participant expresses concern about the safety of using an infrared laser and clarifies the distinction between infrared lasers and non-contact infrared thermometers.
  • There is a discussion about the limitations of infrared thermometers, particularly regarding their ability to measure surface temperatures rather than gas temperatures directly.
  • A participant notes that hydrogen gas does not absorb or emit infrared radiation effectively, which may complicate temperature measurement using infrared methods.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the effectiveness of using infrared lasers versus infrared thermometers for measuring the temperature of hydrogen gas, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the importance of the infrared transparency of the glass enclosure and the specific characteristics of hydrogen gas, which may affect measurement outcomes.

lonewolf219
Messages
186
Reaction score
2
I am thinking about a possible experiment, and would like to measure the temperature of gas in various places inside of a glass enclosure. Is it possible to use an infrared laser to this? Thanks
 
Science news on Phys.org
Does the gas you are interested in have different IR wavelength absorption characteristics as a function of temperature, or does it scatter IR light well? Is the mass and composition of the gas known?
 
lonewolf219 said:
I am thinking about a possible experiment, and would like to measure the temperature of gas in various places inside of a glass enclosure. Is it possible to use an infrared laser to this? Thanks

Not sure what you mean by "infrared laser" or how you think that will give you a measure of the temperature. Could you mean the non-contact IR thermometers that are being sold commercially? If you really, truly mean an IR laser, please be aware of a safety hazard with such a device, especially to your eyes.

You also need to make sure that if you are using such a device that the window of the vessel containing the gas is IR transparent. Otherwise, you measure a nonsensical number.

Zz.
 
Thanks for the replies, sorry I am a little late here... I am curious about testing hydrogen gas. I was thinking about the infra red non contact thermometers, yes, you are right Zapper Z. But I think those can only be measured on a surface, is that correct? If I used a real IR laser, could it read a certain point and a certain depth inside the glass? I am thinking about a low density gas.
 
lonewolf219 said:
Thanks for the replies, sorry I am a little late here... I am curious about testing hydrogen gas. I was thinking about the infra red non contact thermometers, yes, you are right Zapper Z. But I think those can only be measured on a surface, is that correct? If I used a real IR laser, could it read a certain point and a certain depth inside the glass? I am thinking about a low density gas.
IR thermometers detect infrared radiation, IR lasers emit infrared radiation.

Hydrogen gas basically neither absorbs nor emits in the infrared part of the spectrum.
 
Dr. Claude, thank you for posting... !
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Why was a HAM radio license required to operate early lasers?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Undergrad How is IR ink able to be seen with specialized filters?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
Undergrad Effective absorption coefficient of gold nanoparticles
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Graduate Weird pattern for a laser beam spot
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
Undergrad Need Help Identifying Old Optic Device
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Graduate Moon Experiment: Laser Beam & Telescope for New Moon Phase
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
4K
Graduate Relative efficiency of SHG vs SFG
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Graduate Simple math model for a Particle Image Velocimetry system
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
1K
Graduate Laser light vs "Regular" Light
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
Graduate 3D subsurface laser engraving for translucent minerals?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K