What can be used to measure liquid nitrogen temperature?

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SUMMARY

To measure temperatures between room temperature and that of liquid nitrogen, common electronic components such as thermocouples or RTDs (Resistance Temperature Detectors) are recommended. The discussion highlights the limitations of multimeter probes, NTC thermistors, and ceramic capacitors in this temperature range. Specifically, the multimeter probe fails at -135°C, while NTC thermistors exhibit rapid resistance changes that are not reliable. The ceramic capacitor shows some response but lacks a clear relationship between capacitance and temperature. For practical applications, selecting the appropriate thermocouple or RTD is essential for accurate temperature measurement.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of thermocouples and their types
  • Familiarity with RTD (Resistance Temperature Detector) technology
  • Basic knowledge of NTC thermistors and their behavior
  • Experience with electronic measurement tools and components
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the different types of thermocouples and their temperature ranges
  • Learn about RTD calibration and selection criteria
  • Investigate the behavior of NTC thermistors at low temperatures
  • Explore the relationship between capacitance and temperature in ceramic capacitors
USEFUL FOR

Engineers, physicists, and technicians involved in cryogenics, temperature measurement, and electronic component selection will benefit from this discussion.

Artlav
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Hi.

I'm looking for a common electronic component that can be used to determine a temperature between room temperature and that of liquid nitrogen.

-Multimetre probe failed, getting stuck at -135*C
-Common NTC thermistors rapidly ascent past gigaohm range, even from 1Ω-5Ω initial values
-A ceramic capacitor looses a consistent amount of capacitance between here and there, but the capacitance keeps slowly trickling away at LN2 temperature (and i don't have a clue at what relationship is there between the C and T).
-A common resistor does not loose or gain any significant or consistent amount of resistance.
-A cr2032 battery ceases to work sharply

So, the question is - what is a practical way to measure such temperatures, without sourcing special probes and components?

The only thing that gives consistent data points on both ends is the ceramic capacitor - is it a valid temperature sensor? How exactly does it respond to temperature?
 
Science news on Phys.org
Have a look at http://digital.ni.com/public.nsf/allkb/C50FA55B3B2F85D9862572D00083350E

Then pick the thermocouple or RTD that matches your requirement best.
 

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