Bolometer

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 measurand 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 bolometer uses the

combination of a bridge circuit as oscillators and a differential amplifier which will oscillate
when the bridge is unbalanced. The resistive element of the meter absorbs the power until the
bridge becomes balanced.

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.
 The imbalance
occurs in the opposite direction because of the cold resistance. The imbalance decreases the
output of the oscillator which makes the circuit balance. The electronic voltmeter measures
the power decreases from the oscillator. The voltmeter displays the power increases by the
oscillator which is absorbed by the resistive element from the microwave field.

The element used by the bolometer bridge is of two types. They are

1. Barretter – It is a metallic wire which has a positive temperature coefficient i.e, their
temperature increases with the increases in the temperature.
2. Thermistor – It is a type of thermal resistor made of semiconductor material and has a
negative temperature coefficient. The negative temperature coefficient means their
resistance decreases with the increases in temperature.

barretters 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.