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 measured 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.

Barretter 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.