An earnest new project to design and build a fleet of tiny ultra-sensitive thermometers is underway at NIST. The researchers are still in the early stages of the massive undertaking. But if they succeed, their system – called Thermal Magnetic Imaging and Control (Thermal MagIC) – would be the first to make real-time temperature measurements in an opaque 3-D volume on the microscopic scale. It could make possible more potent medical implants, cheaper refrigerators, a better understanding of human diseases, and much more.
Thermal MagIC could revolutionize temperature measurements in many fields, including the automotive industry, biology, chemical synthesis, medicine, plastic production, and refrigeration.
NIST physicist Cindi Dennis said:
Pretty much anywhere temperature plays a critical role. And that’s everywhere.
The system consists of nanometer-sized objects whose magnetic signals change with temperature. They are incorporated into the substance being studied. For example, the objects could be put into liquid coolant being recirculated through a refrigerator or in melted plastic about to be used to make an artificial joint replacement. Then, a remote sensing system would pick up the magnetic signals. As a bonus, such a setup would be free from wires or other external objects.
The finished device could deliver temperature measurements that are ten times more precise than current state-of-the-art techniques. It could also acquire the measurement in one-tenth the time and in a volume 10,000 times smaller.
The system would cover most potential applications, measuring temperatures in the range of 200 to 400 kelvin (about-99 to 260 degrees Fahrenheit)
Dennis said:
This is a big enough sea change that we expect that if we can develop it—and we have confidence that we can—other people will take it and really run with it and do things that we currently can’t imagine.
Most thermometers used today – be it a high-precision standard instrument used by scientists or the thermostat in your living room – can only measure on a macroscopic level. These conventional thermometers also require sensors to penetrate whatever’s being measured and bulky wires connecting them to a readout system. They are intrusive. On the other hand, infrared thermometers are not invasive, but they also can only make macroscopic measurements. Thermal MagIC should avoid both these limitations.
Many diseases are associated with temperature increases in specific parts of the body. Imagine how useful Thermal MagIC would be for doctors! And manufacturers could use it to control better 3D printing machines, particularly those that melt plastic to build implants and other medical items. A better understanding of how the material is solidifying could improve the quality and strength of 3D printed materials. It gives engineers more control over the process. Anything involving temperature in any way will benefit.
