Definition

Noun: 1. A scientific instrument for measuring heat radiation: A bolometer is a highly sensitive device used to detect and measure the intensity of electromagnetic radiation, particularly in the infrared spectrum, by measuring the heating effect of that radiation.

Usage Examples

Advanced Usage

• "Transition-edge sensor (TES) bolometer": A modern, highly sensitive type of bolometer used in astrophysics and quantum computing research.
  • The satellite's telescope is equipped with an array of transition-edge sensor bolometers.
• "Microbolometer": A miniaturized bolometer, often used in uncooled thermal imaging cameras.
  • The security camera's night vision capability relies on a microbolometer focal plane array.

Variants and Related Words

• Bolometric (adjective): Pertaining to measurement by a bolometer or to the total radiation from a source.
  • The star's bolometric luminosity accounts for energy emitted across all wavelengths.

Synonyms

• Radiometer (specifically for measuring radiant energy)
• Thermal detector

Related Terms and Concepts

• Calorimeter: An instrument for measuring the heat of chemical reactions or physical changes, sharing the principle of measuring thermal energy.
• Infrared detector: A broader category of devices that includes bolometers.
• Radiation measurement: The general field of study and practice to which the bolometer contributes.

Noun

1. an instrument that measures heat radiation; extremely sensitive