Ultrasensitive Quantum Thermometer – Developed by JMI Indian Scientists

A team of Scientists from Jamia Millia Islamia have developed a Quantum Thermometer using graphene quantum dots. It is ultra sensitive and can measure temperatures precisely over a wide range – 27° C to –196°C.

In-Detail :

• The Ultrasensitive Quantum Thermometer developed by Saikh S. Islam and his team is very sensitive to even minute (MicroKelvin) changes in temperatures.
• It has an extremely quick response time.
• In about 300 milliseconds it has registered temperature change from 27° C to –196°
• And to return to its original temperature it took just 800 milliseconds.
• The team has tested the thermometer for 50-cycles in the one-year time period. It has high repeatability with an ultra-fast response.
• The thermometer can also be used to read high temperatures up to 100°C.

Making of the Thermometer :

• For the thermometer, the scientists have used reduced graphene oxide which has properties similar to monolayer graphene but can be synthesized easily in large-scale materials.
• Quantum dots are formed during the reduction process which is then mixed with a ceramic to produce the sensor.
• The ceramic does not interfere with the quantum dots (3nm to 6nm) but forms a rigid structure around it.
• The quantum dots form a matrix which acts senses the temperature.
• As per scientists, the process of manufacturing the thermometer is extremely cost-effective.
• The team is now looking to use the thermometer in electronic devices as it does not require calibration.

Applications :

• The device can be used in cryogenic temperature testing applications.
• In Pharmaceutical manufacturing and storage, where accurate temperature maintenance is critical.
• In the healthcare sector where storing biological cells need accurate temperature.
• In the automobile industry for measuring ignition temperature.

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Graphene :

• Graphene is known as the wonder material.
• It consists of a single layer carbon with a hexagonal lattice.
• It is the strongest materials ever tested.
• It conducts heat and electricity effectively.
• It is nearly transparent.
• It has a melting point of 6000K.
• All these properties make it the wonder material which has applications in wide areas.

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