Optical temperature sensing using a new thermographic phosphor

The luminescence emission of a new thermographic phosphor based on Chromium(III)-doped yttrium aluminum borate (Cr3+:YAB) has a strong temperature dependence, which makes this material well suited for temperature sensing. In this work the luminescence emission decay was investigated in great detail in a broad temperature range, both in time and frequency domain. The results obtained with these two measuring techniques, which are consistent, are used to determine the optimal design parameters for sensor development. The high sensitivity which is thus achievable, together with the high stability of the material, demonstrate that this phosphor is very suitable for the design of a sensitive, low-cost, and robust contactless temperature sensor. Due to the insensitivity of the sensing properties to the immobilization matrix, this material can be easily incorporated in the most appropriate matrix depending on the application.