optical pyrometer
Quick Summary
An optical pyrometer is an instrument used to measure high temperatures. It works by determining the intensity of light emitted by a hot body at a specific wavelength. This method allows for temperature measurement without direct contact with the object, which is particularly useful for extremely hot materials like those found in furnaces.12
The optical pyrometer functions by visually comparing the light from the hot object to a calibrated incandescent filament. The filament's temperature is adjusted until its brightness matches that of the object, thereby indicating the object's temperature.2
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
