A New Instrument for Infrared Radiation |
A New Instrument for Infrared Radiation
Measurements:
The Thermopile of Macedonio Melloni
Edvige Schettino
Department of Physical Sciences of Naples,
University of Naples "Federico II"
Towards the second decade of the nineteenth century Seebeck discovered that when two different conductors are joined together at both ends with the two junctions kept at different temperatures, an electromotive force arises.
Abstract
Towards the second decade of the nineteenth century Seebeck discovered that when two different conductors are joined together at both ends with the two junctions kept at different temperatures, an electromotive force arises.
Seebeck's discovery, thanks to Melloni, converted the thermopile into the best measuring apparatus for the study of radiation.
In this paper I discuss some technical properties of the thermopile used by Melloni in his early studies on radiant heat polarization; quantify in modern terms the behaviour of the thermopile; and solve an enigma concerning its sensitivity.
Info
Schettino E.: A New Instrument for Infrared Radiation Measurements: The Thermopile of Macedonio Melloni, in Annuals of Science, vol. 46, 1989, pp. 511-517
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