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Thermopile vs. Bolometer: What's the Difference?

Thermopile and Bolometer Definitions

Thermopile

A device consisting of a number of thermocouples connected in series or parallel, used for measuring temperature or generating current.

Bolometer

An instrument that measures radiant energy by correlating the radiation-induced change in electrical resistance of a blackened metal foil with the amount of radiation absorbed.

Thermopile

(electronics) An electronic device that converts thermal energy into electrical energy. Usually constructed using a series-combination of thermocouples

Bolometer

(physics) A sensitive device for detecting and measuring the energy of electromagnetic radiation.

Thermopile

An instrument of extreme sensibility, used to determine slight differences and degrees of heat. It is composed of alternate bars of antimony and bismuth, or any two metals having different capacities for the conduction of heat, connected with an astatic galvanometer, which is very sensibly affected by the electric current induced in the system of bars when exposed even to the feeblest degrees of heat.
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Bolometer

An instrument for measuring minute quantities of radiant heat, especially in different parts of the spectrum; - called also actinic balance, thermic balance.

Thermopile

A kind of thermometer for measuring heat radiation; consists of several thermocouple junctions in series

Bolometer

An instrument that measures heat radiation; extremely sensitive

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