First steps to develop a sensor for a Tian–Calvet calorimeter with increased sensitivity

Abstract. Initial steps to apply a ceramic multi-layer technique to build a new sensor for a Tian–Calvet calorimeter are presented in this contribution. The new sensor has a stacked design of ceramic sensor discs and insulating rings. The development was finite-element method (FEM) supported to design the sensor disc. In the next step, the function of the sensor disc was proven up to a temperature of 600 °C. Finally, the entire stack was tested at room temperature, delivering a resolution of 5 µW and a maximum sensitivity of 8.5 µV mW⁻¹. The time constant is strongly dependent on the mass of the cuvette. We show that the time constant of the sensor can be more exactly characterized when using a novel low temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) cuvette with a low mass and an integrated heater. Then, the time constant can be reduced to T_1∕e = 118 s. The new sensor shows similar specifications as commercial devices and presents a good starting point for future high temperature applications.