Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) is a widely used tool to analyze thermal material properties. This study focuses on the advancement of a miniaturized DSC chip as an alternative to conventional devices. The first development steps for the integration of a weighing system are shown, starting with model considerations and simulation-based optimization to initial measurements. Three different measurement methods are investigated and show promising results.

The Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt calibrated pyroelectric detectors at two independent primary radiometric standards regarding their spectral responsivity. The SI traceable measurements in the spectral range between 1.5 and 14 µm are consistent within the measurement uncertainty in the range of 1 % and 14 %. The importance of the correct read-out of lock-in amplifiers and the accurate consideration of the temporal shape of the chopped radiant flux behind the chopper wheel are shown.

A homemade experimental setup was developed using actuators and temperature sensors monitored by Arduino platforms to characterize thermal behaviors of composite panels containing phase-change materials (PCMs). The characterization is based on modeling steady-state thermal conduction and natural convection heat transfer. Temperature measurements allow for obtaining effective thermal conductivity, phase shift time, and energy storage capacity of composite panels incorporating PCMs.

Metamaterials are artificial composite structures with unusual physical properties such as the perfect absorption of light, which can be exploited to improve the spectral sensitivity and selectivity of thermal detectors. The desired detector characteristics are engineered by tuning the absorption properties of metamaterials. The numerical simulations demonstrate polarization-independent absorption of disc-shaped dielectric/metallic absorbers and their integration capability in thermal detectors.

Hydrogen detection for purposes such as smart gas metering or fuel cell safety can be done by using a low-cost off-the-shelf thermopile IR radiation sensor and by driving it as a TCD (thermal conductivity detector). The MEMS thermopile sensor element is exposed to the measured gas environment. By applying an AC heating voltage to the thermopile structure and by measuring its DC output voltage, the hydrogen concentration of its gas environment can be measured with a resolution of up to 3.7ppm.