Bolometer for measurements on high-temperature plasmas

A bolometer has been developed based on a thin, die‐cut platinum grid. It can survive high temperatures and the neutron and gamma radiation expected in the Toroidal Fusion Test Reactor (TFTR). The platinum resistance is measured with a square‐wave carrier system to minimize sensitivity to ambient electromagnetic interference. Electrical power fed back to the sensor holds its temperature constant and provides an output directly proportional to absorbed radiation power. With a bandwidth of 50 Hz the noise is equivalent to 100 μW/cm2. Methods are described for dealing with the background effects expected to contribute to bolometer heating.