Nonmetallic resistance-thermometer

Among nonmetallic resistance thermometers, an important class is that of thermistors, or temperature-sensitive semiconductkig ceramics (5). The variety of available sizes, shapes, and performance characteristics is very large. One manufacturer Hsts ki the catalog a choice of characteristics ranging from 100 Q at 25°C to 1 M Q at 25°C. 

Most low-temperature engineering temperature measurements are made with metallic resistance thermometers, nonmetallic resistance thermometers, or thermocouples. In the selection of a thermometer for a specific application one must consider such factors as absolute accuracy, reproducibility, sensitivity, heat capacity, self-heating, heat conduction, stability, simplicity and convenience of operation, ruggedness, and cost. Other characteristics may be of importance in certain applications. 

For temperatures above about 20 K, the metallic resistance thermometers are more sensitive than the nonmetallic resistance thermometers. Temperatures above 20 K can be measured routinely with an industrial-type platinum resistance thermometer with an accuracy of better than 100 mK with time responses somewhat better than 1 s. Accuracy at the millidegree level requires a precision capsule type platinum resistance thermometer and careful calibration. 

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