Thermometry and dosimetry of heat with specific reference to the liquid-crystal optical fiber temperature probe.

A temperature sensing probe was designed utilizing the unique optical properties of thermotropic liquid crystals. An electronic and fiberoptic system coupled to the sensor was used to monitor temperature-dependent interactions of light (660 nm) with the liquid crystal mixture. The probe is a nonmetallic, nonperturbing thermal sensor for continuous temperature measurements of biological specimens subjected to electromagnetic fields. The advantages and disadvantages of the Liquid Crystal Optical Fiber (LCOF) temperature probe are discussed along with some typical applications where accurate dosimetry and thermometry are important parameters in experimental studies.