Ultra low temperature sensors, with their excellent ability to accurately sense temperature in extremely cold environments, have become an indispensable key technology in the development of multiple fields, playing an important role in promoting technological progress and ensuring production and life.
In the aerospace field, ultra-low temperature sensors are the core element to ensure the safe and stable operation of aircraft. During rocket launch, the use of low-temperature propellants such as liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen is extremely common, and these propellants have strict requirements for storage and operating temperature. Taking China's Long March series carrier rockets as an example, ultra-low temperature sensors are deployed in fuel storage tanks and delivery pipelines to monitor the temperature of propellants in real time. Once the temperature fluctuates, it may cause fuel vaporization, leading to pressure imbalance and even causing explosion accidents; Or it may cause fuel freezing, block pipelines, and affect the normal launch of rockets. The existence of ultra-low temperature sensors is like equipping a rocket engine with an "intelligent thermometer", laying a solid safety line for its stable combustion and efficient operation. In addition, when satellites operate in the vast universe, they will encounter extreme low temperature environments. Ultra low temperature sensors monitor the temperature of key components such as solar panels and electronic components of satellites to ensure the normal operation of electronic equipment in complex space environments and extend the service life of satellites.
In the medical field, ultra-low temperature sensors are the "loyal guardians" guarding biological samples and medical equipment. In terms of biological sample storage, biological materials such as stem cells, blood products, and precious vaccines need to be stored in a liquid nitrogen environment at -196 ℃ or an ultra-low temperature refrigerator at -80 ℃ for a long time to maintain their biological activity. The ultra-low temperature sensor is like a "24-hour duty officer", monitoring the temperature changes inside the storage equipment in real time. Once the temperature exceeds the set range, it immediately triggers the sound and light alarm system to remind the staff to handle it in a timely manner. In terms of medical equipment operation, superconducting magnets in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment can only maintain their superconducting state in ultra-low temperature environments, generating stable and powerful magnetic fields, thus achieving high-precision imaging. The ultra-low temperature sensor continuously monitors the temperature of the magnet to ensure stable operation of the equipment, providing doctors with clear and accurate diagnostic basis, and assisting in precise treatment of diseases.
The research field also has a high degree of dependence on ultra-low temperature sensors. In the research of superconducting materials, scientists are committed to exploring the critical temperature and superconducting mechanism of superconductors. Ultra low temperature sensors precisely control the experimental environment temperature, helping researchers accurately capture superconducting phenomena and laying the foundation for the application and development of superconducting materials. In the field of quantum computing, quantum chips are extremely sensitive to temperature changes, and even tiny temperature fluctuations can cause changes in the state of quantum bits, affecting computational accuracy. Ultra low temperature sensors monitor the temperature of quantum chips in real-time, ensuring their stable operation in low-temperature environments and driving continuous breakthroughs in quantum computing technology. In addition, in astronomical observations of low-temperature environments in deep space and geological studies of polar glaciers and deep-sea low-temperature zones, ultra-low temperature sensors can accurately obtain environmental temperature data, providing key support for related scientific research.
In industrial production, ultra-low temperature sensors play an important role in optimizing production processes and ensuring equipment safety at multiple stages. In the chemical industry, some chemical reactions need to be carried out under low temperature conditions to improve reaction efficiency and product quality. The ultra-low temperature sensor is installed inside the reaction vessel, providing real-time temperature feedback to help technicians accurately control reaction conditions, reduce side reactions, and improve product purity and yield. In the field of energy, the production, storage, and transportation of liquefied natural gas (LNG) are all carried out in ultra-low temperature environments. Ultra low temperature sensors monitor the temperature of LNG storage tanks and pipelines to prevent LNG evaporation or pipeline damage caused by abnormal temperature, ensuring the safety and stability of energy supply. Meanwhile, in refrigeration equipment and air conditioning systems, ultra-low temperature sensors improve energy efficiency and reduce energy consumption by adjusting the refrigeration cycle.
With the continuous development and innovation of technology, the performance of ultra-low temperature sensors will continue to improve, and their application fields will also be further expanded. In the future, they will undoubtedly play a greater role in more fields and make new contributions to the development and progress of human society.