A novel mini calibrator for thermochromic liquid crystals

A small calibrator has been constructed to facilitate wide-band liquid crys tal temperature measurements on complex, curved surfaces. The calibrator's size, 21.3 mm by 20.3 mm by 10.0 mm thick, makes it ideal for in-situ calib rations at multiple sites on curved surfaces. Its design utilizes the heati ng/cooling ability of a thermoelectric cooler, and its temperature is quick ly and accurately controlled by computer. To test the calibrator's accuracy , a liquid crystal sample was calibrated. Subsequent comparisons to thermis tor measurements of a uniform temperature copper block painted with liquid crystals showed the calibration to be accurate to +/-0.1 degreesC between t he red start and the approximate blue start temperatures, and the maximum e rror was less than +/-0.3 degreesC in the dark/violet region.