RATIOING FLUOROPTIC TEMPERATURE SENSOR FOR INDUCED HYPERTHERMIA
Kenneth A. Wickersheim, Ronald V. Alves · 1980
Medical researchers needed EMF-immune sensors because electromagnetic fields interfere so severely with electronic temperature measurement equipment.
Plain English Summary
This 1980 technical study developed fiber optic temperature sensors that work during RF and microwave medical treatments. Traditional electrical thermometers fail because metal wires interfere with electromagnetic heating patterns and create measurement errors. The new optical sensors using rare earth phosphors provide accurate temperature monitoring without electromagnetic interference.
Why This Matters
This study reveals a fundamental problem that medical researchers recognized over 40 years ago: electromagnetic fields interfere with electronic devices in predictable and measurable ways. When doctors needed precise temperature control during RF cancer treatments, they discovered that metal wires and electrical sensors couldn't function properly in electromagnetic environments. The interference was so significant that it distorted heating patterns and created spurious readings. What this means for you is that if medical-grade electronic equipment requires special shielding and fiber optic alternatives to work around EMF, the electronic devices you use daily are certainly being affected by the electromagnetic fields in your environment. The reality is that EMF interference isn't theoretical - it's a documented engineering challenge that required innovative solutions in medical settings decades ago.
Finding
By combining the fluorescent characteristics of these rare earth phosphors with fiber optics, a new system of thermometry is possible which we believe will meet all requirements of induced hyperthermia. Fluoroptic Thermometers incorporating this new technology are now being developed by Luxtron Corporation in Santa Clara, California.
In their words
“By combining the fluorescent characteristics of these rare earth phosphors with fiber optics, a new system of thermometry is possible which we believe will meet all requirements of induced hyperthermia. Fluoroptic Thermometers incorporating this new technology are now being developed by Luxtron Corporation in Santa Clara, California.”
Figures from the Original Paper
Diagrams extracted from the original research document.
Exposure Information
Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.
Show BibTeX
@article{ratioing_fluoroptic_temperature_sensor_for_induced_hyperthermia_g7129,
author = {Kenneth A. Wickersheim and Ronald V. Alves},
title = {RATIOING FLUOROPTIC TEMPERATURE SENSOR FOR INDUCED HYPERTHERMIA},
year = {1980},
}