Low cost infrared temperature measurement and optimal process control in microwave sintering systems

Summary form only given. Ceramic sintering based on microwave heating has the potential to create final products with unique mechanical and electrical properties. This results from the rapid heating cycles which are made possible by the volumetric heating nature of microwaves. An important issue for industrial systems involves the non-contact measurement of temperature at multiple positions in a cost-effective manner. We have been experimentally investigating the application of direct detecting, commercial infrared thermocouples to this problem. We have designed and implemented a system using a series of these detectors in conjunction with movable gold mirrors and BaF/sub 2/ optical components (which operate to wavelengths as long as 20 microns). Experiments comparing the accuracy and reproducibility of this system to conventional thermocouples and optical pyrometers are described for several materials.