Tew, W.
(2015),
Calibration of Cryogenic Resistance Thermometers between 0.65 K and 165 K on the International Temperature Scale of 1990, Special Publication (NIST SP), National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, [online], https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.SP.250-91, https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=908763 (Accessed May 19, 2026)
Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock (
) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
Calibration of Cryogenic Resistance Thermometers between 0.65 K and 165 K on the International Temperature Scale of 1990
Published
Author(s)
Abstract
Calibrations of cryogenic resistance thermometers at NIST are performed by comparison to standard thermometers on the International Temperature Scale of 1990 (ITS-90). The NIST Low Temperature Calibration Facility (LTCF) can accommodate most capsule and miniature type resistance thermometers suitable for use in vacuum within the range 0.65 K to 83.8 K, with special tests possible as high as 165 K. All calibrations are traceable to the ITS-90 through standard check thermometers owned and maintained by NIST. The ITS-90 defines temperatures from 0.65 K upward via standard interpolating instruments, fixed points, and interpolation equations. NIST has performed realizations of the ITS- 90 in the range 0.65 K to 24.5561 K and maintains standard Rhodium-Iron Resistance Thermometers (RIRTs) to represent the results of those realizations. Other related realizations of the ITS-90 over the range 13.8033 K to 273.16 K have been performed at NIST and are maintained on a set of capsule-type Standard Platinum Resistance Thermometers (SPRTs). Together, these check thermometers form the basis for maintenance and dissemination of the ITS-90 at NIST over the range 0.65 K to 83.8 K. The techniques for performing calibrations for a variety of resistance thermometers and the associated calibration uncertainties are described.Citation
Special Publication (NIST SP) - 250 91
Report Number
250 91
NIST Pub Series
Pub Type
NIST Pubs
Download Paper
Keywords
ITS-90, Temperature, Calibration, Resistance Thermometry, Cryogenic
Citation
Issues
If you have any questions about this publication or are having problems accessing it, please contact [email protected].
Created August 11, 2015, Updated May 7, 2026