Thermopile/ thermochain

The thermoelectric effect, where a temperature-dependent voltage is produced at the joint between two metals, is the basis of many temperature measurement devices. A typical example is the thermoelement, which is also used in contact temperature measurement. An electrical component is described as a thermopile or thermochain, where it comprises multiple thermoelements connected in series, which increases the thermal voltage. These types of thermopiles can also be used for non-contact temperature measurement. Here, the heating of the interface is caused by the absorption of infrared radiation. In this case, the device is described as a radiation thermopile.