A method for determining filament temperatures of commercially available incandescent lamps has been presented. The light emitted by a filament at two well‐defined wavelengths has been measured by means of two silicon solar cells with interference filters. Since the ratio r of the two signals so determined is a function of the filament temperature, an r against T calibration curve is needed, in order to obtain the filament temperature itself. This calibration curve is determined by means of the well‐known dependence of tungsten resistivity on absolute temperature. Considerations about the color index of a star can be raised.

Topics
Calibration methods, Optical filters, Transition metals, Solar cells
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© 1985 American Association of Physics Teachers.
1985
American Association of Physics Teachers
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