How often should cryogenic sensors be recalibrated?

How often should cryogenic temperature sensors be recalibrated?

There are no specific published regulations or guidelines that establish requirements for the frequency of recalibration of cryogenic sensors. There are certainly military standards for the recalibration of measuring devices. However, these standards only require that a recalibration program be established and then adhered to in order to fulfill the requirements.

Many highly regarded manufacturers of more complex measuring devices, such as voltmeters, recommend that such instruments be recalibrated every six months.

Temperature sensors are complex assemblies of wires, welds, electrical connections, dissimilar metallurgies, electronic packages, seals, etc., and hence, have the potential for drift in calibration. Like a voltmeter, where components degrade or vary with time and use, all of the “components” of a temperature sensor may also vary, especially where they are joined together at material interfaces. Degradation in a sensor materials system is less apparent than deterioration in performance of a voltmeter.

Lake Shore sensor calibrations are certified for one year. Depending upon the sensor type and how it is used (see page 195 in the temperature catalog appendix for a list of environmental effects contributing to calibration degradation over time), it is recommended that sensors be recalibrated in the Lake Shore Calibration Service Department periodically. Certainly, recalibration before important experiments would be advisable.