Abstract: A sensing element for a temperature sensor including a base with a platinum meander applied thereto. An alumina diffusion barrier (ADB) covers the meander to provide protection against contamination and structural stabilization, wherein the alumina diffusion barrier is a contiguous polycrystalline layer fabricated from alumina and approximately 1% by weight of a rutile additive to be substantially devoid of network porosity. The contiguous polycrystalline layer includes grains with a typical grain size being in a range of 0.5-3 ?m. A method for fabricating an alumina diffusion barrier includes the steps of: combining a nano-alumina and nano-rutile powder to create a formulation; applying the formulation to the platinum meander to form a layer; and sintering the layer to create a contiguous polycrystalline layer covering the platinum meander.

Abstract: A sensing element for a temperature sensor including a base with a platinum meander applied thereto. An alumina diffusion barrier (ADB) covers the meander to provide protection against contamination and structural stabilization, wherein the alumina diffusion barrier is a contiguous polycrystalline layer fabricated from alumina and approximately 1% by weight of a rutile additive to be substantially devoid of network porosity. The contiguous polycrystalline layer includes grains with a typical grain size being in a range of 0.5-3 ?m. A method for fabricating an alumina diffusion barrier includes the steps of: combining a nano-alumina and nano-rutile powder to create a formulation; applying the formulation to the platinum meander to form a layer; and sintering the layer to create a contiguous polycrystalline layer covering the platinum meander.

Abstract: A temperature sensor is formed from three initially unfired (or green) ceramic substrates. The first substrate has a temperature sensitive means printed on a first surface. Additionally first and second conducting elements are also printed thereon. The third substrate has a temperature sensitive means in the form of a resistor printed on a first surface. Additionally first and second conducting elements and are also printed thereon. The second substrate is provided with a conducting via in the form of a hole extending through the substrate, the hole being filled with conductive material. The via is adapted to be aligned with the ends of conducting elements. To construct the sensor the first surfaces of substrates are aligned with substrate such that via is aligned with conducting elements. The substrates are then pressed together. Subsequently the substrates are fired to provide the completed sensor.

Abstract: A temperature sensor is formed from three initially unfired (or green) ceramic substrates. The first substrate has a temperature sensitive means printed on a first surface. Additionally first and second conducting elements are also printed thereon. The third substrate has a temperature sensitive means in the form of a resistor printed on a first surface. Additionally first and second conducting elements and are also printed thereon. The second substrate is provided with a conducting via in the form of a hole extending through the substrate, the hole being filled with conductive material. The via is adapted to be aligned with the ends of conducting elements. To construct the sensor the first surfaces of substrates are aligned with substrate such that via is aligned with conducting elements. The substrates are then pressed together. Subsequently the substrates are fired to provide the completed sensor.