Abstract: A means for determining the electrical resistance and resistivity of thermoelectric material allows quality control at all steps in the construction of a bismuth telluride and antimony telluride thermoelectric generator. The method involves measuring negative thermoelectric voltage with no current flowing and then a measure of negative thermoelectric voltage while forcing known current through the material in the same direction as shorted to accurately determine thermoelectric resistance. A manual and automatic method of manufacturing thermoelectric rings using forcing current for in-process testing means.

Abstract: A machine, manufacture, article, process, and product produced thereby, as well as necessary intermediates, which in some cases, pertains to power sources, units thereof, etc. Illustratively, the machine can include a convertor, such as a photovoltaic cell, located to produce current that is not essentially steady direct current by repeatedly shadowing the photovoltaic convertor from exposure to radiation such that at least some of the radiation shadowed from the photovoltaic convertor either produces electricity or is reflected to an emitter which subsequently reemits radiation to the photovoltaic convertor or to another photovoltaic convertor.

Abstract: According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments are provided of thermoelectric materials, which embodiments may have improved figure of merit. In one exemplary embodiment, a thermoelectric material generally includes bismuth telluride nanoparticles, which may be undoped or doped with at least one or more of silver, antimony, tin, and/or a combination thereof. The bismuth telluride nanoparticles may be dispersed in a matrix material comprising particulate bismuth telluride. Methods for making undoped and doped bismuth telluride nanoparticles are also disclosed, which may include a solvothermal method for making bismuth telluride nanoparticles having a size ranging from 1 to 200 nanometers.

Abstract: A device and method for generating electricity. The device includes a heat source, a cold source, and a thermoelectric generating plate, having a first side and an opposed side. When heat is introduced to the heat source, heat flows across the thermoelectric generating plate and electricity is generated. In the present arrangement, because the hot and cold sources are in thermal communication with opposed sides of the thermoelectric generating plate, the thermal gradient or rate of heat flow across the thermoelectric generating plate is maximized. Thus, because the rate of heat flow is increased, the rate at which electricity is generated is also increased, and the size of the device is maintained, or minimized.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a thermal block unit for thermal treatment of samples comprising temperature regulating units, temperature sensors for measuring temperature at different locations of the thermal block unit, a converter for converting signals from the temperature sensors into digital signals and a thermal block interface for communicating with an instrument.

Abstract: This disclosure examines using lead telluride nanocrystals as well as other materials suitable for thermoelectric conversion, particularly materials with high Figure of Merit values, as coatings on flexible substrates. This disclosure also examines using flexible substrates with lead telluride nanocrystal coatings as sensors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermoelectric material comprising a zinc- and tin-based oxide doped with a metal selected from Ta and Nb. The invention also relates to a thermoelectric device comprising such a thermoelectric material, and its use for waste heat recovery.

Abstract: For directly converting heat to electrical energy, for example in a spacecraft operating in space, at least one thermoelectric generator module is arranged in an evacuated chamber so as to receive thermal radiation from a heat source through the interior vacuum within the interior of the chamber. The thermoelectric generator module converts a portion of the received heat to electrical energy and rejects a portion of the heat by thermal conduction to a thermally conducting cooling body such as the chamber wall or directly by thermal radiation to the surrounding vacuum of space.

Abstract: Method and system for generating electrical energy from a volume of water.

Abstract: A thermoelectric device, module, and system, and method for and method for making is provided. The thermoelectric device (200) having a first and second elements (202 and 204). The first and second elements (202 and 204) having first and second portions (206 and 208), and third and fourth portions (212 and 214) with first and second regions (210 and 216) connected between the first and second portions (206 and 208) and third and fourth portions (112 and 114), respectively. The first and second portions (206 and 208) and third and fourth portions (112 and 114) are electrically coupled though regions (210 and 216) and with thermal conductance between first and second portions (206 and 208) and third and fourth portions (212 and 214) being inhibited by regions (110 and 116), respectively.

Abstract: A p-type semiconductor block is made of a p-type thermoelectric conversion material, and has a pillar portion and a connection portion laterally protruding from the pillar portion. In addition, an n-type semiconductor block is made of an n-type thermoelectric conversion material, and has a pillar portion and a connection portion laterally protruding from the pillar portion. The p-type semiconductor block and the n-type semiconductor block are alternately arranged in such a way that the connection portion of the p-type semiconductor block is connected with the pillar portion of the n-type semiconductor block and the connection portion of the n-type semiconductor block is connected with the pillar portion of the p-type semiconductor block. The connection portions and tip-end portions of the pillar portions are made of a thermoelectric conversion material containing metal powder.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a structure useful for producing a thermoelectric generator, a thermoelectric generator comprising same and a method for producing same. A method for producing a structure useful for producing a thermoelectric generator, wherein the structure comprises at least one stripe of a n-type and at least one stripe of a p-type material, either separated by a stripe of an insulating material, or provided spatially separated on an insulating material, and comprising stripes of conductive material each connecting one n-type stripe with one p-type stripe, and not in electrical contact with each other, wherein the structure is free from polymeric substrates, wherein the method comprises the steps of co-forming the at least one stripe of a n-type and at least one stripe of a p-type material in a single manufacturing step; and forming connections between the at least one stripe of a n-type and at least one stripe of a p-type material by means of stripes of conductive material.

Abstract: Thermoelectric solid material and method thereof. The thermoelectric solid material includes a plurality of nanowires. Each nanowire of the plurality of nanowires corresponds to an aspect ratio (e.g., a ratio of a length of a nanowire to a diameter of the nanowire) equal to or larger than 10, and each nanowire of the plurality of nanowires is chemically bonded to one or more other nanowires at at least two locations of the each nanowire.

Abstract: Systems and methods are operable to generate electric power from heat. An exemplary direct thermal electric converter embodiment includes at least a first recombination material having a first recombination rate, a second recombination material adjacent to the first recombination material and having a second recombination rate, wherein the second recombination rate is different from the first recombination rate, and a third recombination material adjacent to the second recombination material and having a third recombination rate substantially the same as the first recombination rate. Application of heat generates at least first charge carriers that migrate between the first recombination material and the second recombination material, and generates at least second charge carriers that migrate between the third recombination material and the second recombination material. The migration of the first charge carriers and the migration of the second charge carriers generates an electrical current.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for production of at least one thermoelectric apparatus with the steps of: preparation of a first wafer (1) which is formed from a thermoelectric material of a first conductivity type; preparation of a second wafer which is formed from a thermoelectric material of a second conductivity type; structuring of the first wafer (1) so that a group of first thermoelectric structures (7) is produced; structuring of the second wafer so that a group of second thermoelectric structures is produced; and linking of the first to the second wafer in such a manner that the first and the second thermoelectric structures are electrically connected together and thus form the thermoelectric apparatus. According to the invention, before the structuring of the first wafer (1), a first contact material (3) is deposited on the first wafer (1) and/or before the structuring of the second wafer, a second contact material is deposited onto the second wafer.

Abstract: The method for producing a cathode active material for a lithium secondary battery is characterized by including (1) a forming step of forming a sheet-form compact containing, as raw substances, a lithium compound serving as a first ingredient, a compound of a transition metal other than lithium serving as a second ingredient, and at least one of boron oxide and vanadium oxide serving as a third ingredient; and (2) a firing step of firing the compact at 700 to 1,300° C.

Abstract: A thermoelectric power generation device includes: a that vessel has an inlet through which a first fluid is introduced and an outlet through which the first fluid is discharged; a tubular thermoelectric element that has a flow-through path through which a second fluid having a temperature different from that of the first fluid flows; a pair of flow path members each penetrating a wall of the vessel while being electrically insulated from the vessel; and lead wires. The flow path members are connected to ends of the thermoelectric element. The flow path members each have a conductive portion extending from a connecting portion between the flow path member and the thermoelectric element to the outside of the vessel. The lead wires each are connected to the conductive portion in the outside of the vessel.

Abstract: In a structure for joining thermoelectric devices and electrodes in a thermoelectric module, the thermoelectric module is configured such that multiple P-type thermoelectric devices and multiple N-type thermoelectric devices are alternately disposed so as to be electrically connected in series via electrode members. A connected portion of the electrode member to the P-type thermoelectric device and a connected portion of the electrode member to the N-type thermoelectric device are made of different materials. This can suppress a considerable reduction in connection reliability between the thermoelectric devices and the electrodes even at a high temperature and efficiently transmit a peripheral temperature to the thermoelectric devices.

Abstract: A metal mixture is prepared, in which an excess amount of Te is added to a (Bi—Sb)2Te3 based composition. After melting the metal mixture, the molten metal is solidified on a surface of a cooling roll of which the circumferential velocity is no higher than 5 m/sec, so as to have a thickness of no less than 30 ?m. Thus, a plate shaped raw thermoelectric semiconductor materials 10 are manufactured, in which Te rich phases are microscopically dispersed in complex compound semiconductor phases, and extending directions of C face of most of crystal grains are uniformly oriented. The raw thermoelectric semiconductor materials 10 are layered in the direction of the plate thickness. And the layered body is solidified and formed to form a compact 12. After that, the compact 12 is plastically deformed in such a manner that a shear force is applied in a uniaxial direction that is approximately parallel to the main layering direction of the raw thermoelectric semiconductor materials 10.

Abstract: A thermal-electronic device includes a first thermo-electric material having a first charge and a second thermo-electronic material having a second charge that is opposite the first charge. A flexible conductive interconnection is positioned between the first thermo-electric material and the second thermo-electric material to bond the first thermo-electric material and the second thermo-electric material into a segment. A plurality of segments are bonded together to form a thread having alternating first thermo-electric materials and second thermo-electric materials. The conductive interconnection allows a charge to flow between the first thermo-electric materials and second thermo-electric materials.

Abstract: A thermoelectric conversion module includes a pair of heat transfer plates, p-type semiconductor blocks and n-type semiconductor blocks arranged between the heat transfer plates, and terminal electrodes formed respectively on inner surfaces of the heat transfer plates and connecting the semiconductor blocks in series. The heat transfer plates include holes reaching from an outer surface to the terminal electrodes, and grooves each formed between the terminal electrodes and communicating between the adjacent holes. If a disconnection occurs, for example, a pin of a tester is brought into contact with the terminal electrode via the hole to specify a disconnected portion, and the terminal electrodes are electrically connected by injecting conductive paste into the holes in the disconnected portion as well as the groove.

Abstract: A means for determining the electrical resistance and resistivity of thermoelectric material allows quality control at all steps in the construction of a bismuth telluride and antimony telluride thermoelectric generator. The method involves measuring negative thermoelectric voltage with no current flowing and then a measure of negative thermoelectric voltage while forcing known current through the material in the same direction as shorted to accurately determine thermoelectric resistance. A manual and automatic method of manufacturing thermoelectric rings using forcing current for in-process testing means.

Abstract: An integrated micro-combustion power generator converts hydrocarbon fuel into electricity. The integrated micro-scale power generator includes a micro-machined combustor adapted to convert hydrocarbon fuel into thermal energy and a micro-machined thermoelectric generator adapted to convert the thermal energy into electrical energy. The combustion reaction in the combustor flows in a path in a first plane while the thermal energy flows in a second plane in the generator; the second plane being nearly orthogonal or orthogonal to the first plane. The fuel handler in the combustor is adjacent and thermally isolated from the thermoelectric generator. The fuel handler may include a nozzle and gas flow switch, where the frequency of activation of the gas flow switch controls the amount of the fuel ejected from the nozzle.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a microelectronic assembly including a built-in TEC, a microelectronic assembly including a built-in TEC, and a system including the microelectronic assembly. The method includes providing a microelectronic device, and fabricating the TEC directly onto the microelectronic device such that there is no mounting material between the TEC and the microelectronic device.

Abstract: The disclosed relates to a thermoelectric device for generating electrical currents exploiting the Seebeck effect, more specifically a structural thermoelectric device which can replace a structural component of a body. The structural thermoelectric device can include a first conductor layer, a second conductor layer and located therebetween a polymer thermocouple layer having a reinforcement formed from a structural support, wherein the internal surface of the support includes at least one layer of at least one conducting polymer. The reinforcement can be is porous material with a plurality of voids, wherein the internal surfaces of the voids are coated with a conducting polymer, which is capable of providing the Peltier effect.

Abstract: A thermoelectric generation method using a thermoelectric generator includes: placing a thermoelectric generator in a temperature-changing atmosphere; drawing to outside a current that is generated due to a temperature difference between first and second support members when the temperature of the second support member is higher than that of the first support member, and that flows from a second thermoelectric conversion member to a first thermoelectric conversion member, using first and second output sections as a positive terminal and a negative terminal, respectively; and drawing to outside a current that is generated due to a temperature difference between the first and second support members when the temperature of the first support member is higher than that of the second support member, and that flows from a fourth thermoelectric conversion member to a third thermoelectric conversion member, using third and fourth output sections as a positive terminal and a negative terminal, respectively.

Abstract: Thermoelectric materials and flexible polymer-based thermoelectric materials that may be applied to fabrics for use as personal cooling/heating clothes and portable power source.

Abstract: A current source and method of producing the current source are provided. The current source includes a metal source, a buffer layer, a filter and a collector. An electrical connection is provided to the metal layer and semiconductor layer and a magnetic field applier may be also provided. The source metal has localized states at a bottom of the conduction band and probability amplification. The interaction of the various layers produces a spontaneous current. The movement of charge across the current source produces a voltage, which rises until a balancing reverse current appears. If a load is connected to the current source, current flows through the load and power is dissipated. The energy for this comes from the thermal energy in the current source, and the device gets cooler.

Abstract: A thermoelectric apparatus includes a first and a second assemblies, at least a first and a second heat conductors. The first assembly includes a first and a second substrates, and several first thermoelectric material sets disposed between the first and second substrates. The first substrate has at least a first through hole. The second assembly includes a third and a fourth substrates, and several second thermoelectric material sets disposed between the third and fourth substrates. The fourth substrate has at least a second through hole. Each of the first and second thermoelectric material sets has a p-type and an n-type thermoelectric element. The first and second heat conductors respectively penetrate the first and second through holes. Two ends of the first heat conductor respectively connect the second and fourth substrates, while two ends of the second heat conductor respectively connect the first and third substrates.

Abstract: A method of drawing a glass clad wire is provided herein, the method comprising: (i) sealing off one end of a glass tube such that the tube has an open end and a closed end; (ii) introducing a wire material inside the glass tube; (iii) heating a portion of the glass tube such that the glass partially melts to form a first ampoule containing the wire material to be used in a drawing operation; (iv) introducing the first ampoule containing the wire material into a heating device; (v) increasing the temperature within the heating device such that the glass tube is heated enough for it to be drawn and wire material melts; and (vi) drawing the glass clad wire comprising a continuous wire of wire material, wherein the wire material is a metal, semi-metal, alloy, or semiconductor thermoelectrically active material, and wherein the wire diameter is equal to or smaller than about 5 ?m.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and system for producing electrical current based on a temperature differential. The system comprises of at least one unit having a plurality of chips sandwiched between a higher temperature layer on one side and a lower temperature layer on an opposite side. Chips are preferably thermoelectric solid state chips that produce an electric current when there is a temperature differential created across the chips. There are a plurality of chips in each unit and the chips within each unit are electrically connected to one another in series. Preferably, there are a plurality of units.

Abstract: Thermoelectric devices are provided. In one embodiment, a thermoelectric device may include a glass wafer defined by conductive vias, a second wafer, and a plurality of metal film disposed between the glass wafer and the second wafer and against solid, conductive, integral, end surfaces of the conductive vias. A nanogap may be disposed between the metal film and the second wafer. The nanogap may have been created by applying a voltage extending between the conductive vias and the second wafer. Methods of forming the devices, along with methods of using the devices to transform heat energy to electricity, and for refrigeration, are also provided.

Abstract: A device and method wherein a thermo electric generator device is disposed between stacks of a multiple level device, or is provided on or under a die of a package and is conductively connected to the package. The thermo electric generator device is configured to generate a voltage by converting heat into electric power. The voltage which is generated by the thermo electric generator can be recycled back into the die itself, or to a higher-level unit in the system, even to a cooling fan.

Abstract: A radiation-emitting device includes a first active semiconductor layer embodied for the emission of electromagnetic radiation and for direct contact with connection electrodes, and a second active semiconductor layer embodied for the emission of electromagnetic radiation and for direct contact with connection electrodes. The first active semiconductor layer and the second active semiconductor layer are arranged in a manner stacked one above another.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an integrated circuit system including a first active layer fabricated on a front side of a semiconductor die and a second pre-fabricated layer on a back side of the semiconductor die and having electrical components embodied therein, wherein the electrical components include at least one discrete passive component. The integrated circuit system also includes at least one electrical path coupling the first active layer and the second pre-fabricated layer.

Abstract: A thermoelectric power generating system is provided that includes at least one thermoelectric assembly. The at least one thermoelectric assembly includes at least one first heat exchanger in thermal communication with at least a first portion of a first working fluid. The first portion of the first working fluid flows through the at least one thermoelectric assembly. The at least one thermoelectric assembly includes a plurality of thermoelectric elements in thermal communication with the at least one first heat exchanger. The at least one thermoelectric assembly further includes at least one second heat exchanger in thermal communication with the plurality of thermoelectric elements and with a second working fluid flowing through the at least one thermoelectric assembly. The second working fluid is cooler than the first working fluid.

Abstract: The pending disclosure describes systems, methods, and devices for generating power using a thermoelectric device. Such systems, methods, and devices may include one or more heat pipes containing a fluid. Moreover, each of the heat pipes may be coupled to the top surface of one or more thermoelectric modules. Also, a heat sink may be coupled to the top end of the one or more heat pipes. Further, a charging circuit may be coupled to the one or more thermoelectric modules. Moreover, the bottom surface of the one or more thermoelectric modules may be heated from an external heat source to a temperature higher than the temperature of the top surface of the one or more thermoelectric modules thereby generating voltage to be provided to the electric charging circuit.

Abstract: A thermoelectric conversion element includes a p-type metal thermoelectric conversion material containing a metal as its main constituent, an n-type oxide thermoelectric conversion material containing an oxide as its main constituent, and a composite oxide insulating material containing a composite oxide as its main constituent. The p-type metal thermoelectric conversion material and the n-type oxide thermoelectric conversion material are directly bonded in a region of a junction plane between the p-type metal thermoelectric conversion material and the n-type oxide thermoelectric conversion material, and the p-type metal thermoelectric conversion material and the n-type oxide thermoelectric conversion material are bonded to each other with the composite oxide insulating material interposed therebetween so as to define a pn conjunction pair in the other region of the junction plane. A perovskite-type oxide is used as the n-type oxide thermoelectric conversion material.

Abstract: A device and method for generating electricity. The device includes a heat source, a cold source, and a thermoelectric generating plate, having a first side and an opposed side. When heat is introduced to the heat source, heat flows across the thermoelectric generating plate and electricity is generated. In the present arrangement, because the hot and cold sources are in thermal communication with opposed sides of the thermoelectric generating plate, the thermal gradient or rate of heat flow across the thermoelectric generating plate is maximized. Thus, because the rate of heat flow is increased, the rate at which electricity is generated is also increased, and the size of the device is maintained, or minimized.

Abstract: Systems and methods are operable to generate electric power from heat. An exemplary direct thermal electric converter embodiment includes at least a first recombination material having a first recombination rate, a second recombination material adjacent to the first recombination material and having a second recombination rate, wherein the second recombination rate is different from the first recombination rate, and a third recombination material adjacent to the second recombination material and having a third recombination rate substantially the same as the first recombination rate. Application of heat generates at least first charge carriers that migrate between the first recombination material and the second recombination material, and generates at least second charge carriers that migrate between the third recombination material and the second recombination material. The migration of the first charge carriers and the migration of the second charge carriers generates an electrical current.

Abstract: A method of forming a thermoelectric device may include forming a first electrically conductive trace, and bonding a thermoelectric element to the first electrically conductive trace. After bonding the thermoelectric element to the first electrically conductive trace, a metal post may be formed on the thermoelectric element so that the thermoelectric element is between the first electrically conductive trace and the metal post. After forming the metal post, the metal post may be bonded to a second electrically conductive trace so that the metal post is between the second electrically conductive trace and the thermoelectric element. Other related methods and structures are also discussed.

Abstract: Described herein are a thermo-electric generator module and a method for constructing the thermo-electric generator module. The thermo-electric generator module includes a plurality of thermo-electric plates on a surface of a heat absorption member; and a heat dissipation region that encases the heat absorption member. The thermo-electric module is connected in series with other thermo-electric generator modules to facilitate generation of electricity.

Abstract: Apparatus for electric power generation. A system includes a boiler for heating a fluid, the boiler directing a first portion of the heated fluid to a turbine for the generation of electric power and a second portion of the heated fluid to a thermoelectric (TE) generator, and a condenser connected to the turbine that condenses hot fluid emitted from the turbine and feeds the condensed fluid to the TE generator, the TE generator generating electric power from a difference in temperature of the second portion of the heated fluid and the condensed fluid from the turbine.

Abstract: Power is generated using a thermoelectric power generation unit. The thermoelectric power generation unit has at least one thermoelectric module disposed between a first heat sink arranged inside the thermoelectric power generation unit and a second heat sink arranged outside the thermoelectric power generation unit. The thermoelectric power generation unit is inserted into a ducting network carrying relatively hot air during some periods of time and relatively cold air during other periods of time so that the relatively hot and cold air flows through the thermoelectric power generation unit during the different periods of time. The thermoelectric power generation unit generates power when the ducting network carries either the relatively hot or cold air. Energy is stored at least partially based on the power generated by the thermoelectric power generation unit.

Abstract: A power generating system comprising a heat exchanger comprising an inlet, an outlet and a conduit extending along a length of the heat exchanger between the inlet and the outlet, and a plurality of thermally conductive fins provided within the conduit, a packing fraction of the fins increasing from a first packing fraction proximate the inlet to a second packing fraction proximate the outlet; and a plurality of thermoelectric power generators positioned along the length of the heat exchanger, each thermoelectric power generator comprising a hot side, a cold side and a thermoelectric element extending there between, wherein the hot sides of the thermoelectric power generators are in thermal contact with the plurality of fins such that the temperature of each hot side is substantially equal along the length of the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A thermoelectric system includes at least one thermoelectric generator which includes at least one cold-side heat exchanger, at least one hot-side heat exchanger, and a plurality of thermoelectric elements in thermal communication with the at least one cold-side heat exchanger and in thermal communication with the at least one hot-side heat exchanger. The system further includes a combustible fluid, wherein the at least one cold-side heat exchanger is configured to transfer heat to the combustible fluid.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a thermoelectric conversion material that can have a balance between flexibility and high thermoelectric conversion capacity, a thermoelectric conversion element using the material, and a device that uses waste heat of, for example, an electronic apparatus and a vehicle by using the element. Provided is a thermoelectric conversion element that includes a layer constituted by an organic material in which a fine particle of a carbon nanotube is dispersed and which has flexibility, preferably, a high glass transition temperature and low thermal conductivity, and in which a mass ratio of the carbon nanotube to the organic material is 50% by mass to 90% by mass, and a device in which the thermoelectric conversion element is installed to a heat release portion of an apparatus.

Abstract: A thermoelectric system includes a plurality of cold-side conduits extending parallel to one another along a first direction and configured to have a first working fluid flowing therethrough. Each cold-side conduit includes a cold-side tube and a plurality of cold-side shunts in thermal communication with the cold-side tube. The system further includes a plurality of hot-side conduits extending parallel to one another along a second direction and configured to have a second working fluid flowing therethrough. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. Each hot-side conduit includes a hot-side tube and a plurality of hot-side shunts in thermal communication with the hot-side tube. The system further includes a plurality of thermoelectric stacks. Each thermoelectric stack of the plurality of thermoelectric stacks extends along a third direction and is configured to have electrical current flow through the thermoelectric stack along the third direction.

Abstract: In various embodiments, an array of discrete solar cells with associated devices such as bypass diodes is formed over a single substrate. In one instance, a method of forming a solar-cell array with integrated bypass diodes comprising: providing a semiconductor substrate, a first cell comprising a SiGe p-n junction or SiGe p-i-n junction, one or more second cells each comprising a III-V semiconductor p-n junction or III-V semiconductor p-i-n junction; forming a bypass diode that is discrete and laterally separate from its associated solar cell and comprises an unremoved portion of the first cell, the formation comprising removing an unremoved portion of the one or more second cells thereover.

Abstract: A thermocouple includes a first thermocouple wire defining a distal end portion, and a second thermocouple wire defining a distal end portion. A hot junction is formed between the distal end portions of the first and second thermocouple wires. The hot junction defines a splice such that the first thermocouple wire and the second thermocouple wire are in direct contact at their distal end portions. A refractory coating is applied over the hot junction.