A miniature temperature sensor based on upconversion luminescence for real-time GPU temperature monitoring

This paper introduces a miniaturized optical fiber temperature sensor based on Fluorescence Intensity Ratio (FIR) technology for real-time monitoring of graphics processing unit (GPU) temperature. Utilizing a femtosecond micromachining system, miniature rectangular holes are etched on a standard multimode fiber. These holes are then filled with a mixture of Er³⁺/Yb³⁺ co-doped TeO₂-Na₂CO₃-ZnO powder and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) through capillary action, forming a sandwich structure. When illuminated by a 980 nm light source, upconversion (UC) fluorescence is generated, and a mathematical model correlating the fluorescence intensity ratio of two adjacent energy levels with temperature is established. The fundamental temperature sensing characteristics of the sensor are tested in a temperature-controlled chamber, with a maximum error of ± 1 K. The sensor is also applied to a GPU with real-time temperature variations, demonstrating a maximum error of 0.9 K and a response time of 1.96 s. The sensor not only possesses the advantages of a simple structure, micro size, and convenient fabrication but also exhibits immunity to electromagnetic interference, rapid response, good stability, and excellent repeatability in real-time monitoring of GPU temperature, showing potential for large-scale application.