Thermochromism is the property of substances to change color due to a change in temperature, which is often utilized in applications such as mood rings, thermometers, and smart windows. This phenomenon is primarily driven by molecular structural changes or phase transitions that alter the way a material absorbs and reflects light.
Thermal sensors are devices that detect temperature changes by converting thermal energy into a readable signal, widely used in applications ranging from environmental monitoring to industrial processes. They operate based on various principles such as resistance change, thermoelectric effect, and infrared radiation detection, each suitable for different temperature ranges and environments.