Maximum-Temperature Theorem for a Nanothermometer

Overview & Synopsis

The steady-state temperature predicted for an ideal point heat source diverges in conventional heat-conduction theory, but no physical thermometer measures a point value. We derive a sharp, shape-independent upper bound on the quasi-steady temperature rise of a sensor with thermometric volume $V_\mathrm{s}$, placed anywhere inside a region enclosed by an isothermal reference surface. The bound requires only the total heat power generated in the region $\dot{Q}$, a lower bound on its thermal conductivity $κ_\mathrm{m}$, and the value of $V_\mathrm{s}$. It is otherwise independent of the heat-source distribution, domain shape, and source--sensor distance. For $\dot{Q}=50~\mathrm{pW}$, $κ_\mathrm{m} = 0.1~\mathrm{W\,m^{-1}K^{-1}}$, and $V_\mathrm{s}=10^{-22}\mathrm{\,m^3}$, approximately the volume of a $60~\mathrm{nm}$-diameter sphere, the theorem permits a maximum temperature rise of approximately $2~\mathrm{mK}$ above the reference level. The result applies directly to nanodiamonds, upconversion nanoparticles, fluorescent polymer particles, and core-shell quantum dots. It shows that neither source localization nor uncertain source-sensor separation can account for kelvin-scale readings under steady-state heat conduction.