Q-Sens™: the Heat Flux Sensors from Meerstetter
Quick look
The Q-Sens is an advanced thermoelectric device designed for
The Meerstetter Q-Sens Heat Flux Sensor is designed for seamless integration (Figure 2) into the Meerstetter control universe, with all necessary signal conditioning supplied directly by Meerstetter. Engineered for stability in harsh operating conditions, it is optimized for long-term monitoring in extreme thermal environments. Its property flexibility allows for the selection of various materials to achieve either low heat resistance and high operating temperatures or enhanced sensitivity, depending on application requirements. Operating passively, it is an ideal solution for remote sensing and embedded systems. Furthermore, its customizable geometry, enabled by a thermoelectric metamaterial composite design, allows for precise sensor tuning to meet specific needs, with the potential for effortless integration into existing industrial setups.
We would be happy to discuss how our heat flux sensors can benefit your project. Book a free initial consultation with our specialists or contact us by email or phone.
Example of Q-Sens integration into the Meerstetter ecosystem:
The Q-Sens Generation 1 Heat Flux Sensor
The Q-Sens Generation 1 Heat Flux Sensor is an advanced thermal sensing solution designed to deliver high-precision, real-time heat flux measurements with superior performance over traditional thermopile-based sensors. Q-Sens provides faster response times, enhanced stability, and adaptability to extreme environments, making it ideal for high-speed thermal monitoring, industrial applications, and aerospace systems.
| Sensing plate size | from 5x5 to 20x20 mm, larger sizes on-demand |
|---|---|
| Thickness | 0.8 mm standard, 0.5 mm possible |
| Working temperature | -50°C to 500°C |
| Sensitivity | 5 - 20 µV/W (area dependent) |
| Thermal conductivity | ~300 W/(m*K) |
| Response time | Validated down to <10 ns in laboratory conditions for sensor plate alone [1] |
| Additional options | Available on request |
Key features and advantages
- Simplified and Robust Design – Unlike thermopile-based sensors, Q-Sens does not rely on a complex thermocouple network but instead utilizes a single thermoelectric metamaterial, reducing internal complexity and making the sensor easier to manufacture. With lower thermal resistance, it minimizes its impact on measurement accuracy and heat flow in various applications.
- Ultra-Fast Response Time – The electromotive force effect enables response times in the nanosecond range, making it ideal for shock tube experiments, transient heat flux monitoring, and rapid phase-change studies as well as (pulsed) laser applications.
- High Sensitivity & Stability – Engineered for long-term monitoring in extreme thermal environments, with superior temperature resilience and consistent signal output.
- High-Temperature Operation – Specialized material combinations can withstand extreme temperatures as high as 1300 K, making it a robust solution for applications in aerospace, nuclear reactors, industrial furnaces, and high-temperature manufacturing.
- Passive Operation – Making it ideal for remote sensing, IoT-based thermal monitoring, and embedded systems.
- Compact and Scalable Design – Variety of available thicknesses and sizes enable seamless integration into industrial process monitoring, energy optimization systems, and advanced thermal diagnostics.
- Customizable Geometry – The sensor structure allows for precise mechanical tuning, adapting to specific application needs and facilitating integration into existing industrial and scientific setups.
By overcoming the limitations of thermopile-based sensors, Q-Sens represents the next generation of heat flux sensing, offering unmatched speed, accuracy, and durability for thermal engineering, aerospace, industrial monitoring, and scientific research.
Live Demo: Q-Sens Heat Flux Sensor in Action
Watch how Q-Sens performs in a live demonstration recorded at Laser World of Photonics 2025. Filmed by Optica, this short video highlights the key features of the Q-Sens Heat Flux Sensor.
Q-Sens: Summary
Q-Sens heat flux sensors provide high-speed, high-accuracy thermal sensing with unique advantages over conventional heat flux gauges. Their ability to function in extreme conditions, decouple electrical and thermal pathways, and offer ultra-fast response times makes them a promising technology for scientific and industrial applications.
To gain an advantage with our sensor technology, off-the-shelf sensor samples are readily available for immediate testing and implementation. Signal conditioning and amplification are supplied by Meerstetter, ensuring seamless integration into existing systems. While sensor integration typically involves a small engineering project for customization and optimization tailored to the customer’s specific needs, our team provides full support throughout the process. To explore how our sensors can fit your application, contact us via email or use our booking link to schedule a web meeting directly with our experts.
Not sure if your application can benefit from the sensors? Talk to our experts.
Examples of applications for the Q-Sens
- Industrial Process Monitoring – Real-time heat flux tracking for process optimization and energy efficiency.
- Energy Harvesting – Thermoelectric waste heat conversion for power generation.
- Aerospace and Space Systems – High-precision thermal diagnostics for extreme environments, including vacuum conditions.
- Battery and Electronics Cooling – Advanced heat dissipation management for critical electronic systems.
- Condensation and Phase Change Studies – Heat flux measurement in boiling, evaporation, and condensation processes, aiding nuclear reactor cooling and power plant efficiency.
- Automotive & Electric Vehicles (EVs) – Optimization of thermal regulation in electric motors, battery packs, and vehicle power electronics.
- Laser Processing & Welding – Measurement of heat flux in laser-based cleaning, welding, and material processing applications.
- Biomedical Applications – Potential use in medical device thermal monitoring and controlled therapeutic heating.
- Scientific Research & Fundamental Studies – Used in experiments involving heat transfer, material thermodynamics, and advanced energy system development.
Successfully initiated projects with Q-Sens
Several projects in different areas have already been successfully initiated or realized from or with international partners. Below you will find an overview of the various projects.
Scientific (Fundamental) Research:
Industry and Research Institution Collaborations:
Talk to our experts
As pioneers in Q-Sens heat flux sensor research and development with a strong background in experimental physics, instrumentation and industrial applications, we are your competent partner for thermoelectric solutions. Let's talk about bringing the benefits of our Q-Sens heat flux sensors from Meerstetter Engineering to your project!
Filip Janasz | Scientific Advisor at Meerstetter Engineering
Dr.sc. ETHZ, M.sc. ME
Filip Janasz is a Scientific Advisor at Meerstetter Engineering GmbH, specializing in thermoelectric sensing technologies and advanced thermal management systems. With a background in applied physics and energy systems, he focuses on developing cutting-edge heat flux sensors and supporting the seamless integration of Meerstetter’s electronics into diverse industrial and scientific applications.
Martin Ritterath | CEO at Meerstetter Engineering
Dr.sc. ETHZ, M.sc. EE
Martin Ritterath, CEO of Meerstetter Engineering, is driven by a passion for precise temperature control and advanced thermal management solutions. With a Ph.D. from ETH Zurich, Martin has a strong background in instrumentation, control and process automation. His proven expertise, demonstrated in the development of robust thermal flow sensors and high-speed data acquisition systems, is just one part of his broader technical proficiency. Martin's work is recognized through several patents and publications, showing his commitment to innovation in the field.
In his current role, he unleashes the potential of employees and business opportunities by creating a collaborative environment and simply living his attitude: “When everyone does what they do best and collaboration is smooth, the overall result is the best possible.”
Case studies and documentation
On this page you will find case studies as well al various additional documents and information on Q-Sens Heat Flux Sensors from Meerstetter Engineering. New content will be added to the page from time to time.
Literature
[1] Sources are available upon request.