The measurement of a temperature (thermometry), within a strong magnetic field, requires special materials. Conventional thermometers can not be used here. Alternatively, however, optical fibers exist that allow for local temperature measurements in the range of -270°C to + 250°C. However standard sensors have a diameter of 1mm - the smaller versions work with a diameter of 400μm. The accuracy is currently ±1°C; with previous calibration at ±0.2°C. In the medical field, however, it is desirable to know as exact a temperature as possible within the tissue. These regions are often not accessible with the sensors. Here, "molecular thermometers" can have a significant role in the future. Especially in the areas of hyperthermia and hypertension, in which the temperature of the human body or special regions from the outside is increased or decreased, it is important to know the actual temperature. Only in this way, the unnecessary damage of healthy tissue can be avoided.
For these reasons, the goals of this research field are to synthesize and characterize temperature-sensitive molecules. Initial investigations on temperature detection show the great potential of ¹⁹F-based MR spectroscopy and imaging. Thus, it was possible to determine the temperature within a 4.7T MR animal scanner and a 7T human whole body MR system to within ±1°C precision with compounds that are soluble in water - currently unfortunately still biologically incompatible.