The precise measurement and control of high temperatures has always been problematic. Recent and unfolding innovations in this area promise step change improvements throughout the measurement chain; from realisation of temperature above the silver point in National Measurement Institutes, dissemination of the scale to calibration laboratories, down to the practice of industrial high temperature thermometry. The way these improvements are realised will be outlined in this presentation; topics covered will include:

·         Formalised mechanisms for the realisation and dissemination of thermodynamic temperature, alongside the current ITS-90 definition above the silver point, through the mechanism of the mise-en-pratique for the definition of the kelvin

·         Innovative high temperature fixed-points (HTFPs) above the copper point, to above 3000 K, will be introduced, their performance, range and utility explained. HTFPs are driftless artefacts that can be used for robust scale transfer, remote checking of radiometer performance or reliable sources of known radiance.

·         Development of ultra-low drift, robust Pt/Pd thermocouples. In the near future this type of thermocouple could supplant the traditional type R and S because of its superior performance and potentially lower cost for applications to 1500 °C

·         High temperature measurements and process control above about 1700°C generally uses refractory metal thermocouples or radiation thermometry (often through windows). Both techniques are subject to large drifts compromising the quality of the control. In-process self-validation/correction methodologies that overcome these drift problems are under development and will be described.