We present results for a
Au
-
Ge
alloy that is useful as a resistance-based thermometer from room temperature down to at least 0.2 K. Over a wide range, the electrical resistivity of the alloy shows a logarithmic temperature dependence, which simultaneously retains the sensitivity required for practical thermometry while also maintaining a relatively modest and easily measurable value of resistivity. We characterize the sensitivity of the alloy as a possible thermometer and show that it compares favorably with commercially available temperature sensors. We experimentally identify that the characteristic logarithmic temperature dependence of the alloy stems from Kondo-like behavior induced by the specific heat treatment it undergoes.J.R.A.D., P.C.V., G.J.C., and V.N. acknowledge funding from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research
Council, United Kingdom. G.J.C. and S.E.R. acknowledge funding from the Royal Society, United Kingdom.
J.F.O. thanks the Brazilian Agency CNPq. A.D. and
S.K-N. acknowledge financial support through a European
Research Council Starting Grant (Grant No. ERC-2014-
STG-639526, NANOGEN)
