The analysis of properties of thermosensitive elements used in devices for monitoring the temperature and thermophysical properties of the medium and materials is carried out. Thermal converters made of various materials are considered: metals, semiconductors, oxides. The sensitivity to infrared radiation of the considered elements is analyzed. The range of measured temperatures and the linearity of the output characteristics of the converters are investigated. A conclusion is made about
the purposefulness of using one or another type of thermosensitive elements.