A NEW ELECTROMETER OF HIGH SENSITIVITY

Technical Report · Tue Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1963

OSTI ID:4702464

Shonka, F R; Failla, G; Rose, J E

The electrometer consists of a movable quartz fiber element which, at zero potential, is in stationary equilibrium in a strong a-c electric field. A d- c signal on the fiber causes it to oscillate. The motion of the fiber is viewed in a microscope. Designed as a detector to establish a null between the d-c signal and a bucking voltage, the electrometer operates readily at sensitivities in excess of 5000 divisions per volt or nearly 10/sup 16/ divisions per coulomb: Other features not common to existing electrometers include extreme ruggedness and stability, low inherent capacity, negligible geotropism, wide voltage range, portabiiity, small size, and ability to measure its own contact potential. It is extremely non-linear and cannot be damaged or paralyzed by excessively large signals. The model has the disadvantage of viewing through a microscope. (auth)

• Research Organization: Saint Procopius Coll., Lisle, Ill. Physical Sciences Lab.; Argonne National Lab., Ill.
• NSA Number: NSA-17-030802
• OSTI ID: 4702464
• Report Number(s): TID-19030
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

ELECTRIC CHARGES
ELECTRIC FIELDS
ELECTRIC POTENTIAL
ELECTROMETERS
FIBERS
INSTRUMENTS AND INSTRUMENTATION
MICROSCOPY
PLANNING
QUARTZ
SENSITIVITY
SIGNALS
STABILITY