Low temperature direct current comparators

Abstract

This paper presents an improved version of the low temperature direct current comparator described originally by Harvey. The comparator described herein exhibits a resolution of 1.5 nA ·turn and provides ratios which have uncertainties of less than 4 parts in 10¹⁰. An alternate approach to the shielding of the windings is discussed and a preliminary comparator based on this concept is shown to have equally good performance. The latter comparator is probably better suited to the attainment of large current ratios.