Comments on the Applications and Improvement of a UHV Microbalance

Abstract

The balance reported at the 5th Conference has been used in several studies (e.g., the determination of masses of layers which are evaporated in vacuum and ultrahigh vacuum, and the determination of drop weights). The results of these studies provided useful information on the best precision and accuracy which can be achieved under different environmental conditions. Tests of reproducibility and linearity of response showed that accuracies of ±1 µg and better can be realized, but only with very careful control of operating conditions, especially when mass differences exceeding 1 or 2 mg are to be measured. Several modifications of the electronics (increased gain of feedback amplifier) and the mechanical construction (more rigid suspension) improved the reliability and ease of operation of the balance.