Further experiments with liquid helium. C. On the change of electric resistance of pure metals at very low temperatures etc. IV. The resistance of pure mercury at helium temperatures

Abstract

Since the appearance of the last Communication dealing with liquid helium temperatures (December 1910) liquid helium has been succesfully transferred from the apparatus in which it was liquefied to another vessel connected with it in which the measuring apparatus for the experiments could be immersed — in fact, to a helium cryostat. The arrangements adopted for this purpose which have been found to be quite reliable will be described in full detail in a subsequent Communication. In the meantime there is every reason for the publication of a preliminary note dealing only with the results of the first measurements made with this apparatus, in which I have once more obtained invaluable assistance from Dr. Dorsman and Mr. G. Holst. These results confirm and extend the conclusions drawn from the previous experiments upon the change with temperature of the resistance of metals. Moreover, it was in the first place shown that liquid helium is an excellent insulator, a fact which had not hitherto been specifically established. This was of importance since the resistance measurements were made with naked wires, a method that is permissible only if the electrical conductivity of the liquid helium is inappreciable.