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Simple and precise thermoelectric power measurement setup for different environments
L S Sharath Chandra1, Archana Lakhani, Deepti Jain
1UGC-DAE Consortium for Scientific Research, Khandwa Road, Indore, 452017 Madhya Pradesh, India.
The Review of Scientific Instruments
|December 3, 2008
Summary
We developed a versatile thermoelectric power measurement setup for cryogen-free environments. This precise system accurately measures thermoelectric properties of various materials, adaptable to magnetic fields up to 140 kOe.
Area of Science:
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Materials Science
- Experimental Physics
Background:
- Accurate thermoelectric power measurements are crucial for understanding material properties.
- Existing setups may lack versatility or precision, especially in cryogen-free or magnetic field environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a simple, precise, and adaptable thermoelectric power measurement setup.
- To demonstrate its utility in cryogen-free conditions and high magnetic fields.
Main Methods:
- A novel spring-shaft arrangement for easy sample loading between copper blocks.
- Continuous temperature difference (DeltaT) control using a chromel-AuFe(0.07%) thermocouple.
- High-precision electromotive force (emf) measurement using a nanovoltmeter and scanner system.
Main Results:
- The setup achieves a measurement range from microV/K to hundreds of microV/K.
- Demonstrated high precision in both natural warm-up/cooldown and controlled measurements.
- Successfully employed in magnetic fields up to 140 kOe, showing versatility.
Conclusions:
- The developed setup offers a simple yet precise method for thermoelectric power measurements.
- Its adaptability to different environments, including magnetic fields, makes it valuable for materials research.
- The system's precision is highlighted for samples of current scientific interest.
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