Note: High resolution alternating current/direct current Harman technique
1Faculty of Engineering, University of Duisburg-Essen and CENIDE, Duisburg, Germany.
Abstract:
This note describes the construction and engineering of a high precision Harman set-up for metrology of the thermoelectric figure of merit (ZT) of modules and materials based on steady state AC and DC measurements. The Harman technique presented in this article has a resolution of milli-ZT and it does not employ lock-in amplifiers or AC bridges; rather, the technique is developed to avoid typical complications experienced in AC Harman systems. By one-time reference measurements the best operation point for the system is chosen, minimizing the effects of capacitive loads due to AC signals.
Related Concept Videos
AC Sources
Resistor in an AC Circuit
One-way current through the meter is measured using diodes. A diode is a device with better conductivity in one direction compared to the other; in its ideal state, it has zero resistance in one direction and allows...
Sinusoidal Sources
In homes, the power supplies use sinusoidal sources to provide electricity. These sources generate a voltage that varies sinusoidally...
Double Resonance Techniques: Overview
Spin decoupling is usually achieved by...
Full wave rectifier
Half wave rectifier


