Electrostatic Primary Reference for Milligram Mass Metrology
G. A. Shaw
Abstract:
Recent advances in the field of mass metrology allow the use of non artifact-based primary references. This enables the creation of a primary reference that determines mass at the scale of interest without the need for subdivision. In this work, the use of an electromechanical balance allows direct metrology of mass at the milligram to microgram scale using electrical metrology traceable to the International System of Units (SI). The comparison between the electrostatic method and subdivision from the kilogram indicates the mass values produced by these two approaches are in agreement after applying a correction for the surface adsorption of water; only the electrostatic measurements are performed in vacuum. A reduction in uncertainty results from the electrostatic approach at the scale of 10 mg.
