We have measured the third derivative of the current–voltage characteristics, in a two-dimensional array of small tunnel junctions using a lock-in amplifier. We show that this derivative is zero at a voltage which scales linearly with the temperature and depends only on the temperature and natural constants, thus providing a primary thermometer. We demonstrate a measurement method which extracts the zero crossing voltage directly using a feedback circuit. This method requires only one voltage measurement, which makes it substantially faster than the original Coulomb blockade thermometry method.
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There is also a secondary measurement mode where only the zero-bias conductance is measured. This requires calibration of the tunnel junction resistance and capacitance.
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A PID regulator (Proportional, Integrating, and Derivating) is a general feedback circuit with three adjustable parameters, which can be used with a wide range of applications.
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© 2001 American Institute of Physics.
2001
American Institute of Physics
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