J. Wayde Allen, Fred R. Clague, Neil T. Larsen, and Manly P. Weidman

Abstract:

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) microwave power standards in waveguide consist of automated microcalorimeters and associated transfer standards. Each transfer standard is a bolometric dc substitution power detector (a thermistor mount) of special design whose efficiency is measured by a microcalorimeter. The general design and operation of the microcalorimeter and transfer standard are described. The theoretical basis for the procedure used to determine the microcalorimeter correction factor, called the calorimetric equivalence, is also described. A detailed uncertainty analysis is included

Keywords: standards; microwave; power; waveguide; microcalorimeter

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