A very simple and inexpensive apparatus for detecting superconducting transitions via magnetic screening

American Journal of Physics

Volumn 65, Issue 2, 1997, Pages 132-135

  Lukefahr, H G ^a   Priest, V ^a   St Jean, K B ^a   Worley, J S R ^a   Yeager, C S ^a   Gajewski, D A ^b   Maple, M B ^b  

^a WHITTIER COLLEGE   (United States)

^b UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA   (United States)

Author keywords

[No Author keywords available]

Indexed keywords

EID: 0031540105     PISSN: 00029505     EISSN: None     Source Type: Journal    
DOI: 10.1119/1.18525     Document Type: Article

References (6)

1. Superconducting samples in various forms and thermocouples with calibration data can be obtained from Colorado Superconductor Inc., Fort Collins, Colorado. Moreover, Colorado Superconductor is marketing a kit based on the design presented here.
2. M. Nikolo, "Superconductivity: A guide to alternating current susceptibility measurements and alternating current susceptometer design," Am. J. Phys. 63, 57-65 (1995).
3. D. G. Fisher and W. T. Franz, "Undergraduate laboratory demonstration of aspects of phase transitions using Curie temperature determination in amorphous ferromagnetic materials," Am. J. Phys. 63, 248-251 (1995).
4. We used a BK Precision 3011B Function Generator, but almost any function generator capable of producing a 1-kHz signal with an amplitude of about 1-Volt rms into 100 Ω will work.
5. The operation of DMMs as ammeters and voltmeters should be checked at the operating frequency (1 kHz in our apparatus) by comparison to a scope.
6. Apiezon N Grease is available from Lakeshore Cryotronics Inc., Westerville, Ohio.