Mitigation of Calorimeter Noise

One of the main factors that limit the sensitivity of calorimeters is the noise in the calorimeter response. A previous study into the sources of noise in a Wheatstone bridge calorimeter used by Department of Energy (DOE) facilities has shown that the control system for maintaining the water bath at a constant temperature was an important contributor to the noise in the system. In order to minimize the contribution that the control system makes to the noise in the calorimeter response, a new control system for the calorimeter has been developed. An experimental and analytical study has been performed to determine the effectiveness of this new control system in reducing the response noise in a Wheatstone bridge calorimeter. The results of this study are presented along with their implications for future work in minimizing the equilibrium noise of calorimeters.