Abstract
Precise determination of the metallic rubidium (Rb) inside a Rb bulb is critical to the life of on-board RAFS. Calorimetric mass estimation is an accurate and non-destructive method to validate the Rb content, without deforming the glass bulb under test. We present a faithful and precise calorimetric method using an indigenous cold-point-formation apparatus (CPA), which efficiently collects the metallic Rb in the glass bulb for a precise calorimetric estimation (\(\pm 20 \mu g\)). We have also performed repeated mass estimations with our calorimetric method revealing a maximum estimation difference only of about \(10\,\mu\)g. Further, with the ongoing life test of five Rb bulbs, we report a preliminary estimate of Rb consumption rate inside our bulbs as 0.64 \(\mu g/\sqrt{h}r\), which is in good agreement with the previously reported results.
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The authors are thankful to NM Desai (Director SAC) for constant support and encouragement. In addition, we acknowledge the support from Niranjan Reddy.
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Sharma Kesarkar, R., Attri, D., Saiyed, M.A.R. et al. Precise calorimetric rubidium mass estimation and its application to the rubidium atomic frequency standard (RAFS). J Therm Anal Calorim 147, 10049–10056 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10973-022-11276-w
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10973-022-11276-w