The use of aluminum alloy 5056 for high-Q mechanical oscillators at low temperatures

Authors

P. W. Adams, Louisiana State University
Jing Chun Xu, Louisiana State University

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

12-1-1991

Abstract

Measurements of the quality factor (Q) and period (P0) of two Al 5056 torsional oscillators are presented as a function of temperature from 0.02 to 1.2 K. The 5056 alloy is found to have Q's of order 10⁴ at room temperature and 10⁷ below 4 K. In addition to having an extraordinary high Q, we also find that the temperature dependence of the reduced period, ΔP/P0, is extremely weak at low temperatures, making this material well suited for superfluid helium film studies. A technique for attaching thin dielectric substrates to the torsion member of one of the oscillators is also discussed.

Publication Source (Journal or Book title)

Review of Scientific Instruments

First Page

2461

Last Page

2464

Recommended Citation

Adams, P., & Xu, J. (1991). The use of aluminum alloy 5056 for high-Q mechanical oscillators at low temperatures. Review of Scientific Instruments, 62 (10), 2461-2464. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.1142264