Finite Element Analysis of Mechanical Imperfections in the LNE Thompson-Lampard Calculable Capacitor Standard

This paper describes briefly an electrostatic finite element simulation study of the imperfections of the LNE Thompson-Lampard calculable capacitor (TLCC) and their contributions to the standard’s uncertainty. Thus, the limits of the accepted tolerances in order to achieve the target relative uncertainty of one part in 10
⁸
of the capacitance standard can be established. The simulation predictions are compared with experimental observations with the help of the sub-micron level control of the capacitor standard’s electrode geometry.