A Precision Microvolt-Synthesizer Based on a Pulse-Driven Josephson Voltage Standard

In this paper, we describe the development of a precision microvolt-synthesizer, which could be part of a system that enables much larger amplitudes up to 1 V. The synthesizer is based on a pulse-driven Josephson arbitrary waveform synthesizer covering wide voltage ranges from nanovolt to millivolt and wide frequency ranges from dc to audio frequencies, respectively. We demonstrate 1.7-mA-wide current margins for the pulse-driven system that make automated calibration of typical null detectors, such as nanovoltmeters or lock-in amplifiers, easy. Uncertainties at the nanovolt level can be achieved within short measurement times, depending on the instruments being calibrated.