Reference Ultra Low DC Current Source (ULCS) Between 1 fA and 100 pA at TUBITAK UME

TL;DR

This paper introduces a programmable ultra low DC current source capable of generating currents from 1 fA to 100 pA with 100 aA resolution, traceable to standard units, and fully automated for precision measurements.

Contribution

Development of a novel, fully automated ULCS with a wide current range and high resolution, traceable to standard units, suitable for precise low-current applications.

Findings

Current range from 1 fA to 100 pA achieved

Resolution of 100 aA demonstrated

Uncertainty of 2.5 mA/A at 1 fA

Abstract

In this paper, we present a programmable Ultra Low DC Current Source (ULCS) developed at T\"UB\.ITAK UME. The output current range is from 1 fA up to 100 pA with 100 aA resolution and is directly traceable to DC voltage, capacitance and time units. The principle of the device is based on applying a linear ramp voltage on standard capacitors with values between 1 pF and 1000 pF. These standard capacitors are commercial standard capacitors which are kept in a temperature controlled insulated box. Linear ramp voltage is generated using a commercial DAQ card. Current source device is fully automated with computer control and can be used to generate any currents with 100 aA resolution in its full range. The uncertainty is 2.5 mA/A at 1 fA current.