Thermal Agitation of Electricity in Conductors

J. B. Johnson
Phys. Rev. 32, 97 – Published 1 July 1928
PDFExport Citation

Abstract

Statistical fluctuation of electric charge exists in all conductors, producing random variation of potential between the ends of the conductor. The effect of these fluctuations has been measured by a vacuum tube amplifier and thermocouple, and can be expressed by the formula I¯2=(2kTπ)0R(ω)|Y(ω)|2dω. I is the observed current in the thermocouple, k is Boltzmann's gas constant, T is the absolute temperature of the conductor, R(ω) is the real component of impedance of the conductor, Y(ω) is the transfer impedance of the amplifier, and ω2π=f represents frequency. The value of Boltzmann's constant obtained from the measurements lie near the accepted value of this constant. The technical aspects of the disturbance are discussed. In an amplifier having a range of 5000 cycles and the input resistance R the power equivalent of the effect is V¯2R=0.8×1016 watt, with corresponding power for other ranges of frequency. The least contribution of tube noise is equivalent to that of a resistance Rc=1.5×105ipμ, where ip is the space current in milliamperes and μ is the effective amplification of the tube.

  • Received 20 December 1927

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRev.32.97

©1928 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

J. B. Johnson

  • Bell Telephone Laboratories, Incorporated

References (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand
Issue

Vol. 32, Iss. 1 — July 1928

Reuse & Permissions
Access Options

Authorization Required


×
×

Images

×

Sign up to receive regular email alerts from Physical Review Journals Archive

Log In

Cancel
×

Search


Article Lookup

Paste a citation or DOI

Enter a citation
×