Vierdrahtmessung

Vierdrahtmessung is a method of measuring the electrical properties of materials, particularly their electrical resistance and conductivity. The term "Vierdrahtmessung" translates to "four-probe measurement" in English. This technique is widely used in materials science and electrical engineering to obtain accurate measurements of electrical properties without the influence of contact resistance.

The four-probe method involves passing a known current through two outer probes and measuring the resulting voltage drop between two inner probes. This configuration minimizes the effects of contact resistance, which can significantly affect measurements in traditional two-probe methods. By using the inner probes to measure the voltage drop, the method ensures that the measured resistance is primarily that of the material itself, rather than the contacts.

The four-probe method is particularly useful for measuring the resistivity of thin films, semiconductors, and other materials where contact resistance can be a significant factor. It is also employed in the characterization of materials for various applications, including electronics, sensors, and energy storage devices.

The advantages of the four-probe method include high accuracy, the ability to measure low-resistance materials, and the elimination of contact resistance effects. However, it requires careful calibration and precise probe placement to ensure reliable results. Despite these requirements, the four-probe method remains a standard technique in the field of electrical measurements due to its robustness and accuracy.