Microwave Method for Closure of Quasi-Spherical Resonator

Quasi-spherical microwave cavity resonators are widely used in primary thermometry. To realize high-accuracy microwave resonant frequency measurement, it is essential to close the two quasi-hemispheres correctly. We show how to do this using microwave resonance signals to monitor shape and sealing as torques to equatorial bolts are increased. The present resonator was closed with torques up to 105 cNm. The method should be useful to monitor the closing of other quasi-spherical cavities.