Minimizing the Measurement Error

This is acceptable provided that the assumption is stated up front. The melt curves in the lower part of Fig. 17.3 were fit this way. Alternatively, the full model can be used, with additional steps taken to ensure the validity of the results. An example is shown in the upper part of Fig. 17.3. Here, the experiments were repeated multiple times (minimizing the measurement error), the data were fit simultaneously (using a global fitting algorithm), and the results were corroborated using a separate singular value decomposition analysis. 

This figure illustrates quite clearly that the depth of the well should be at least 30 mm to minimize the measurement errors. The characteristics of the temperature sensor itself have a strong effect on the accuracy of the measurement. If special precautions have been taken to minimize heat losses along the stem of the temperature sensor, the measurement error can be greatly reduced as compared to standard temperature sensors. 

Equation (32) shows that the errors in the measmement of the surface acoustic wave velocity are the sum of the errors in the values of the velocity of the coupling medium, the frequency of the acoustic wave, and the distance of the period. Therefore, to minimize the measurement error, it is necessary to maintain constant temperature for the coupling medium to stabilize the frequency of the acoustic wave, and measure accurately the movement of the acoustic lens along the Z-axis. 

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