Static phase improvements in the LNE watt balance.

This paper describes the mechanical and electrical modifications carried out on the LNE watt balance to reduce the noise level associated with the static phase. The mechanical improvements concern the home-made balance beam using flexure hinges as pivots of the force comparator. The electrical improvements involve the source used to servo-control the equilibrium position of the beam during the static phase. All these modifications have led to a significant improvement of the repeatability and reproducibility of the results of static phase measurements.