Precision Measurement of Microwave Thermal Noise by James Randa is, literally and figuratively, a textbook case of complete work. As clear and concise as the title, its 176 pages carry far more content than expected without being so dense the reader need dissect every word. Though every word surely carries purpose, it all comes together in a package that is helpful, frank and pleasantly anodyne. Speaking of every word having purpose, let's break down the title. Precision Measurement? I subscribe to the concept that "All measurement is wrong; we just need to know how wrong." Plenty of time is dedicated to reference planes, calibration and error analysis, which is fantastic. Dr. Randa (whom I would consider to be a practical physicist) spans that analysis from mechanical issues all the way to quantum mechanics issues. Yes, this is precision measurement.
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