Apparatus for millinewton force measurements with millisecond response time

Apparatus is described which is capable of measuring forces in the range 10 -4 -10 -2 N with a response time of the order of a millisecond. The use of piezoresistive strain-gauge transducers extends the response to DC. The noise level of less than 10 -5 N is achieved with the aid of a simple but effective antivibration, screened enclosure. Application to dynamic meniscus rise measurements illustrates the capabilities of the system.