Measuring high mechanical quality factors of bodies made of bare insulating materials

A method that allows measurement of high mechanical quality factors (Q) of bodies made of insulating materials is described, whereas the sample is arranged as the dielectric in two independent capacitors. This allows one to apply an electric force to the sample and to measure the resulting displacement without the need to apply conductive coatings. An example is presented whereby a Q of 88 000 has been measured for a cylinder made of fused silica.