NIST Develops Advanced Quantum Voltage Standards
NIST researchers have developed two advanced quantum voltage standards that generate highly accurate DC and AC voltages:
1. Programmable Josephson Voltage Standard (PJVS) – Generates user-specified DC voltages from -10 V to 10 V
2. Josephson Arbitrary Waveform Synthesizer (JAWS) – Generates user-determined AC waveforms at 2 V and frequencies up to billions of cycles per second
These quantum-based standards are considered primary standards, as they don’t require calibration against other standards. They are currently available through NIST’s Standard Reference Instrument program.
Recent improvements have reduced measurement uncertainties to less than one part in 10 billion, significantly increasing confidence in test results. The devices operate at extremely low temperatures (4 kelvins, -270°C) and are about the size of a washing machine.
NIST is working to miniaturize the devices, raise operating temperatures, and reduce costs. Higher output voltages and frequencies are being developed to meet the needs of emerging technologies, including 5G communications devices operating at frequencies up to 6 GHz.
Keywords: Quantum, Voltage, Standard, Josephson, Metrology
