Researchers at NIST have developed a new prototype standard for measuring capacitance, which is the ability of a device to store electrical energy. This new method uses a technique to manipulate and count individual electrons, making it simpler and faster than current methods. The standard is based on fundamental properties of nature, like how electrons behave, rather than relying on physical objects or complex calculations. This approach could be used in electronics, instrumentation, and even by the military.
The new system uses two key technologies: an electron pump that moves electrons one by one with extreme accuracy, and a special cryogenic capacitor that holds electrons without losing them. These tools allow for more precise and faster capacitance measurements. While the current standard is very accurate, it is slow and requires specialized labs. The new method could be used in more places and may only need to be one-tenth as accurate to be practical. If adopted, it could join other natural standards for electricity, improving the reliability of electronic devices.
Source: https://www.nist.gov/news-events/news/1999/09/one-electron-two-electrons
Keywords: electron pump, tunnel junctions, cryogenic capacitor
