1. Quantum Thermometer/Optical Refrigerator
– Researchers at NIST and University of Maryland developed a quantum thermometer using micron-scale mechanical beams
– Beams can operate at room temperature, using quantum mechanics for accurate temperature measurement
– Potential applications include on-chip thermometers, biological temperature sensors, and improved metamaterials
2. Organizations
– Joint Quantum Institute (JQI) – collaboration between NIST and University of Maryland
– NIST Center for Nanoscale Science and Technology
3. Status
– Proof-of-concept stage
– Experiments demonstrated quantum effects up to room temperature
– Theoretical work proposed optical refrigeration applications
4. Impact
– Could lead to highly accurate, self-calibrating thermometers
– Potential for better temperature control in electronics and biology
– Improved metamaterials for manipulating light and sound
5. Implementation
– Current research in proof-of-concept stage
– Development timeline not specified, likely years to commercialization
6. Technical Points
– Silicon nitride beams (20 microns long) used as mechanical oscillators
– Quantum fluctuations measured using high-quality photons
– Thermometer relies on fundamental constants (Boltzmann’s and Planck’s constants)
– Optical refrigeration proposed using light to control beam vibrations and divert heat
Source: https://www.nist.gov/news-events/news/2017/06/quantum-thermometer-or-optical-refrigerator
Keywords: Optomechanical, Vibrations, Quantum Fluctuations, Temperature, Photons
