This article discusses the redefinition of international measurement standards, specifically the kilogram, ampere, kelvin, and mole. Led by Canada’s National Research Council (NRC) and ASTM International, these organizations are working to replace physical prototypes with definitions based on fundamental physics. The transition is currently under review, with new definitions scheduled for implementation in 2018.
These updated standards aim to improve precision for critical sectors like healthcare, international trade, and technology. For example, accurate measurements ensure that GPS satellites remain synchronized and that medical equipment delivers precise radiation doses. By adopting more stable methods, the industry expects to maintain consistency in complex manufacturing and commercial transactions.
The technical shift involves using universal constants like Planck’s constant instead of material artifacts, such as the platinum-iridium kilogram cylinder. This physics-based approach ensures that measurements remain accurate over time, regardless of changes to physical objects. The result is a more robust global infrastructure for quality control and scientific research.
Source: https://www.astm.org/news/numbers-jf16
Keywords: atomic clocks, kilogram redefinition, Planck’s constant
