**Quantum Standard: Kibble Balance**
The Kibble balance is a revolutionary and highly accurate way to measure mass, developed by NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology). It uses quantum mechanics to directly tie the measurement of mass to Planck’s constant, a fundamental constant of nature.
**Organizations Developing the Standard:**
– The NIST Physical Measurement Laboratory
– Researchers from around the world who have contributed to its development
**Current Status:**
– Implemented in 2019 with the calibration standard now tied to Planck’s constant
– Currently used for calibrating scales across all 50 states in the US
**Potential Impact on Quantum Technologies:**
The Kibble balance has simplified and streamlined mass metrology by eliminating reliance on physical artifacts. This innovation will improve accuracy in various fields such as science research, commerce, and law enforcement.
**Implementation Timeframes:**
NIST aims for every laboratory across the country to use tabletop versions of their prototype balances within this decade.
Source: https://www.nist.gov/news-events/news/2025/06/nists-kibble-balance-mass-revolution
Keywords: Metrology, Mass calibration, Kibble balance
