The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is developing new measurement standards based on quantum physics to replace traditional physical objects. These standards define electrical resistance and mass using unchanging atomic properties, such as quantum devices made from graphene and a new electronic mass standard. The organization is actively working to link these quantum principles with classical measurement tools to ensure accuracy across all scales.
Currently, NIST is in the implementation and refinement phase of these systems, utilizing a portal to track the transition to these new definitions. This infrastructure is designed to support U.S. industry competitiveness and security by providing more stable and universal units of measure. The work ensures that critical applications, from renewable energy grids to nanomaterial research, rely on precise, reproducible measurements.
By replacing traditional physical standards with ones based on fundamental physics, NIST aims to improve measurement reliability for the future. This shift allows for more consistent calibration of equipment used in high-tech manufacturing and research. The ongoing development ensures that as new technologies emerge, the measurement standards will continue to evolve to support national leadership in the global economy.
Source: https://www.nist.gov/pml/quantum-measurement/objectives/electrical-mass-and-force-metrology
Keywords: SI redefinition, quantum Hall effect, electronic kilogram
