NIST scientists, in collaboration with industry partners, have validated a new pressure measurement standard called the Fixed Length Optical Cavity (FLOC). This quantum-based instrument replaces traditional mercury manometers by using light and gas properties to determine pressure with extreme precision. The technology has successfully moved from large prototypes to a compact, transportable version that does not require periodic recalibration.
The device works by measuring how light travels through a gas compared to a vacuum, using quantum-chemistry calculations to account for the specific gas type. This method offers up to 35 times higher precision than existing standards and eliminates the use of toxic mercury, making it ideal for industries like aerospace and microchip manufacturing. A related system is also in development to further refine how gas properties are measured for future calibration needs.
Source: https://www.nist.gov/noac/technology/thermodynamics/floc-pressure-sensor
Keywords: Fixed Length Optical Cavity, photonic manometer, refractive index
