In 2014, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) contributed to major scientific discoveries by deploying specialized superconducting amplifier chips in telescope cameras, such as those used by the BICEP2 project and the Atacama Cosmology Telescope. These chips are designed to amplify extremely weak signals, a capability that is critical for both astronomical observation and the development of sensitive quantum sensors. While the initial discovery of cosmic signals was later attributed partly to dust, the technology has been successfully implemented and is currently used in approximately ten different telescope cameras to support ongoing research.
Beyond astronomy, NIST researchers are using a precision instrument called a watt balance to refine the value of the Planck constant, which could eventually lead to a more accurate definition of the kilogram. This work, along with NIST detectors that helped achieve a record quantum teleportation distance of 15.5 miles, highlights the institute’s role in advancing measurement standards. These technologies are currently in active use, with the potential to influence future quantum technologies and scientific calculations as the research continues.
Source: https://www.nist.gov/news-events/news/2015/01/nist-contributes-medias-top-science-stories-2014
Keywords: superconducting amplifier chips, b-mode observation, Planck constant
