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EMPIR project on quantum impedance standard realises early uptake

Graphene atomic structure

Establishing SI linked quantum traceability by exploiting the potential of graphene

The project

The marketability of electronic products relies on quantifications of voltage, resistance and impedance.

Completed EMPIR project Graphene impedance quantum standard (18SIB07, GIQS) established a new primary standard for impedance, linked to the revised SI Units, by exploiting the quantum effects of graphene. Prior to this work, industrial and other user communities relied on a long chain of calibrations, originating at a few National Measurement Institutes (NMIs), and extending over further NMIs and commercial calibration service providers to eventually reach the end user. This lengthy chain has been shortened with the simpler, cheaper, and easier to operate primary standard developed by this project, and more affordable and improved measurement services.

Early uptake

Some examples of early uptake of the project’s outputs include:

NIMT, Thailand’s National Metrology Institute, has started to set up a dual Josephson impedance bridge for impedance calibration. This knowledge transfer to emerging NMIs is one major goal of the project. More information.
KRISS has applied for a patent on device encapsulation to improve the long-term stability of graphene-based resistance standards.

Good practice guide and videos available

A good practice guide entitled Graphene-based AC-QHE realization of the farad has been published.

Thirteen videos describing aspects of the work of this EMPIR project are available.

Project Coordinator Klaus Pierz from PTB said

‘The early uptake of the project results is exactly what we hoped to achieve from this EMPIR project. It really makes a difference and helps with an easier realisation of SI-based impedance units. Everyone benefits from the improved calibration of electronic devices and equipment even if they are not aware of it.’

This EMPIR project is co-funded by the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme and the EMPIR Participating States.

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