Background/Objectives
This presentation covers a bit of metrology history of how we got to where we are today and gives a forward-looking vision for the future of measurement science and its important role in our daily lives. The talk will focus a bit on the use of quantum-based measurements and photonics has the potential revolutionize sensor technologies. The role of NIST as a National Metrology institute (NMI) is briefly described considering the world-wide redefinition of units that occurred on May 20th, 2019. The re-definition of units is now aligned with physical constants of nature and fundamental physics which opens new realization routes with quantum-based sensors and standards. The NIST on a Chip program (NOAC) is briefly introduced in this context.
Approach/Activities
The technical core of the lecture will be a deeper dive into research on measurement methods for pressure, the Fixed Length Optical Cavity (FLOC) and for vacuum the Cold Atom Vacuum Standard (CAVS). What is exciting about many of these new measurement approaches is that they are both primary (relying on fundamental physics), are quantum-based and use photons for the measurement readout which is key for taking advantage of the fast-growing field of photonics. The FLOC will enable the elimination of mercury barometers pressure standards worldwide and the CAVS will be first primary standard for making vacuum measurements below 1.3x10-5 Pa. A Sensitive Photonic Thermometer (SPOT) will be introduced, along with other sensing technologies that the NOAC program is currently investigating such as flux, magnetic field, and mass and torque.
Results/Lessons Learned
Quantum-based metrology systems, however exciting, do raise new challenges and several important questions: Can these new realizations enable the size and scale of the realization to be miniaturized to the point where it can be imbedded into everyday products? What will be the role of metrology institutes in the is new ecosystem of metrology and measurement? What will be the NMI role for quality systems and measurement assurance for these new quantum-based systems? This talk will begin to explore these important philosophical questions.