Illustration of a current measurement with the unified system. Credit: Electronic nature (2025). DOI: 10.1038 / S41928-025-01421-2
A team of scientists revealed how a single quantum device can precisely measure the three fundamental electricity units – the ampère (unit of electric current), the volt (unit of electric potential) and the OHM (unit of electrical resistance). This is an important breakthrough because so far, no instrument could measure the three primary electrical units in a practical system. This means that the manufacture of electrical measures could be more precise and reduce the potential for human error.
Jason Underwood at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in Maryland and his colleagues showed how the device is possible by integrating two key quantum systems in a single cryostat. Namely, a special type of resistance called abnormal quantum room resistance (QAHR) and a programmable Josephson (PJV) voltage standard. Cryostat provides the right environment at low temperature so that both can operate effectively.
Overcome the challenges
The combination of the two quantum systems in a single device was difficult because they rely on fragile quantum phenomena which can only be observed low temperature. In addition, one of the devices requires a strong magnetic field to operate, which interferes with the functioning of the other. However, scientists were able to overcome these difficulties using a new material that can fulfill its quantum functions without the need for a magnetic field. Consequently, the two quantum systems have been successfully integrated into a single device.
The new integrated quantum device works on the principles of quantum mechanics, which are much more precise than conventional methods. Using this new technology, the researchers measured tensions from 0.24 millibolts to 6.5 millibolts with very little error. They also made extremely precise measurements of resistance and electric current.
Future applications
In the end, research, published in the journal Electronic natureSimplifies the manufacturing process of very precise electrical measures and could lead to new ways to define electrical standards. This technology could be used in high -level laboratories and national measurement institutions to perform extremely precise electrical measures. This could mean more precise and reliable data in a variety of fields, including the manufacture of electronic devices, scientific research and medical diagnosis.
Scientists who have carried out research also see a broader impact of such a device, such as encouraging new developments in materials. As they wrote in their article, “our hope is that this initial effort towards a multifunction quantum instrument will stimulate innovation in topological materials systems and in the design and engineering of Cryostat.”
A News & Views on Research article was also published in Electronic nature.
Written for you by our author Paul Arnold, published by Gaby Clark, and verified and revised by Robert Egan – This article is the result of meticulous human work. We are counting on readers like you to keep independent scientific journalism alive. If this report matters to you, please consider a donation (especially monthly). You will get a without advertising count as a thank you.
More information:
Linsey K. Rodenbach et al, a unified realization of the electrical quantities of the international quantum system of units, Electronic nature (2025). DOI: 10.1038 / S41928-025-01421-2
Stephen P. Giblin, simplifying primary electrical standards, Electronic nature (2025). DOI: 10.1038 / S41928-025-01423-0
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