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Electronics

Overview

In the realm of electrons and light, NIST provides the standards, develops the instruments and performs the calibrations necessary to keep both the smallest electronic components and the largest power grids running smoothly and safely.

Featured Content

Smart Grid program

Electronics Topics

Superconducting electronics

The Research

Projects & Programs

Chemical Functionalization and Manipulation of Nano Materials

This project focuses on understanding the potential for nanoscale engineered materials to advance state-of-the-art spectroscopic techniques and foster the

Electric Power Metrology and the Smart Grid

Our country's way of life depends on the electric power distribution system. Keeping the national electric grid in good working order -- and ensuring power is

Single Photonics and Quantum Information

The smallest unit of light is a "photon". Generation, manipulation and measurement of light at or near the fundamental limit of a photon can enhance the

Three-Dimensional Nanometer Metrology

We use physics theories to understand and simulate the interaction of electrons, light, and mechanical probes with nanometer-scale structures, devices and

View All Projects/Programs

Additional Resources Links

Publications

Illustration: Computer chip in middle; surrounded by images of different scanning techniques

Next-Generation Chips Require Multiple Measurement Approaches

Measurement science—or metrology—is critically important in computer chips, from design to manufacturing and quality control.

The metrology requirements for next-generation computer chips are stringent and specialized. No single instrument has the speed and sensitivity that’s needed to characterize a host of complex material parameters and measure all of a chip’s dimensions—the tiny sizes and distances between its various features.

Learn more about NIST's work in this space.

News

the D squared M squared CM device in action. Red and green cells filter through membranes to meet in the middle of an X pattern.

Paving the Way for Electronic Organs-on-a-Chip

It may sound like science fiction, but “organ on a chip” systems — devices capable of imitating the interaction of cells in a specific organ such as the lungs or liver — have begun to be used to test the effectiveness of drugs in the past few years. We use these systems to quantify the physical properties of cells, which provide information regarding the cells’ health before and after treatment

Gray ovals on blue background are linked to curved gray lines.

NIST Team Directs and Measures Quantum Drum Duet

Nathan Tomlin wears protective clothes and safety goggles while reaching into a complex-looking scientific device.

Spotlight: Thermal Detectors Among the Stars to Study the Earth’s Climate

Illustration shows computer monitor linked to walkie talkie on one side and smartphone on the other.