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2023 Bronze Medal Award
Stephen Eckel, James Fedchak, Daniel Barker, Nikolai Klimov, Julia Scherschligt
AWARD CITATION
The group is recognized for creating the first absolute vacuum standard and quantum-mechanical vacuum pressure sensor. The portable Cold Atom Vacuum Standard (pCAVS) is based on the loss rate of cold atoms from a trap due to collisions with residual background particles in deep vacuum. Compared to prior technology, it is more accurate, calibration-free, and safe to use on pristine systems without fear of contamination. The pCAVS resolves all the major problems that have plagued existing vacuum technology for decades.