NOTICE: Due to a lapse in annual appropriations, most of this website is not being updated. Learn more.
Form submissions will still be accepted but will not receive responses at this time. Sections of this site for programs using non-appropriated funds (such as NVLAP) or those that are excepted from the shutdown (such as CHIPS and NVD) will continue to be updated.
An official website of the United States government
Here’s how you know
Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock (
) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
An electronic measurement of the Boltzmann constant
Published
Author(s)
Samuel P. Benz, Alessio Pollarolo, Jifeng Qu, Horst Rogalla, Chiharu Urano, Weston L. Tew, Paul D. Dresselhaus, D. R. White
Abstract
The Boltzmann constant was measured by comparing the Johnson noise of a resistor at the triple point of water with a quantum-based voltage reference signal generated with a superconducting Josephson-junction waveform synthesizer. The measured value of k = 1.380651(18)×10^23 J/K is consistent with the current CODATA value and the combined uncertainties. This is our first measurement of k with this electronic technique, and the first noise thermometry measurement to achieve a relative combined uncertainty of 13 parts in 10^6. We describe the most recent improvements to our Johnson Noise Thermometer that enabled the statistical uncertainty contribution to be reduced to seven parts in 10^6, as well as the further reduction of spurious systematic errors and EMI effects. The uncertainty budget for this measurement is discussed in detail.
Benz, S.
, Pollarolo, A.
, Qu, J.
, Rogalla, H.
, Urano, C.
, Tew, W.
, Dresselhaus, P.
and White, D.
(2011),
An electronic measurement of the Boltzmann constant, Metrologia, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=907640
(Accessed October 10, 2025)