Quantum-Based Voltage Metrology with Superconducting Josephson Devices at NIST

Published

July 9, 2016

Author(s)

Samuel P. Benz

Abstract

Over the past three decades, the quantum behavior of Josephson junctions has been exploited to improve the accuracy of dc voltage measurements by five orders of magnitude. State-of-the-art precision voltage-standard systems based on arrays of superconductive Josephson junctions can now provide quantum-accurate, intrinsically stable, programmable voltages at amplitudes greater than 10 V for dc voltages and up to 2 V rms for synthesized ac voltages such as sine waves and arbitrary waveforms. Various measurement techniques have been developed for ac measurement applications in the audio-frequency regime and for 60 Hz power metrology. I describe the key developments in Josephson circuits and in measurement techniques, and summarize their current performance and limitations for voltage metrology applications. In particular, I emphasize how the use of quantum-based systems, even when they produce apparently low-uncertainty and reproducible results, does not guarantee that the measurements are accurate. Finally, I briefly summarize how quantum-accurate, arbitrary waveform synthesis is being used to measure Boltzmann's constant by measuring the Johnson noise of a resistor at the triple-point of water, and how a practical electronic primary temperature standard might be realized with a quantum- based Johnson noise thermometer.

Conference Dates

July 10-15, 2016

Conference Location

Ottawa, CA

Conference Title

Conference on Precision Electromagnetic Measurements

Pub Type

Conferences

Download Paper

https://doi.org/10.1109/CPEM.2016.7539731

Local Download

Keywords

Digital-analog conversion, Josephson junction arrays, power measurement, precision measurements, signal synthesis, standards, superconducting integrated circuits, uncertainty, voltage measurement.

Citation

Benz, S. (2016), Quantum-Based Voltage Metrology with Superconducting Josephson Devices at NIST, Conference on Precision Electromagnetic Measurements, Ottawa, CA, [online], https://doi.org/10.1109/CPEM.2016.7539731, https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=920642 (Accessed May 11, 2026)

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