Quantum Metrology: Foundation of Units and Measurements

Ernst O. Goebel, U. Siegner

The International System of Units (SI) is the world's most widely used system of measurement, used every day in commerce and science, and is the modern form of the metric system. It currently comprises the meter (m), the kilogram (kg), the second (s), the ampere (A), the kelvin (K), the candela (cd) and the mole (mol)). The system is changing though, units and unit definitions are modified through international agreements as the technology of measurement progresses, and as the precision of measurements improves. The SI is now being redefined based on constants of nature and their realization by quantum standards. Therefore, the underlying physics and technologies will receive increasing interest, and not only in the metrology community but in all fields of science. This book introduces and explains the applications of modern physics concepts to metrology, the science and the applications of measurements. A special focus is made on the use of quantum standards for the realization of the forthcoming new SI (the international system of units). The basic physical phenomena are introduced on a level which provides comprehensive information for the experienced reader but also provides a guide for a more intense study of these phenomena for students.

Mauro Paternostro, Diogo de Oliveira Soares Pinto

J.L. Flowers

This document presents a number of roadmaps for key metrology areas. These were developed within the Quantum Programme of the UK Department of Trade and Industry National Measurement System Policy Unit. We describe how these roadmaps were produced and discuss how the process can be carried forward to produce an international roadmap for quantum metrology.

Waldemar Nawrocki

Waldemar Nawrocki

Ken Krechmer

Superposition is a quantum mechanical concept currently without a recognized equivalent in metrology measurements. Relative Measurement Theory (RMT) developed the significance of unit standards to metrology measurements. This paper introduces a limit into Cantor's Transfinite Set Theory (CTST) and develops how it relates to a unit standard. Recognizing CTST also describes a superposition, this paper develops how a transfinite superposition transforms into a normal distribution of metrology measurement results, when measurement results include calibration to a unit standard. Then a superposition has an equivalent set of metrology measurements.