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Quantum

Objectives of the Quantum Metrology Programme

The main objectives of the NMS Quantum Metrology Programme are:

• To secure the links between the SI (International System of Units) units;
• To explore novel techniques and technologies that have the potential to make significant improvements to the NMS;
• To carry out targeted research and development activities to anticipate future NMS requirements

The Quantum programme provides the longer term underpinning research that is necessary to support the future development of the other NMS programmes. The key feature of this programme is its long-term view, up to 20 years ahead. This is necessary because industry typically demands a factor of ten reduction in the uncertainty of measurement standards over a ten-year period, and more in some fast moving fields. Such improvements in metrology can only be achieved if research keeps abreast of and explores the potential of new science and technology, while development projects are needed to ensure the most promising new measurement techniques are taken to the stage where they can benefit industry in an appropriate time scale.

Beneficiaries of the Quantum Metrology Programme

The “customers” of the Quantum programme are not measurement users in industry but the other NMS programmes. These programmes, which are closer to eventual users needs, receive projects which have been through their early stages in the quantum programme in order to finalise them to deliver the usable outcome.

Included within the Quantum programme is work on the determination of fundamental constants and quantum processes related to the SI units. The use of standards based on such constants and processes is desirable as they allow measurement standards to be realised in any appropriately equipped and operated laboratory without recourse to a physical artefact.

Programme Theme Structure

There are three themes within the current programme:

• Time & Frequency and Photonics
  Frequency metrology has a strong underpinning role across measurement and quantum physics, offering advances in: Provision of the SI units of time and length, Satellite navigation and ranging, Optical and microwave telecommunications, and Fundamental physics and constants;
• Fundamental Constants
  The accurate determination of physical constants provides integrity and reliability to the SI, in some cases to maintain or realise a unit, and sometimes to provide interrelationships ensuring that different parts of the measurement system give comparable results.
• Towards Quantum Detection
  Towards Quantum Detection relates primarily to the delivery of Quantum Metrology Programme objectives of exploitation of novel science in the areas of quantum or atomic physics and particle detection, leading towards the development of future measurement standards. All of the projects in this group can be seen as introducing, or further developing, new measurement techniques which, after a period of research and development, may be expected to yield wide ranging measurement applications cutting across the NMS Unit Programme Themes.