Quantum resistance standards play a crucial role in industrial production and electronics. The precise measurement of electrical resistance is vital in various applications, such as the manufacturing of high-tech sensors, microchips, and flight controls. Recently, researchers at the University of Würzburg have developed a new method to enhance the performance of quantum resistance standards by utilizing the Quantum Anomalous Hall effect.
Unlike the classic Hall effect, where a voltage is induced in a conductor exposed to a magnetic field when a current flows through it, the Quantum Anomalous Hall effect allows for the existence of the quantum Hall effect at zero magnetic field. This phenomenon simplifies experiments and provides advantages in determining physical quantities like the kilogram. The resistance values obtained from the Quantum Anomalous Hall effect are quantized to fundamental constants of nature, making it an ideal standard resistor.
While the Quantum Anomalous Hall effect has shown promise, it was previously limited by low currents that were impractical for metrological use due to disruptions caused by an electric field. To address this issue, the researchers at the University of Würzburg developed a new method involving a multi-terminal Corbino device to neutralize the electric field. This innovation allowed the resistance values to remain quantized at higher currents, thus improving the robustness of the resistance standard based on the Quantum Anomalous Hall effect.
In a feasibility study, the researchers demonstrated the effectiveness of the new measurement method at the precision level offered by basic DC techniques. Their future goal is to test the method using more precise metrological tools in collaboration with the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (German National Metrology Institute, PTB). By working closely with experts in ultra-precise metrological measurements, the researchers aim to further validate and enhance the method for practical applications beyond the Quantum Anomalous Hall effect.
The development of a method to improve the performance of quantum resistance standards through the utilization of the Quantum Anomalous Hall effect represents a significant advancement in the field of metrology. By overcoming previous limitations and enhancing the accuracy of resistance measurements, the researchers at the University of Würzburg have opened up new possibilities for the use of quantum phenomena in practical applications. As further research is conducted and collaborations with metrology experts continue, the potential for this method to revolutionize the way we measure electrical resistance and other physical quantities is promising.
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