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Spark discharge

Collaborative research enables increase in standards availability

EMPIR project ‘Towards the propagation of ac quantum voltage standards’ (14RPT01, ACQ-PRO) increased European measurement and research capacity by providing European National Measurement Institutes and Designated Institutes with access to AC quantum voltage references, where access to such facilities was previously limited.

This increased number of institutes using AC quantum voltage standards will enable the diversification of research and development of specific industrial applications across a wide range of electrical measurements. These include semiconductor and instrumentation manufacturers, improved climate change measurements, improved magnet control in fundamental science experiment, dynamic force in advanced manufacturing, and power quality measurements.

The work carried out within the collaborative project includes:

• Free access collection of training materials on Quantum based Voltage measurement, open book on Good Practice Guide on Quantum Voltage Standards, new AC quantum voltage design and open source software (called PJVS-driving-tool) developed to be used by institutes for driving the AC quantum standards, enabling a decreased time to set up the new device.
• Establishment of new Quantum Voltage Standards in four NMIs within the project. These NMIs have participated in a “call 2018 SI broader scope” JRP proposal.
• A pioneering intercomparison to validate AC quantum voltage standards.

This EMPIR project is co-funded by the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme and the EMPIR Participating States