Oxford Instruments, NPL, NGI Successfully Test Graphene Quantum, Metrology System

High technology developer Oxford Instruments NanoScience has completed a graphene characterization and primary resistance metrology project with the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) and the National Graphene Institute (NGI) at the University of Manchester.

“This is an exciting achievement by the consortium in demonstrating the industrial feasibility of using graphene and 2D materials to commercialize quantum measurement systems and enable new, innovative and turnkey solutions in standard measurements and 2D materials characterization,” said Ziad Melhem, alliances manager at Oxford Instruments NanoScience.

The quantum measurement system operates at cryogen-free low magnetic fields and will enable primary resistance calibrations with unprecedented accuracies to be used by national metrology laboratories and industrial companies. The collaboration was led by Oxford Instruments and the turnkey system has been developed, verified and tested at company’s Tubney Wood site. The project has been partially funded by Innovate UK for development of commercial measurement system for nanotechnology applications, reducing operational costs, time and complexity.

“This is an exciting development because calibration laboratories have long wanted to have primary resistance traceability on the shop floor,” said JT Janssen, research director of the NPL. “This novel technology will make this a reality for the first time and open the door to many more innovative applications.”

NPL is the UK’s national measurement institute, working with business, academia and government to offer measurement science and technology. NGI is the national center of excellence for graphene and 2D materials research in the UK. Oxford Instruments NanoScience designs, supplies and supports research tools that enable quantum technologies, new materials and device development in the physical sciences.