The research at the national laboratories at RISE must meet the needs for accurate metrology that society will have in the future. But it's not just about being able to measure more accurately. Making the technology accessible is at least as important.
Martin Zelan has a long perspective. In his own research in laser and atomic physics, and in his role of coordinating and developing the research that takes place at the national laboratories at RISE, it is crucial to look ahead and develop the technology that society will need in the future, even if we do not see those needs right now.
“Metrological research might benefit society in 30, 40 or perhaps 100 years. When the laser was developed in the 60s, there were few areas of use, but since then the technology has proven to be useful in a vast number of different fields. Fast mobile communication and positioning systems such as GPS would not have been possible without the curiosity-driven research in atomic physics that led to the "atomic second" in the 60s”, says Martin Zelan.
Looking back, we can see that the need for accuracy has always increased, and there is no reason to think that will change in the future
Accurate references
To measure something with a certain accuracy, there needs to be references that are even more accurate with which to compare. Developing these references is a large part of the research that takes place at the national laboratories and in international metrological research.
“An example where a lot of research is being done is in advanced atomic clocks. It is already possible to measure the second much more accurately than is possible with the atomic clocks that are used to produce our time scales today”, says Martin Zelan and continues:
“At the same time, it is difficult to see a direct application for that accuracy. We need to be humble in the face of the fact that we cannot predict all future needs and possible areas of use. But looking back, we can see that the need for accuracy has always increased, and there is no reason to think that will change in the future”.
He points out that the research at the national laboratories also has a strong focus on applications.
“It is very important that we work closely with the industry and stay relevant to the needs that exist today. Metrology is incredibly important for business, research, and trade, and we need to solve the measuring problems of today”, says Martin Zelan.
Cheaper and easier to use
Better measuring methods and more accurate measurements are important parts of metrology. But measuring with the highest accuracy is complicated and requires well-equipped laboratories with competent staff.
“One of the most important issues for the future is to make metrology more accessible by making it cheaper and easier to use. We need to develop solutions with high accuracy that can be used in the industry and help make Swedish businesses even more competitive. This is at least as important as measuring more accurately”, says Martin Zelan.
The development of SI a prerequisite
A prerequisite for making metrology more accessible is the development of the international system of units (SI). Since 2019, all SI units are defined based on defining constants and not on physical objects. The kilogram is no longer defined as the International Prototype Kilogram (IPK) in Paris, but instead as an equation containing the defining Planck's constant. In theory, this means that anyone with a good laboratory can "create" a kilogram to make comparisons with the utmost accuracy.
“Previously, to achieve the best possible accuracy, one had to compare with the IPK on site in Paris, which is not very accessible. The redefinition creates the conditions for better and more accessible metrology, and there are many initiatives around the world that aim to develop solutions that can be used directly in companies and businesses”, says Martin Zelan.
International collaborations
For a small National Metrology Institute like RISE, international collaborations are important to keep up with the developments in international metrology.
“We participate in many EU funded projects with our European colleagues, which is crucial for us to keep up both in technology and in terms of competence. Although we are far ahead in certain areas, we cannot compete with the big National Metrology Institutes in all fields. But one of the good things about international metrology is that results and technology are always shared, so their work also benefits us”, says Martin Zelan.
National Metrology Institute and National Laboratories
As the National Metrology Institute of Sweden RISE maintains metrological traceability through the National Laboratories for different physical quantities. Chains of calibrations, national standards and international comparisons makes certain that a kilogram is a kilogram and a meter a meter everywhere.
