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As the national metrology institute (NMI), we are focusing on the development and dissemination of measurement standards, promotion of measurement standards utilization, development of measurement technologies related to measurement standards, legal metrology work and training of experts. Our activity covers engineering, physical, material, and chemical measurement standards. It also covers development of measurement and analytical instrumentation. We also coordinate international activities on metrology standards as a national representative.
Researchers at AIST have developed a wavelength-tunable light source capable of precisely controlling output in single-photon units, covering the C-band (1530 nm to 1565 nm) used in optical communications. A photon is the smallest unit of light (electromagnetic waves) and is one of the fundamental particles, alongside electrons and quarks. By controlling photons with high precision, cutting-edge technologies such as quantum communication and quantum computing can be realized. To achieve this, it is necessary to detect the weak light in the wavelength band used for optical communication at the single-photon level. However, until now, it has not been possible to accurately evaluate the proportion of photons detected by a photon detector across the entire C-band. The main challenge has been the absence of a reliable light source that can provide an exact number of photons at any wavelength within this band—a wavelength-tunable "photon ruler." In this study, we developed a wavelength-tunable light source (standard quantum light source) traceable to the national standard for laser power. By using this source as a photon ruler, we established a technology to measure the performance of photon detectors with high precision across the entire C-band wavelength range used in optical communication. This technology enables the reliability of optical sensors to be guaranteed at the same precision level as the national standard for laser power, not only for specific wavelengths but also across the entire C-band range. It is expected to enhance the security of quantum cryptography and the precision of optical quantum computers.
Image of a "photon ruler" with freely adjustable scales depending on wavelength
AIST researchers, in collaboration with Techno Probe Co., Ltd and Keysight Technologies, Inc., have developed a system for universally evaluating the high-frequency characteristics of surface mount power devices with various electrode shapes. Power devices are semiconductor devices that efficiently convert and control electric power by switching large currents on and off at high speeds. They are used in various fields including electric vehicles, railroads, solar power generation, and home appliances. Operating at high switching frequencies makes it possible to reduce the size of power devices, inductors, capacitors, and other components, and is expected to ultimately lead to smaller and lighter systems. To design circuits that operate at high switching frequencies, information on S-parameters, which represent the reflection and transmission of high-frequency signals, is useful. AIST, Techno Probe Co., Ltd and Keysight Technologies, Inc. have developed a probe that converts coaxial into planar electrodes for surface mount power devices and a probe station to control the probe. The developed probes are compatible with the geometry of multiple types of electrodes and can measure S-parameters from 50 kHz to 1 GHz. This is expected to contribute to the development of compact and lightweight power electronic systems for high switching frequencies operation. This newly developed probe allows for easier and less expensive S-parameter measurement. The developed probe and probe station will be launched for sale by Techno Probe Co., Ltd for the Japanese market and by T Plus Co. Ltd. for the overseas market.
S-parameter measurement of power devices using the developed probe
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