A primary quantum current standard based on the Josephson and the quantum Hall effects

Abstract

The new definition of the ampere calls for a quantum current standard able to deliver a flow of elementary charges, e, controlled with a relative uncertainty of 10−8. Despite many efforts, nanodevices handling electrons one by one have never demonstrated such an accuracy for a net flow. The alternative route based on applying Ohm’s law to the Josephson voltage and quantum Hall standards recently reached the target uncertainty in the milliampere range, but this was at the expense of the application of error corrections. Here, we present a new programmable quantum current generator, which combines both quantum standards and a superconducting cryogenic amplifier in a quantum electrical circuit enabling the current scaling without errors. Thanks to a full quantum instrumentation, we demonstrate the accuracy of the generated currents, in the microampere range, at quantized values, ±(n/p)efJ, with relative uncertainties less than 10−8, where n and p are integer control parameters and fJ is the Josephson frequency. This experiment sets the basis of a universal quantum realization of the electrical units, for example able of improving high-value resistance measurements and bridging the gap with other quantum current sources. Realizing the ampere, the unit of electrical current, involves controlling a flow of elementary charges with high accuracy. Here, the authors present the generation of sizeable currents at quantized values with relative uncertainties below 10−8.