The Boltzmann constant has been re-determined by PTB scientists using Dielectric-Constant Gas Thermometry, with an uncertainty of 8 ppm. This achievement demonstrates that DCGT is suitable for determining fundamental constants and brings the country closer to redefining the kelvin unit.
The Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) has developed a primary standard for the measurement of short-lived radioactive thoron, allowing for accurate calibration of thoron measuring instruments. This enables the estimation of risks associated with thoron exposure through its progenies.
The Avogadro project has achieved a milestone in measuring the Avogadro constant with unprecedented precision, using a highly enriched single crystal of silicon-28. The measurement uncertainty has been reduced to 3 × 10^(-22), enabling a more accurate definition of the kilogram based on fundamental constants.
A new generator has been developed to produce synthetic breath for evidential breath analyzers, reducing measurement uncertainty in alcohol concentration. The device can also be used to calibrate other sensors with different components.
A study of smokers and non-smokers found that smokers have a thinner cerebral cortex, specifically in the medial orbito-frontal region. This region is crucial for reward, impulse control, and decision-making. Further research is needed to determine if smoking causes or contributes to this brain structure change.
Magnetic nanoparticles are injected into tumors to generate heat for cancer treatment. Magnetic relaxometry measures the relaxation of magnetic moments to determine particle quantity, allowing for selective tumor treatment.
Researchers investigated how defects in graphene affect its electronic properties. They found that surface quality plays a crucial role in controlling plasmons, which could be harnessed for future technical applications.
By using a special design and the principle of anti-reflective layers, researchers have made graphene visible on gallium arsenide. This achievement enables the measurement of electrical properties of the new material combination, paving the way for further research and development in electronics.
Researchers at PTB have demonstrated a more compact and portable optical atomic clock, which uses strontium-88 instead of strontium-87. The new design minimizes collisions between atoms, resulting in increased accuracy and stability. Potential applications include precise height determination and improved gravitation maps.
Researchers at PTB found that with xenon, a whole light-wave packet seems to knock out a huge number of internal electrons, dependent on material properties. This discovery challenges current models of the photoelectric effect and has significance for future experiments in materials research.
The European Union has launched a €400 million research program to develop highly precise measurements in healthcare, energy, environmental and advanced technology sectors. The EMRP program aims to bring together the best minds from one research area, creating new foundations for metrology.
A new method developed at the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) improves the stability of caesium fountain clocks by reducing measurement times and increasing accuracy. This is achieved through the use of a microwave oscillator stabilized with lasers, allowing for more precise frequency measurements.
Scientists developed a method to measure the transport of therapeutic genes through the body using magnetic nanoparticles. The technology significantly increases gene transfer efficiency compared to non-magnetic methods, with potential for targeted cell delivery.
Researchers at PTB have developed a single electron pump that injects precisely spun electrons into a semiconductor structure. This breakthrough enables the manipulation of individual spins for information processing, with potential advantages in speed and energy efficiency.