Pursuing Electric Current Standard Using Single-electron Transfer Devices through International Collaboration

In 2019, the definition of the ampere, the unit of electric current in the International System of Units (SI), was changed from the ampere with which it was physically impossible to implement the defined quantity of the unit of measure to the ampere that can be implemented using quantum devices.Researchers worldwide are now researching to establish a quantum current standard on the basis of the new definition of the ampere.We spoke with Akira Fujiwara, a senior distinguished researcher at NTT Basic Research Laboratories, who developed silicon single-electron transfer devices, one of the basic elements for implementing the electric current standard, and is working toward establishing the electric current standard using such devices through international collaboration.He explained his approach to establishing the electric current standard using silicon single-electron transfer devices, the community that is carrying out this approach, and his thoughts on conducting research in the global arena through friendly competition and discussion.