Manufacturing Bits: Oct. 2


Quantum satellites The Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering has developed a critical technology to enable quantum satellites. Fraunhofer has developed a quantum source, which would be used in satellites. In theory, the source generates entangled photons and transmits them to Earth from a satellite. They would serve to distribute secure keys for encrypting data. ... » read more

Manufacturing Bits: July 3


X-ray holography Using a technique called X-ray holography, a group of researchers have uncovered the phase transitions of vanadium dioxide. X-ray holography is a promising high-resolution metrology technique. Vanadium dioxide is one of many materials that can exhibit metal or insulator properties depending on the temperature. Vanadium dioxide can switch from an insulating to a metallic pha... » read more

Manufacturing Bits: June 28


Redefining the kilogram The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has developed a new scale that could one day enable a new and improved definition of the kilogram. The scale is called the NIST-4 watt balance. It has conducted its first measurement of a physical quantity called Planck’s constant to within 34 parts per billion. The scale is not intended to alter the va... » read more