EMPIR chipS·CALe - Self-calibrating photodiodes for the radiometric linkage to fundamental constants

This EURAMET European Metrology Programme for Innovation and Research (EMPIR) project 18SIB10 chipS·CALe is focussed on developing a more robust linkage to the revised SI candela for optical power measurements. An improved and simplified traceability chain is vitally important for spectrally resolved measurements in photonics across industry and science. Using today’s methods, the uncertainty on measurements of optical quantities is limited by the properties and insufficient stability of current silicon transfer standard detectors, as well as costs of operation and required expertise for use. The novel combination of two independent primary standard detectors: a solid-state predictable quantum efficient detector (PQED) and a cryogenic electrical substitution radiometer (ESR) will be used to create a robust link to the revised SI by measuring the fundamental constant ratio e/h. The novel packaging of the two standards could also facilitate improved dissemination of optical quantities particularly where a primary standard needs to be used in challenging non-NMI environments, generating for the first time an “NMI-on-a-chip” for optical power measurements.

Animation video describing PQED


Project news
  • November 2-3 2022: Final project meeting at CMI, Prague
  • August 30 2022: Conference proceedings with the title "Optical Studies of a High-Performance Predictable Quantum Efficient Detector Based on Induced-Junction Photodiodes Passivated with SiO2/SiNx" by Mikhail Korpusenko et al was published in Engineering proceedings
  • October 31 2022: An article with the title "Long-term spectral responsivity stability of predictable quantum efficient detectors" by Geiland Porrovecchio et al was published in Metrologia
  • May 20 2022: An article with the title "Dual-mode room temperature self-calibrating photodiodes approaching cryogenic radiometer uncertainty" by Marit S Ulset et al was published in Metrologia
  • May 4 – 5 2022: Fifth project meeting at CNAM, Paris
  • A paper devoted to 3D simulation model of PQED key parameters was accepted in Metrologia
  • Euramet published an article devoted to Chipscale project: EMPIR project provides essential support to the European photonics community
  • The project recieved Researcher Mobility Grant (RMG): 18SIB10-RMG1 Application of PQED in the ultraviolet wavelength range for improved traceability of solar UV irradiance measurements. Duration 1 February – 30 November 2022.
  • October 11-12, 2021: Forth project meeting, done remotely.
  • November 25-26, 2020: Third midterm project meeting, done remotely.
  • February 12-13, 2020: Second project meeting at INRiM, Italy.
  • June 4-5, 2019: Project kick-off meeting held at Justervesenet, Norway.
  • June 1, 2019: EMPIR project chipS·CALe starts on 1.6.2019. Project duration is 42 months.
Collaborators and Stakeholders

Your opinion and support are important to us. If you would like to influence the outcome and follow the progress of the project closer, register as a Stakeholder. Contact either Mikhail Korpusenko (WP Impact) or Jarle Gran (Coordinator). The contact details can be found on the Contact page of the website. Below you can find downloadable content of the project that is aimed at all Stakeholders and Collaborators of the project. New material will be regularly added here or on the Results page of the website. The official publishable summary of the project will be updated throughout the project, whenever new updates are available.