Mechanical Metrology Group
The Mechanical Metrology Group establishes national standards for the unit of mass (kg), unit of force (N), unit of pressure (Pa), and also in torque/volume/density/gravity areas, developing and disseminating related measurement standards and technology. Following the redefinition of the SI base units in 2019, the group set a vision to lay new measurement foundations for future growth national industries such as semiconductor and bio-industries, using a system of mechanical standards based on physical constants. The group is currently developing Planck-constant-based standards for mass, micro-force, and torque, and Boltzmann-constant-based standard for pressure. Additionally, the group is conducting applied industrial research to develop tactile sensors for robots, and developing ultra-precise measurement technologies for superconducting gravimetry.
Current R&D Projects
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1
Development of kilogram realization and dissemination technology based on the Planck constant
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2
Development of micro-mechanical standards based on the Planck constant
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3
Development of a vacuum standard based on the Boltzmann constant
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4
Development of tactile sensors for robotic applications
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5
Development of superconducting gravimeter technology
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6
Maintaining national metrology system in the field of mechanical quantities, and providing calibration/testing services for mass, force, torque, pressure, vacuum, volume, density, and gravity.
Recent R&D Highlights
- 1 kg realization based on Planck constant by developing the first prototype of a Kibble balance with an uncertainty of 0.1 mg
- Participation of the first kilogram key comparison after redefinition of mass unit
- Design of a Micro-Kibble balance and manufacturing a prototype
- Improvement of force control stability of the 5 MN hydraulic amplification force machine
- Interferometric system for a vacuum standard based on Planck constant
- Fingertip tactile sensor modules with multi-modal sensing capability
- Development of essential technologies for a superconducting gravimeter
Introducing Teams in a Group
Planck Constant Mass Team
The Planck Constant Mass Team develops and disseminates technology related to the unit of mass, such as a Kibble balance to realize the kilogram based on the Planck constant. The team is developing precision measurement technology such as electrical, mechanical, and optical technologies required for the realization of the kilogram and uses the developed technologies to realize and disseminate the national kilogram standard.
Key Research Area
- Development of kilogram realization technology using KRISS Kibble balance
- Development of evaluation technologies for mass standard’s properties and stability
- Development of kilogram dissemination technology
Planck Constant Force Team
Following the redefinition of mass, force standards could be directly realized based on electromagnetic force instead of the energy-based product of mass and gravitational acceleration. As a result, it became possible to precisely realize micro-forces through electromagnetic force. The Planck Constant Force Team aims to further improve the precision of micro-force (mass) measurements, which is highly important for the semiconductor, pharmaceutical, nanotechnology, and environmental industries. Furthermore, the team will prepare for the 4th Industrial Revolution by developing tactile sensor technology to be applied in industries such as robotics and virtual reality.
Key Research Area
- Development of a micro Kibble balance (0.5 μN ~ 5 mN)
- Development of ultra-small force realization technology using optical pressure
- Development of superconducting quantum force standard
- Development of tactile sensors
- Development of force/torque standards dissemination technology
Vacuum Pressure Metrology Team
The Vacuum Pressure Metrology Team is responsible for researching vacuum and leak standards under pressures ranging from atmospheric pressure to vacuum environments with pressures of 10-6 Pa. The team also offers calibrations related to these standards. Additionally, the team conducts applied technology research such as vacuum equipment and vacuum chamber evaluation research.
Key Research Area
- Development of vacuum standard based on the Boltzmann constant
- Development of evaluation technology for vacuum equipment such as vacuum sensors and chambers
- Development of vacuum/leak standards dissemination technology
Superconducting Gravity Team
The Superconducting Gravity Team develops core fundamental technology to achieve world-class high-sensitivity gravity measurements. Additionally, the team conducts research that integrates absolute/relative gravity standards. The Mechanical Metrology Group also engages in collaborative research on standard reference data generation with international equivalence for the establishment of a national geoid network, as well as research on pressure standards to meet new industrial demands, which include dynamic mechanical standards.
Key Research Area
- Development of superconducting gravimeter technology
- Development of absolute/relative gravity standards technology
- Gravitational acceleration standard reference data center
- Development of dynamic mechanical testing and pressure standards technology
About Other Groups
