The ac quantum Hall resistance as an electrical impedance standard and its role in the SI

Abstract

Since 1990, the quantum Hall resistance measured with direct current (dc) has been established to represent and maintain the dc resistance unit and thereby has replaced the former derivation from calculated inductance and capacitance standards. Because of this success, it has been suggested to measure this quantum effect with alternating current (ac) and in this way to derive the units of resistance, capacitance and inductance consistently from the same quantum effect. In this paper, we recall the relations between these units, their role in the determination of the von Klitzing constant and the relations between the fundamental constants involved in the conventional and the quantum approach. Then, we review the first ac measurements of the quantum Hall resistance and show how the difficulties uncovered have been solved by relatively simple means. As a result, the measurement of the ac quantum Hall resistance has become as precise and reliable as its dc counterpart and much more accurate than any conventional impedance artefact.