The Measurement of the Silicon Lattice Parameter and the Count of Atoms to Realise the Kilogram

Abstract

AbstractX-ray interferometry established a link between atomic and macroscopic realisations of the metre. The possibility of measuring the silicon lattice parameter in terms of optical wavelengths opened the way to count atoms, to determine the Avogadro constant with unprecedented accuracy, and, nowadays, to realise the kilogram from the Planck constant. Also, it is a powerful tool in phase-contrast imaging by X-rays and, combined with optical interferometry, in linear and angular metrology with capabilities at the atomic scale. This review tells the history of the development of this fascinating technology at the Istituto Nazionale di Ricerca Metrologica in the last forty years. Eventually, it highlights its contribution to the redefinition of the International System of Units (SI).