Nanowire device slips ahead in current race

A phenomenon known as quantum phase slip has been used to generate a current by moving pairs of electrons through an ultrathin wire. The feat is good news for efforts to pin down the standard unit of current.

Automated summary

Scientists have successfully generated a current by utilizing the phenomenon of quantum phase slip to move pairs of electrons through an ultrathin wire. This achievement is significant for the determination of the standard unit of current.