First steps towards a quantum capacitance standard at METAS

In the 5th framework program of the European Commission, several Metrology Institutes have teamed up in a project (COUNT) aimed at the realization of a primary standard of capacitance based on single electron resistive pumps. In this paper, we report the first steps towards the realization of such a quantum capacitance standard at METAS. The measurement setup is described and the stability diagram of the electron pump, measured at an electronic temperature of 160 mK, is shown. These preliminary results are promising for the future of the experiment.