Calculation of Relative Uncertainty When Measuring Physical Constants: CODATA Technique Vs Information Method

Abstract

Aims: To analyze the results of measurements of the Boltzmann, gravitational and Planck constants using a theoretically sound information approach in comparison with the CODATA technique. Place and Duration of Study: Beer-Sheba, between January 2019 and May 2019. Methodology: Using the concepts of information theory, the amount of information contained in the measurement model of a physical constant is calculated. This allows us to find the value of the comparative uncertainty proposed by Brillouin, and the achievable value of the relative uncertainty, taking into account the basic SI values used on each test bench when measuring physical constants. Results: An unsolved question was to find the amount of information contained in the model of the measurement of a physical constant, which can be converted to the value of the achievable absolute uncertainty. This value now has an exact analytical formula. It is notoriously difficult to study the consistency of the measurement results of physical constants, but the proposed mathematical tool, developed using the concepts of information theory, allow us to simplify the analysis completely. Conclusion: The information method leads to an intuitive and logically justified calculation of the relative uncertainty, which is compatible with the current practice of CODATA. This allows you to identify the threshold discrepancy between the model and the object under study. Proof of this is the calculation of the achievable value of the relative uncertainty when measuring the Boltzmann, gravitational and Planck constants. The proposed information-oriented method for calculating the relative uncertainty in measuring physical constants represents a new tool when formulating a modernized SI.