sPS

SPS is an acronym that can refer to several distinct concepts depending on the field. The most widely recognized meaning in international trade and law is Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures, abbreviated SPS. Under the World Trade Organization’s SPS Agreement, member states may adopt measures to protect human, animal, and plant health from risks associated with food and agricultural imports. The agreement requires that such measures be scientifically based, not unjustifiably discriminate between trading partners, and applied only to the extent necessary. It also promotes transparency, risk assessment, and the use of internationally recognized guidelines to facilitate trade while protecting health.

In science and technology, SPS commonly denotes a Single-Photon Source, a device designed to emit one photon on demand. Such sources are central to quantum communication, quantum key distribution, and certain quantum computing protocols. Performance is described by metrics including emission rate, purity, indistinguishability, and background noise, with implementations ranging from quantum dots and color centers in crystals to heralded parametric sources.

SPS can have other specialized meanings in various contexts, including organizational or institutional acronyms used by specific companies, schools, or research groups. Because the same abbreviation is used in multiple domains, the intended meaning is usually clarified by surrounding text or formal definitions.