National Physical Laboratory

  • Science + Technology

    Science + Technology

    NPL maintains a wide portfolio of internationally visible research programmes that advances measurement science, underpins the SI system and supports various cross-disciplinary technologies.

    Science stories

    • Measurement in 2020

      Kamal Hossain, Director of Research and International, outlines in QMT magazine, how NPL is rising to meet the measurement challenges of the next two decades.
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    • Order from disorder

      Collaborative research into a protein associated with Parkinson’s disease explores a novel way of organising proteins at the nanoscale.
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    • Radiotherapy doses to be more accurate

      Collaborative research on the distribution of charged particles during treatment will contribute to safer radiotherapy for cancer patients.
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    • The tick-tock of the optical clock

      A new frequency measurement in an ytterbium ion could form the basis for the next generation of optical atomic clocks.
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  • Commercial Services

    Commercial Services

    NPL's commercial services are built on 100 years of leadership in accuracy, innovation and scientific research. Experienced consultants and project managers draw upon a unique combination of industry know-how and world-leading scientific discovery to deliver real-world business solutions and enable innovation and secure competitive advantage.

    Testimonials

    • Bentley Logo

      Thanks to NPL Training, the measurement associates are now thinking out of the box. We are already seeing a faster turnaround of measurement activities with higher accuracy and increased confidence. NPL is known for its technical expertise in this area, and can provide the highest level validated training. It's added to our professionalism and improved communication with our suppliers.

      Mark Imms
      Metrology Manager
      Bentley Motors

    • surreysat2

      NPL has provided us with very valuable services, which have helped ensure that our satellites offer the accuracy needed provide our customers with technology they can trust, and remain ahead of our competitors.

      Dr Martin Unwin
      Head of GNSS/GPS Team
      Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd

    • bpGif



      BP Exploration has continued to benefit from NPL's world class corrosion testing and modelling capabilities in 2009, and we intend to cooperate even more closely in 2010 and beyond.

      Steve Groves
      Programmes Manager
      Inherently Reliable Facilities Flagship BP
  • Educate + Explore

    Educate + Explore

    We strive to actively promote public awareness and appreciation of science and technology, particularly the importance of measurement and the role of NPL. Here you can find out more about the interesting things we do, science outreach activities you can get involved in or take a look at some of our educational resources.

    Outreach Activities

  • NMS Learning Zone
  • Measurement Network

    Measurement Network

    For anyone with an interest in measurement. It aims to facilitate the sharing of measurement knowledge and information between NPL scientists and members of the network, as well as providing a forum for the sharing and exchange of information and advice between members and other measurement experts.

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Laser Trackers

Laser trackers are polar coordinate measuring systems capable of high accuracy measurements over long distances, for example the system used by NPL can measure 40m distances to within ± 60μm.

The tracker makes measurements of the positions of spherically mounted retro-reflectors (SMR) in terms of two angles (horizontal and vertical), measured using angular scales mounted in the tracker mechanics, and distance (radius) to the SMR, using a laser interferometer. Simple trigonometry converts these into the usual Cartesian coordinates people are used to dealing with (x, y, z). Special tooling fixtures allow the measurement of not just individual point locations, but also of surfaces (flatness, level), angles (squareness), surface form and alignment between parts. By combining laser trackers with other measuring systems, such as laser scanners, large objects with complex surfaces can be measured.

Click here for further information on NPL's large scale metrology capabilities.

Contact

Customer Service tel: +44 20 8943 8631
E-mail: dimensional_enquiries@npl.co.uk

Last Updated: 19 Mar 2012
Created: 17 Jan 2011