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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Remote Sensing Surveys

Remote sensing surveys

NPL's Differential Absorption Lidar provides rapid, accurate measurements of airborne emissions up to 3 km away from industrial plant. The DIAL technology can be used for a number of atmospheric campaigns including:

  • Remote measurements into inaccessible, hazardous or elevated areas.
  • Wide area surveys of ambient air quality.
  • Measurement of total industrial site emissions.
  • Boundary fence monitoring.
  • Identification and quantification of leaks.
  • Plume tracking and source identification from complex industrial plant.
  • Environmental impact assessment.
  • Validation of emission estimates or modelling techniques.
DIAL van

NPL's DIAL can measure simultaneously in the infrared, visible and ultra-violet spectral regions. Real-time data for any gaseous species with characteristic absorptions in UV-VIS-NIR spectral regions including: SO2, NO2, NO, Ozone, Benzene, Toluene, Xylene and higher aromatics, Alkanes, Alkynes, petroleum and diesel vapours, Hg, HCl, N2O, HF and H2S.

Contact

Customer Service tel: +44 20 8943 8637
E-mail: environmental_enquiries@npl.co.uk

Last Updated: 23 Nov 2011
Created: 17 Apr 2007