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

    • The world's slowest clock

      Collaborative research between NPL and SUERC has calibrated the argon-argon clock, which is used to date geological events.

    • Finite element code released

      'Zinc' is a multiphysics finite element code capable of solving a wide range of physics and multiphysics problems.

    • TB or not TB

      NPL and Orla Protein Technologies have taken a step closer to differential diagnosis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis - the bacterium that causes tuberculosis.
  • 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 Activites

  • 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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Image gallery

  • Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) measures the temperatures and heat flow in materials as a function of time and temperature, providing information about physical and chemical changes that involve a change in heat capacity or external temperature.
     
  • The electromagnetic anechoic chamber is used to calibrate antennas at frequencies up to 18GHz. The room is specially designed to absorb any and all electromagnetic waves, allowing precise measurements to be made without interference.
     
  • The NPL apparatus for single molecule imaging. By using three lasers (red, green and blue) we can use three different colours of fluorescence, enabling us to monitor up to three different types of molecule in the same experiment.
     
  • A polyurethane tile developed as an acoustic absorber for sonar frequency water tanks. The tile, developed through proof-of-concept funding, has properties which make it very absorbing and minimally reflective to water-borne sound above a frequency of 20 kHz.
     
  • This strontium end cap ion trap could redefine the way that the world measures the second. Current time measurements are made using caesium fountain clocks, but the team working on the ion trap clocks estimate that they could measure time up to 1000 times more accurately.
     
  • The UV Dosimeter, created by scientists at NPL, helps to minimise the risk of ultraviolet treatment by measuring the dose given as accurately as possible. UV treatment is used for skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.
     

Flickr

Latest photos from our Flickr account.
  • 1928 NPL Christmas Card
  • 1928 NPL Christmas Card
  • 180 trainee teachers learning about science
  • David's score
  • David Willetts alongside John Pethica and Peter Mason
  • David Willetts
  • David Willetts chats to staff on the NPL stand
  • Peter Mason using a piezoelectric 'piano'
  • Martyn Sené with a thermoelectric harvester

Featured

  • Leap second deferred [Featured]

    The decision as to whether or not to abolish leap seconds has been deferred until at least 2015, after a meeting at the Radiocommunications Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland.

  • International space station

    NPL's Time & Frequency group have received confirmation of funding approval from the UK Space Agency to apply to ESA for a microwave ground station...

  • Ruler [Featured]

    NPL has developed new software to promote and support the use of the Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement...

  • Training to measure and model antennas [Featured]

    In 2011's Annual Review you will find over 70 highlights of NPL's achievements throughout the year.

  • Atomic Force [Featured]

    NPL scientists have created a functional model of the native extracellular matrix which provides structural support to cells to aid growth and proliferation and could lead to advances in regenerative medicine...

  • Training to measure and model antennas [Featured]

    NPL delivered training on antenna testing techniques to members of staff from ISSL (Integrated Surveillance Systems Limited).

Videos

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

  • 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

  • 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