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

    • New insight into HIV

      Collaborative research provides new insight into a fusion protein that enables HIV to infect host cells.
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    • The world's slowest clock

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

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

Radiation Dosimetry research at NPL covers the areas of chemical dosimetry, X-ray and high-energy charged particle and photon beam dosimetry and mathematical modelling - applying NPL's knowledge and expertise in metrology and instrumentation to the dosimetry problems faced by industry and in the healthcare sector.

The NPL Radiation Dosimetry Team carry out extensive research into maintaining and improving the measurement infrastructure that underpins accurate dosimetry. These measurement methods include:

Dosimetry research

  • Calorimetry

    Graphite calorimeters are the primary standards for absorbed dose at the NPL.
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  • Chemical Dosimetry

    Chemical dosimetry involves determination of dose by the measurement of chemical changes induced in materials by ionising radiation.
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  • Ionometry

    NPL has developed, established and maintained primary standard ionisation chambers to enable accurate dosimetry over a wide range of radiation energies.
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  • Proton and ion beam dosimetry

    Proton and ion beams exhibit better dose characteristics than x-rays for radiotherapy.
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  • Radiation dosimetry modelling

    NPL offers consultancy services and collaborations relating to mathematical modelling in radiation dosimetry.
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