Being an essential part of every scientific experiment, metrology is typically the first application of new scientific discoveries. At NPL we undertake world-leading fundamental research into new areas of measurement science, particularly those that exploit quantum mechanical phenomena, and which stand to revolutionalize and expand the role of metrology over the longer term.

In particular:

• New devices for generating and detecting (counting) individual quanta in the form of magnetic spins, phonons and other quantised excitations
• New techniques for characterising the evolution of quantum-mechanical states in atoms, molecules and solid-state systems
• Enhancing the precision of measurements by exploiting quantum coherence and entanglement, are being developed

The goal of the research in this area is to develop and secure the foundations of the whole of the UK's National Measurement System by contributing internationally to the long-term development of both more accurate SI unit standards and advantageous means for disseminating them.

NPL is currently concentrating on the redefinitions of the ampere, the kelvin, the mole, all scheduled for 2011, and that of the second subsequently. In each of these areas NPL has a team of world-class experts undertaking leading and challenging scientific experiments.