Enabling reliable high-voltage power electronics through metrology

Material advantage – accurate microscale mapping of strain in silicon carbide wafers

Validation of specialist current measurement devices wins over new customers

Confidence boost: Why measurement is becoming Britain’s edge in high-frequency chips

Constant innovation in humidity measurements keeps Michell Instruments at the cutting edge

Control of moisture can be mission-critical. Excess moisture in gas pipelines can cause corrosion, while trace humidity in precision manufacturing cleanrooms can spoil batches of high-value products. In some gas systems, unstable water levels can even threaten human safety.

Ultra-stable laser driver paves the way to commercial quantum sensors

Understanding filter performance for quantum computing

Accelerating the development of quantum components

Exploring quantum photodetectors at cryogenic temperatures

NPL helped Quantum Solutions unlock new insights into infrared quantum sensors for next-generation imaging.

NPLTime Access®– the vital resilient link in Jisc’s Janet network

UK innovator ​​advances resilient, traceable time ​​solutions for finance and infrastructure

Hoptroff expands multimillion-pound business line through access to NPL​Time® signals

Xampla's paper coatings have the functionality of plastics without the environmental harm

Trusted timing signals offered at scale for autonomous systems

Innovate UK–funded collaboration enables drones and autonomous vehicles to receive secure, resilient timing signals

Resilient UK time signals for the electricity grids

A new architecture demonstrates transmitting NPL-traceable time signals to electricity substations using radio transmitters

Seaweed measurements could pave the way to a billion-pound sustainable materials market

Testing memory for cryogenic quantum control systems

Advancing solar innovation, efficiency and market readiness for Power Roll

Redesigning an inspection instrument for the semiconductor market

Standardising MRI scanners for reliable drug trials

Validating a nanometre-scale positional measurement device

Enhancing sensor performance with quantum technology

Identifying a world-class quality assurance test solution

Identifying optical frequencies for improved accuracy in life science research

Improved spectroscopy instrument generates $2m in export sales

Improving tunnel examinations with digital imaging

New metrology unlocks potential sales for advanced materials innovator

Powering R&D for world-class airborne methane detection start-up

Providing confidence in indoor light harvesting measurements

Real-time measurement of graphene quality boosts business case

Statkraft could save millions thanks to more accurate performance metrics

Supporting the scale up of sustainable fire-resistant building materials

Enabling international competitiveness at South African NMI

NPL supplied and commissioned state-of-the-art temperature calibration facilities at the NMISA, extending their support to local industries.

Understanding the surfaces of fast charging batteries

NPL characterised Nyobolt’s electrode surfaces to enable optimisation of their new battery technology

Developing a novel over-the-air radio test solution to boost 5G connectivity at sea

NPL helped JET Connectivity test, design and calibrate instruments for their floating 5G base stations.

Investigating battery aging to improve lifecycle

NPL characterised the surface composition of Echion Technologies lithium-ion electrodes for use in green applications.

Calibrating satellite instruments to aid climate observation

NPL validated and tested Earth observation instruments to enable accurate in-flight data collection. 

One step closer to mass-market quantum technology adoption.

NPL helped Aquark develop a demonstrator of its cold atom trap

Shielding thermal paints at high temperatures

NPL assessed the stability of Graphene Star’s thermal and EM-shielding paint in a range of environments

Spatially measuring the conductivity of hydrogen technology materials

NPL developed a novel capability for the spatial evaluation of contact resistance of materials for use in hydrogen technologies

Characterising bioplastics to help reduce the environmental impact of packaging

NPL helped Biome Bioplastics to understand the characteristics of their bioplastics, ensuring product quality and reproducibility.

Supporting commissioning of new radiotherapy equipment safely and promptly

Validating alkaline water electrolyser performance & durability for OxfordNanoSystems OnS

NPL helps to reduce the cost of green hydrogen

Enabling automated disinfection with Fourth State's air plasma technology

NPL helped Fourth State measure reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, made by air plasma generators, for automatic disinfection in public spaces.

Optimising diagnostic beads for improved antibiotic treatment

NPL helped increase the efficiency of FluoretiQ’s assay development programme using chemical and optical analysis

Demonstrating a quality control method for liquid dispersions of 2D materials

NPL demonstrated a rapid quality control tool for 2D material producers at the GEIC, Manchester

New low-cost flexible X-ray detectors

NPL helped Cheyney Design and Silveray test their flexible X-ray technology

Validating nanoparticles for calibration standards

NPL assessed the physical attributes of Stream Bio’s CPNs

Characterising hydrogels for cancer treatment

NPL used scanning electron microscopy and rheology to characterise Pear Bio’s novel hydrogels

New subcellular imaging to support pharmaceutical innovation

NPL has developed a new imaging technique to reduce attrition in drug development

NPL improves access to medical ultrasound quality assurance

NPL developed a simple method for measuring ultrasound power outputs from diagnostic scanners

Developing in-line quality control of advanced materials for net-zero applications

NPL worked with Thomas Swan & Co to demonstrate the use of Raman spectroscopy in quality control of graphene and related 2D materials

Monitoring the temperature of nuclear waste

NPL calibrated thermal imagers for nuclear waste temperature monitoring

Improved understanding of stored nuclear materials

Deploying NPL’s High Accuracy Inspection System to support waste store inspections at Sellafield Ltd.

Visualising drug encapsulation using cryo-EM

NPL helped inform the modelling of Oxford HighQ's novel instrumentation for particle analysis

Improving yield estimates in bifacial photovoltaics

NPL helped develop uncertainty calculation tools for assessing the risks associated with solar farm sites

Reliable temperature measurement of nuclear material packages

NPL provided an end-to-end uncertainty assessment of Sellafield Ltd’s temperature measurement for special nuclear material cans.

Long-term reliable surface thermometry for nuclear material

NPL assessed the suitability of phosphor thermometry for reducing uncertainty in temperature measurement in nuclear material storage

Quantifying moisture in failed spent AGR fuel pins

NPL and NNL proposed a solution for drying storage of spent nuclear fuel pins, underpinning the future management of the waste.

Using AI to convert food waste into sustainable chemicals

NPL is helping food technology company, IntelliDigest, to develop an AI-based analysis method to enable optimisation of their system.

Accelerating the production of composites to decarbonise aviation

NPL used nano-Raman spectroscopy to investigate composite production

Innovative carrier keeps vaccines cold as they are transported to remote locations

NPL helps start-up verify the abilities of a refrigerated vaccine carrier for delivery to remote communities.

Validating a new dialysis based high-throughput protein crystallography methodology

NPL helped SWISSCI prove the viability of their novel crystallisation process.

Improving expertise in nuclear data for reduced uncertainty

Improving safety in automated vehicles

New sensor modelling framework will facilitate standardisation in performance testing

Improving accuracy of temperature measurement in ultrasound transducers

NPL has created a customised solution for use in medical devices

Improving reproducibility in science data

NPL has developed software tools to capture and fuse metadata and data at the point of measurement to improve reproducibility with data provenance.  

Validating a new scanner for checking the quality of temperature sensors

New homogeneity scanner provides a practical low-cost approach for assessing thermocouple quality

Validating a rapid analysis tool for monoclonal antibodies

NPL helped BLOC Laboratories independently verify its technology for analysing the stability of advanced therapeutics.

Machine learning model trained for better batteries for transport

In the midst of the pandemic, NPL helped Faraday Battery gather data to train their predictive maintenance model. 

Reducing reliance on plastic drums as part of the green recovery

NPL helped Fibrestar prove that sustainable fibre drum containers perform as well as plastic competitors. 

Proving the technology that will underpin the UK’s national spaceflight services

NPL identified challenges within AltaRange’s antenna feeds, supporting space launches across the UK and beyond.

Independent verification of novel heart disorder diagnostic device

Non-contact heart disorder diagnostic device could help target treatments and save lives

Guaranteeing the performance of ultra-high-vacuum components

NPL helped UHV Design quantify its products’ performance, giving customers confidence in its products

Electrochemical device makes safe and affordable biocide disinfectant

NPL characterises electrochemical cell that generates safe biocides for cleaning and water purification. 

Commercialising self-cleaning face masks to combat COVID-19 waste

NPL helped Breathe Smarter identify the best materials to manufacture self-cleaning electronic face masks to reduce waste from the disposal of single wear face coverings.

Training in composite materials standards and certification

NPL offers bespoke training related to Composites Standards and Certification, partly developed under a HEFCE Catalyst-funded project

Revealing new markets for graphene sensors

NPL helps to uncover new applications for Paragraf’s graphene-based Hall sensors through extreme condition testing

Rapid prediction of immunoassay performance

Developing a rapid and inexpensive approach for predicting immunoassay performance of antibody conjugates

Supporting the NHS during the COVID-19 pandemic

Optimising the mechanical properties of nanocomposites

Understanding how the surface chemistry of functionalised graphene affects the properties of nanocomposites.

Providing the confidence to use composites in new applications

This work is an example of materials evaluation which is required when composites materials are used in new applications.

Validating virtual measurements of 3D models

Risk-based decision making for effective diagnosis of heart disease

Using a range of medical imaging techniques for early and accurate diagnosis

Optimising viral vaccine development

NPL has been using biometrology to characterise virosome vaccines, optimise manufacturing process and improve viral vaccine development.

Improving the quality and efficiency of crop production

Using algorithms and machine learning to unlock data and provide meaningful information.

Using polymer composites in offshore environments with confidence

Calibration of essential medical components

NPL worked with Kindeva Drug Delivery during the COVID-19 lockdown period.

Ensuring a reliable electricity supply for the future

Improving confidence in data models for real applications

NPL worked with EMTEC to assess their methodology for estimating carbon emissions from on-board diagnostics, and comparing to actual data.

Improving damage detection in nuclear reactor cores

Damage detection in nuclear reactor cores testing was carried out in the newly refurbished Mechanical Test Facility by the Advanced Materials Characterisation group. The job was carried out by NPL and Atkins, on behalf of EDF.

Standardising MRI phantoms for quantitative image comparison

Developing standardised phantoms to simulate the response and interactions of human tissue for clinical trials

Simulating radiation therapy using virtual reality

Creating a safe environment for training clinicians and enhancing treatment accuracy

Improving the reproducibility and understanding of MRI scans

Despite careful calibration and quality assurance MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scanners from different vendors and at different sites produce differing images

Improving confidence in intra-operative cancer detection technologies

Pre-clinical evaluation of new intra-operative cancer detection equipment and techniques

Combining complex data sets to understand dental wear

The aim is to deliver high precision of measurement and high density of data collected over a large area.

Innovation and quantifying dosage in radiopharmaceuticals

NPL and Oncoinvent develop new methods to measure and deliver dosage in pioneering forms of radiotherapy

Product verification support leads to significant savings

NPL has worked with Anglia CNC Engineering (ACE) to improve its manufacturing processes and is expected to save the company at least £50k a year.

Supporting new routes for therapeutic drug delivery

Using super-resolution microscopy to investigate the binding and trafficking of exosomes across cell membranes.

Supporting Hyde Aero to achieve Nadcap accreditation

NPL worked with Hyde Aero to achieve Nadcap accreditation for Measurement and Inspection, which is necessary to supply the aerospace primes, including Airbus.

Enabling the injection of biomethane into the gas grid

NPL has developed gas standards for measuring impurities, such as siloxanes, in biomethane before injection into the gas grid.

Ensuring gauges comply with standards

The oil and gas industry relies on tapered thread gauges in many situations, such as attaching drill components and securing well head casings

Developing innovative materials for low-cost 3D medical imaging

Adaptix has developed a solution to the combined shortcomings of existing technologies: a novel X-ray source that allows low-cost, truly portable 3D scans.

Calibrating innovative XPS instruments to boost sales

Developing non-destructive testing for 2D materials

NPL has developed rapid, non-destructive quality control methods for 2D materials to help DZP Technologies to bring new products to market

Measurement training improves efficiency for Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin joins Rolls-Royce and BAE Systems as an NPL accredited organisation to deliver in-house measurement courses for its staff, saving time and money

Gauge block interferometer and training delivered in Qatar

The Qatar Armed Forces Calibration Centre in Doha has taken delivery of a gauge block interferometer designed by NPL and manufactured under licence by Hexagon Metrology.

Developing standard dosages for new ultrasound techniques

Improving and increasing ultrasound treatment: Standardised dosages for ultrasound

Reducing erosion on wind turbine blades

ETC worked with NPL to explore techniques for measuring material erosion during the testing process.

Installation of an RF antenna range in China

NPL and NIM worked in collaboration to design and build an extrapolation range for antenna measurements.

Piston ring manufacturer doubles throughput

There are a small number of piston ring manufacturers in the world for these types of ring and they struggle to meet global demand.

Lean manufacturing and assembly technologies

NPL measurements improve model used to ensure that composite aircraft structures and wind turbine blades meet design specifications.

Development of a practical Johnson noise thermometer

NPL has been working with Metrosol Limited, an SME specialising in the development of sensing electronics, to build a proof-of-concept Johnson noise thermometer to measure temperature directly.

Improving welding quality for submarine assembly

NPL's temperature team have developed a phosphor thermometry technique to indicate steel surface temperature, and performed a demonstration in a practical industrial setting.

Validation of new MRI standard, advancing potential technique for Alzheimer’s diagnosis

A promising new application of MRI is Arterial Spin Labelling (ASL), which provides measures of perfusion, the rate of blood flow to an organ.

Analysis extends lifetime of new low cost fuel cell

Unlocking productivity through data confidence

We are working with industry to increase efficiency in manufacturing through confidence in digital technologies and the data they produce

Better mapping of flu epidemics through data science

Helping deliver world-class cancer care

We have helped to improve confidence in new radiotherapy treatments for better patient outcomes

Improving understanding of low-cost air quality sensors

We have advised manufacturers, government, academia and the public on how to best use data produced by air quality sensors  

Enabling industry to exploit new analytical techniques for better imaging of organic electronics

We provided the underpinning measurement and understanding of sputtering by cluster ion beams for 3D imaging

Using visualisation to develop more effective antibiotics

We helped Malvern Cosmeceutics to identify new drug compounds through computer modelling

Using protein rulers to calibrate high-resolution microscopes

We created a new biological standard using protein nanostructures

Supporting the UK biotechnology industry

We worked with SME Ingenza to accelerate the discovery and manufacture of new antimicrobials

Preventing lithium-ion battery explosions

We worked with UCL to help prevent costly product failure caused by thermal runaway.

Measuring large-scale, fine-feature printed electronics

MetHPM has delivered metrology capabilities enabling order-of-magnitude improvements.

Validation of novel particle analysis tools

Benchmarking against the capabilities of other Malvern Panalytical products.

Enabling a revolution in medical imaging

Helping a 3D medical imaging company improve its performance

Validating magnetic sensors for the oil and gas industry

Magnetic sensors are used in a wide range of industrial applications, harnessing the Earth's magnetic field to help us better identify geological features on our own planet.

Building connections through 5G

Access to the internet and wireless communication is often a lifeline in today's information age

Helping the UK have a smarter energy network

Decarbonisation of UK energy supply means that electricity distribution networks are coping with increased renewable generation and higher demands.

Training helps improve quality control and customer satisfaction

Engineering firm's investment in measurement training drives production efficiency and accuracy

Reducing energy and maintenance costs in food packaging manufacture

We deliver world-leading measurement capability which is critical to accelerating research and development and increasing commercial competitiveness

Increasing the lifetime of hydrogen technologies

We have developed a unique technique towards making fuel cells and electrolysers more cost-effective and efficient.

Using proteins from breast milk to develop new antibiotics

Antibiotic resistance is one of the world’s most pressing health issues. Every year, more than 700,000 people die as a result of drug-resistant infections

Supporting reliable underwater sensors for the oil and gas industry

We ensure the high performance of underwater sensors for the oil and gas industry

Fast tracking drug discovery

Monitoring the impact of offshore wind farms on marine wildlife

Our underwater acoustics experts help to track the impact of industry out at sea on marine wildlife

Verifying cutting-edge environmental technologies

NPL worked with SME Mixergy to help them verify the performance of their efficient hot water tank

Making rapid, portable diagnostics possible

NPL helps AgPlus solve materials chemistry challenge, unblocking the route to mass producing its diagnostic devices.

Ensuring the consistency of new five-bladed razors

We provided King of Shaves with a fast measurement process to monitor the quality of a new product while maintaining fast turnaround times

Delivering trusted time for UBS infrastructure via NPLTime® Certified

Better measurements of water vapour in fuel gas

Enabling Nadcap compliance in the aerospace supply chain

We helped aerospace supplier Aeromet International to become the first UK business to gain a new global aerospace certification

Commercialising the 2D material set to transform electronics

We helped Oxford Instruments to commercialise a potentially groundbreaking new semiconducting material by improving the production process

Accredited measurements for hydrogen fuel

Increasing the scalability of cryogenic interconnects for quantum computing

Bridging the boundary between a deep cryogenic quantum system and its room temperature control circuitry

Supporting decarbonisation of the transport sector

NPL develops a low-cost online hydrogen fuel quality monitoring system