Measuring surface and thin film chemistry

Measuring the chemistry of material surfaces accurately

NPL is world-leading laboratory in the measurement of surface chemistry. We provide the underpinning standards, testing and characterisation methods used by industry to manufacture reliable products, ranging from mobile phone screens to drug delivery systems.

We provide new ways of understanding data to extract meaningful, useful and accurate information on the chemistry, thickness and location of materials at surfaces. We develop advanced methods to measure chemistry in depth through a material with high-depth resolution and accuracy. We support the development of new instrumentation for surface chemical analysis.

Our research is applied in the electronics, specialised coatings, packaging, biomedical devices, fine chemicals, catalysis, automotive and aerospace industries.