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Physical Measurement Laboratory

PML is a world leader in the science of measurement. We determine the definitive methods for nearly every kind of measurement employed in commerce and research, provide NIST-traceable calibrations, and disseminate standards and best practices throughout the nation. At the same time, PML works continuously at the outermost frontiers of metrology, devising tools and techniques to meet the ever-changing demands of American industry and science.

Diagram shows a cellphone with a small plastic device attached that holds a strip of hydrogel close to the magnetometer inside the phone.
NIST Researchers Use Cellphone Compass to Measure Tiny Concentrations of Compounds Important for Human Health
quantum dot illustration
Bullseye! NIST Devises a Method to Accurately Center Quantum Dots Within Photonic Chips

News and Updates

World Metrology Day 2024

20 May 2024 is World Metrology Day

The theme for the 2024 World Metrology Day (on May 20) is "Sustainability," which raises awareness of the need for accurate measurements in the development of a

Events

5859 Fundamentals of Metrology

Mon, May 13 - Fri, May 17 2024
The 5-day Fundamentals of Metrology seminar is an intensive course that introduces participants to the concepts of

OWM Info Hour - Manual Weight Entries

Wed, Jun 5 2024, 1:00 - 2:00pm CDT (2:00 - 3:00pm EDT)
NIST Office of Weights and Measures will be conducting an informal discussion on Scales Code paragraphs S.1.12. Manual

Awards

View All Awards

Press Coverage

Patents

Continuous-Wave Laser Source And Making A Continuous-Wave Laser Source

NIST Inventors
Scott Papp and Jennifer Black
A method of designing a continuous-wave laser source having a target output wavelength and an input laser with a wavelength different from the target output wavelength includes the steps of receiving the target output wavelength, and subordinate properties of the laser source; determining a

Sound Pressure Metrology Instrument And Determining Sound Pressure From Index Of Refraction

NIST Inventors
Richard A. Allen , Randall P Wagner , Benjamin Reschovsky and Akobuije Chijioke
A sound pressure metrology instrument determines sound pressure from index of refraction and includes: a light source that produces source light; the optical cavity that: receives an acoustic field from the sound source; receives the source light from the light source; produces acoustic-modified

Contacts

PML Director and Deputy Director

Associate Director for Measurement Services and Associate Director

Executive Secretary