Mass metrology

News and Updates

Opposite sides of a quartz crystal resonator

Universe in the Balance

February 12, 2020

Researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have found a way to link measurements made by a device integral to microchip

White Cat Hair on Black Pants: International Study Measures Stability of Precision Masses to Benefit Trade

November 26, 2018

When are two nominally identical kilogram masses no longer identical? When each goes to a different place and adsorbs varying amounts of moisture and

Comparison of Future Realizations of the Kilogram - Final Report

March 15, 2018

The Pilot Study — read 2016 article details — was completed in late 2016 and the Final Report was published on the BIPM website (PDF) in June of 2017. The main

Projects and Programs

Metrology and Standards for Nanoscale Stress

Our objective is to develop accurate measurement methods for the nanoscale stress distributions and surface defects that control device performance and

Quantifying the environmental contributions to mass change

Since the inception of the SI system of units, physical mass artifacts have been disseminated in order to realize the unit of the kilogram, essential to a broad

Electronic Kilogram

This project provides the basis for a new definition of mass, based on unchanging quantum properties of nature rather than a physical artifact. This is

Nanometrology: Composition and Structure of Nanomaterials

Advances in methods, instrumentation and analysis protocols are developed to enhance measurement science capabilities in nanomaterial elemental and

Publications

Revision of the International System of Units (SI)

February 10, 2021

Author(s)

Stephan Schlamminger, Peter J. Mohr

Redefining the kilogram and other SI units

February 10, 2021

Author(s)

Stephan Schlamminger

Units are at the heart of science and technology. Most measurements require units to express their result. The International System of Units (SI) provides a

Resolution of the paradox of the diamagnetic force on the Kibble coil

January 13, 2021

Author(s)

Stephan Schlamminger, Shisong Li, Rafael Marangoni, Darine El Haddad, Qing Wang, Wei Zhao

Employing very simple electro-mechanical principles known from classical physics, the Kibble balance establishes a very precise and absolute link between

Simplified kilogram traceability for photon momentum radiometers

October 1, 2020

Author(s)

Kyle A. Rogers, Paul A. Williams, Gordon A. Shaw, John H. Lehman

High power laser applications in areas such as laser processing of materials can require an accurately measured laser power. Radiation pressure-based laser