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Material Measurement Laboratory

MML conducts measurement science across the chemical, biological and material sciences. Activities range from fundamental and applied research to the development and dissemination of certified reference materials and data to industry, academia, and other government agencies to assure the quality of measurement results.

A picture of a keyboard with a key labelled "lexicon"
The NIST Bioeconomy Lexicon Aids Measurement of a Vital Industry Sector
Circular economy at NIST no text
NIST Supports Transition to a Circular Economy
Standard Reference Material for Cigarette Tobacco Filler (SRM 3222)
What is a Standard Reference Material?

About the Material Measurement Laboratory

The NIST Material Measurement Laboratory (MML) conducts measurement science research to benefit industries based in the chemical, biological, and material sciences, and contributes technical expertise to the development of standards. MML researchers perform fundamental and applied research, evaluate data, and create other programs and tools to assure the quality of measurement results. 

Our work supports areas of national importance:

Projects and Programs

PhaseSeparation-predictions in Mo(S,Te)2 on Bulk

Advanced Materials Design: Electronic and Functional Applications

Ongoing
Accelerating Materials Discovery using Machine Learning and AI Using machine learning and AI techniques along with high-throughput DFT calculations materials with specific properties are identified to accelerate the the discovery process for a variety of applications. Some of the specific materials
Chain orientation of polyethylene by polarization BCARS

3D Molecular Orientation Imaging

Ongoing
We have developed 3D orientation measurement techniques by analyzing polarization-dependent molecular vibrational signals based on infrared (IR) absorption [1,2] and coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) [3]. The two imaging modalities are complementary to each other: IR imaging broadly

News and Updates

Events

Conceptual illustration of cells, a flow cytometry stream, automation and collaboration with logos for NIST and NIAID underneath.

AI and Flow Cytometry Workshop

Mon, Jun 9 - Tue, Jun 10 2025
A NIST–FDA–NIAID Co-Organized Workshop This workshop aims to advance AI/ML applications in flow cytometry and related

Publications

NIST Special Publication 260 NIST.SP.260-256 Certification of Standard Reference Material®s 3672a & 3673a: Organic Contaminants in Smokers' Urine (Frozen) & Organic Contaminants in Non-Smokers' Urine (Frozen)

Author(s)
Ashley Russell, Carolyn Burdette, Johanna Camara, Nathanael Heckert, Jennifer Hoguet, Kevin Huncik, Jared Ragland, Elena Wood
Standard Reference Material (SRM) 3672a Organic Contaminants in Smokers' Urine (Frozen) and SRM 3673a Organic Contaminants in Non-Smokers' Urine (Frozen) are

Awards

Press Coverage

Setting Standards for Stool

Microbiome studies have yielded hundreds of ideas for ways to detect and influence human health, but the field struggles with reproducibility...

Blog Posts

Contacts

GENERAL INFORMATION: 301-975-8300 (PHONE); [email protected]; 100 BUREAU DRIVE, M/S 8300, GAITHERSBURG, MD 20899-8300