U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Physical Measurement Laboratory

Sensor Science Division

The Division advances the measurement science, standards, and applications for dimensional, optical radiation, and thermodynamic quantities to support U.S. industry and trade. We maintain and disseminate standards for three of the seven SI base units: the kelvin (temperature), the meter (length), and the candela (luminous intensity).

fixed length optical cavity

Realizing Pressure, Temperature, and Length using Optical Interferometry
skin reflectance

Reflectance Measurements of Human Skin
smoke stack simulator

Smoke Stack Simulator

News and Updates

Opposite sides of a quartz crystal resonator

Universe in the Balance

Researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have found a way to link measurements made by a
ER-2 taking off

Fly Me (Partway) to the Moon

Last week, scientists from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the National Aeronautics and Space

Events

NIST Spectroradiometry Short Course

Tue, Apr 7 - Fri, Apr 10 2020
The NIST Spectroradiometry Short Course is offered every 2 years and covers radiometry fundamentals, radiometric

Industry Impacts

Photo of scientists checking vaccine temperatures.

Reliable Vaccine Storage

As much as 35 percent of vaccines shipped worldwide is wasted because it is transported or stored at temperatures too high or too low. NIST’s research is
Photo of NIST scientist with the big blue ball covered in thermal insulation.

Flow Meters for Natural Gas Delivery

The accuracy of flow meters measuring natural gas has enormous commercial importance. NIST is developing a new technique to calibrate large flows at high

Awards

View All Awards

Products and Services

Facilities

Contacts

Division Chief

Office Manager