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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).

Photonic thermometer packages
Photonic Thermometry
Synchrotron Ultraviolet Radiation Facility SURF III
Synchrotron Ultraviolet Radiation Facility SURF III
Laser tracker calibration in Tape Tunnel Facility
Advanced Dimensional Measurement Systems

Welcome to the Sensor Science Division

The Sensor Science Division (SSD) is based in Gaithersburg, Maryland, and operates within the Physical Measurement Laboratory at NIST.

Our Vision is to be the primary driver for innovation in the SI-traceable measurement of dimensional, thermodynamic, and optical radiation quantities. Our work enables the next generation of equitable standards to promote US economic growth and security.

Our Mission is to foster the next generation of SI-traceable dimensional, thermodynamic, and optical radiation measurements and their application by providing calibrations, standards, and innovations that improve U.S. industrial competitiveness and quality-of-life.

SSD has institutional responsibility for the realization and dissemination of 3 of the 7 base units of the International System of Units (SI): the meter, the kelvin, and the candela. To promote world-wide standardization, SSD staff engage with the Consultative Committees for Length (CCL), for Mass and Related Quantities (CCM), for Photometry and Radiometry (CCPR), and for Thermometry (CCT) under the International Committee for Weights and Measures (CIPM). This participation helps ensure the international comparability and international recognition of the SI-based measurements and standards disseminated by the Division. As pictured below, the division is divided into 3 technical areas which align with these 3 base SI units.

sensor science division flowchart

The division provides measurement science, reference materials, reference data, and technologies to foster innovation and confidence in measurements needed to advance these fields. In partnership with U.S. industry, government agencies, and scientific institutions, SSD performs fundamental and applied research on the measurement of length; temperature; infrared-to-extreme-ultraviolet radiation; pressure and vacuum; surface and interface optical and dimensional properties; gas and liquid flow; liquid volume; and humidity.

Focus Areas

News and Updates

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

Patents

Image of devices on a table

Optical Parametric Oscillator

NIST Inventors
John T. Woodward IV, and
Patent Description This invention is a light source that provides high-power (1W to 5W), narrow line-width (<1 nm), quasi-continuous wave (80 MHz) light that can be tuned in wavelength from 340 nm to 2300 nm. See figure below. The light source is fully automated, solid state, and fits on a

Products and Services

Facilities

Contacts

Division Chief

Office Manager