Benchmarking the Length Measurement Capabilities of the National Institute of Standards and Technology

Published

January 1, 1997

Author(s)

Richard M. Silver, J Land, Jack A. Stone Jr., Ronald G. Dixson, Bryon S. Faust, James E. Potzick, Michael T. Postek, et al

Abstract

A cross-section of measurements from the Precision Engineering Division within the National Institute of Standards and Technology is benchmarked against other leading National Measurement Institutes. We present a variety of length-related calibration services and standard reference materials, each of which are performed or calibrated by at least one means in the Precision Engineering Division. Measurement capabilities and uncertainties were solicited from the other leading institutions and presented in as close an equal comparison as possible. The length traceability chain is defined from the defined speed of light and the cesium clock through the realization of the meter to actual length artifacts. We make comparisons at various stages of the trace-ability chain and document the dissemination of length in many application specific artifacts and measurement techniques such as photomasks, gage blocks, and roundness.

Citation

NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR) - 6036

Report Number

6036

NIST Pub Series

NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR)

Pub Type

NIST Pubs

Keywords

benchmark, calibration services, length, measurement, traceability, uncertainties

Citation

Silver, R. , Land, J. , Stone Jr., J. , Dixson, R. , Faust, B. , Potzick, J. , Postek, M. and al, E. (1997), Benchmarking the Length Measurement Capabilities of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR), National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD (Accessed October 13, 2024)