Metrology Collection

Tungsten carbide slip gauge blocks C016 / 2042
Tungsten carbide slip gauge blocks. These are used as a standard form of length measurement. They are precision ground (lapped) to a specific thickness and then stacked to create the required length

Copy of the Imperial Standard Pound C016 / 2048
Copy of the Imperial Standard Pound. Parliamentary Copy number 5 (P.C.5) of the Imperial Standard Pound, dated 1879. The imperial system of weights and measures was established in 1824

Historic amperemeter, ammeter, Switzerland, Europe

Thin-film thermocouples C016 / 6482
Thin-film thermocouples. Thermocouples, used for temperature measurements, are based on the thermoelectric effect between two metals

Thin-film thermocouple C016 / 6484
Thin-film thermocouple, close-up. Thermocouples, used for temperature measurements, are based on the thermoelectric effect between two metals

Primary standard radiation force balance C016 / 6477
Primary standard radiation force balance. Radiation force balances are used to measure the output power generated by transducers, devices that convert one form of energy to another

Thin-film thermocouple C016 / 6486
Thin-film thermocouple, close-up. Thermocouples, used for temperature measurements, are based on the thermoelectric effect between two metals

Thin-film thermocouple C016 / 6483
Thin-film thermocouple. Thermocouples, used for temperature measurements, are based on the thermoelectric effect between two metals

Thin-film thermocouple C016 / 6485
Thin-film thermocouple, close-up. Thermocouples, used for temperature measurements, are based on the thermoelectric effect between two metals

Thin-film thermocouples C016 / 6481
Thin-film thermocouples. Thermocouples, used for temperature measurements, are based on the thermoelectric effect between two metals

Thin-film thermocouples C016 / 6480
Thin-film thermocouples. Thermocouples, used for temperature measurements, are based on the thermoelectric effect between two metals

Interference rings as length standards C016 / 2056
Interference rings as length standards. These Fabry-Perot interferometer observations (40-centimetre path difference) are for the green line of mercury-198 (left)

Kilogram 18, UK copy of SI unit of mass C016 / 2049
Kilogram 18, UK copy of SI unit of mass. The UKs National Standard Kilogram, copy number 18 of the International Prototype, was allocated in 1889 when the standard was established

Historical standards, metre and yard C016 / 2047
Historical standards, metre and yard. The two standards here are the International Prototype Metre (iridium-platinum, standard from 1889 to 1960)

Historical length standards C016 / 2046
Historical length standards. Standards established for the yard and the metre, along with their cross-sections (right). The Henry VII Yard (1497) and the Elizabeth Yard (1588)

Bank of Weston cells C016 / 2041
Bank of Weston cells. These electrochemical cells produce a stable voltage used as a standard to calibrate voltmeters and define the SI unit for electromotive force (the volt)

Kilogram 18, UK copy of SI unit of mass C016 / 2043
Kilogram 18, UK copy of SI unit of mass. The UKs National Standard Kilogram, copy number 18 of the International Prototype, was allocated in 1889 when the standard was established

Tetraform nanoprecision machine tool C016 / 2035
Tetraform nanoprecision machine tool. This machine, developed at the UKs National Physical Laboratory, was intended to be used to carry out machining (shaping devices and components)

Ayrton-Jones ampere balance C016 / 2034
Ayrton-Jones ampere balance. This apparatus is used to measure a standard value for the ampere, the international (SI) unit of electric current

Ernest Dorsey, US physicist C016 / 4566
Noah Ernest Dorsey (1873-1959), US physicist and measurement scientist. Dorsey obtained his doctorate from Johns Hopkins University (1897)

Nanomechanical measurement references C016 / 3801
Nanomechanical measurement references in their case. These calibrated reference grids are used for nanomechanical measurements. This is a Datasure toolkit

Nanomechanical measurement references C016 / 3802
Nanomechanical measurement references. These calibrated reference grids are used for nanomechanical measurements. These ones are part of a Datasure toolkit

Distance-measuring devices, 1893 C013 / 9094
Distance-measuring devices, 19th-century artwork. Artwork from the 11th volume (first period of 1893) of the French popular science weekly La Science Illustree

Metrology gauge room. Researchers working with high-precision gauges in a metrology (measurements) laboratory. Photographed in the Metrology Division at the National Physical Laboratory, Teddington

Dilatometer-comparator apparatus. This apparatus is used to calibrate standard measurements. This is a 1-metre dilatometer-comparator

Mass balance. Researcher using a high-precision mass balance in a standards laboratory. Photographed in the Standards Division at the National Physical Laboratory, Teddington, UK

Illustration (1515) of a gager
Illustration showing a gager at work. The gager (or gauger) was an early type of weights and measures official. His job was to tell people how much a cask or barrel would contain

Standard lathe. This lathe is of a standard type used to machine parts to the high precision needed for accurate measurements

Deadweight machine, 1953
Deadweight machine. This is a 50-ton deadweight machine using the standard ton. Deadweight machines use large weights of a high accuracy, and are used to calibrate other weights

Quality control engineer measuring a machine part

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"Exploring the World of Metrology: From Tungsten Carbide Slip Gauge Blocks to Primary Standard Radiation Force Balance" Metrology, the science of measurement, encompasses a vast array of instruments and techniques that ensure accuracy and precision in various fields. Among these tools are tungsten carbide slip gauge blocks C016 / 2042, which provide reliable calibration for measuring devices. Similarly, the copy of the Imperial Standard Pound C016 / 2048 serves as a reference point for weight measurements. Recently, professionals from around the globe gathered at Langley Research Center for the Annual Metrology and Calibration Working Group Face to Face meeting. This event fostered collaboration and knowledge exchange among experts dedicated to advancing metrological practices. Delving into history, an intriguing artifact caught our attention – a historic amperemeter discovered in Switzerland, Europe. This device showcases how metrology has evolved over time to measure electrical currents accurately. Thin-film thermocouples C016 / 6482 play a crucial role in temperature measurement with their thin yet highly sensitive design. These thermocouples enable precise monitoring across various industries. At Langley Research Center's laboratory lies another significant instrument – the primary standard radiation force balance C016 / 6478. With its exceptional accuracy, this device ensures accurate measurements of radiation forces exerted on objects. Further exploration reveals additional primary standard radiation force balances (C016/6479 & C016/6477) alongside more thin-film thermocouples (C016/6484-86). These cutting-edge tools exemplify how metrologists continually push boundaries to enhance measurement capabilities. Metrology is not just about numbers; it represents an intricate web connecting diverse instruments like tungsten carbide slip gauge blocks or primary standard radiation force balances. As we continue unraveling its mysteries and advancements worldwide, we unlock new possibilities for innovation across countless industries reliant on precise measurements.