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

摘要

A cross-section of length measurement capabilities from the Precision EngineeringDivision within the National Institute of Standards and Technology is benchmarked against those of other leading National Measurement Institutes. The authors present a variety of length-related calibration services and standard reference materials each of which are performed or calibrated by a least one means in the Precision Engineering Division. Measurement capabilities and uncertainties were solicited from the other leading national measurement institutions. These data are compared to NIST work in as equal a presentation as possible. The length traceability chain is identified from the defined speed of light and the cesium clock through the realization of the meter to actual length artifacts. The authors make comparisons at various stages of the traceability chain and document the dissemination of length in many application specific artifacts and measurement techniques such as photomasks, gage blocks, and roundness. In general, the uncertainties of PED/NIST compare quite favorably as benchmarked against the other leading national measurement institutes. Specific superior capabilities or weaknesses of PED/NIST are noted in the conclusion.