Metrology: CSIR-NPL stands the test of time
National Physical Laboratory CSIR-NPL is one among the two scientific institutes established in the country under the aegis of CSIR in 1950. Over the years, the NPL also known as the National Measurement Institute of (NMI) India has more than realized its primary mandate as the keeper of measurement standards for the nation while also substantially expanding its research activities to emerge as a leading national institution for research in a whole gamut of areas in the Physical Sciences.
Hailed as the Time Keeper of India CSIR-NPL, provides the Indian Standard Time (IST), steadfastly promoting Metrology, the science of measurement and its application, through the ensuing decades post -Independence.
National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is one among the two scientific institutes established in the country under the aegis of CSIR in 1950. Over the years, the NPL also known as the National Measurement Institute, NMI of India has more than realized its primary mandate as the keeper of measurement standards for the nation while also substantially expanding its research activities to emerge as a leading national institution for research in a whole gamut of areas in the Physical Sciences.
Metrology is one of the key components in improving product quality which in turn affects quality of life. For instance, home appliances have to meet certain specifications in terms of acoustic noise, mechanical dimensions, pressure, electrical voltages and consumption. Metrology and calibrated instruments are a must for judging the conformance to specifications.
CSIR- NPL through the Government is part of the Metre Convention, a diplomatic treaty which was signed by representatives of 17 countries in Paris, in 1875. The treaty created the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM), an intergovernmental organization under the authority of the General Conference on Weights and Measures (CGPM). India signed this treaty in 1957.
CSIR-NPL has successfully established equivalence with international standards. All other reference and working standards in other laboratories and industries throughout India are required to be traceable to the National Standards of Measurements maintained at CSIR- NPL.
Some important Few of the milestones for metrological activities carried out by CSIR-NPL India ,include introduction of the metric system in India; Law of Weights and Measures promulgated (Re-issued in 1976, 1988), India joining the Meter Convention, ‘Apex Metrology Laboratory’, a highly controlled environment building for apex level measurements in 2015.
Currently, CSIR-NPL provides apex calibration of equipment to various industries, strategic, academia and government agencies to the tune of six crores per year which is likely to double over the next five years. Such calibrations at CSIR-NPL are key drivers to the growth engine of industries and assumes utmost significance for ensuring the success of “Make in India” mission. Accurate and precise measurements would also support Indian industry and business to innovate.
CSIR-NPL is gearing up its existing “Quantum Metrology” laboratory that will provide world-class measurement expertise to validate the new quantum technologies and secure the India’s position in this emerging field (“Sashakt Bharat”).
(The Write-up is from the Unit of Science Dissemination, CSIR)
