Scientists at NPL have developed a new optical method for directly measuring sound pressure, providing direct traceability to fundamental SI base units. This method can be used to calibrate any acoustic device without assumptions regarding geometry and sound field characteristics.
A new quantum model has been used to determine the molecular structure of water's liquid surface, revealing the intrinsic asymmetry of hydrogen bonds and their role in the surface's molecular orientation. The results accurately capture the properties of liquid water and offer a promising platform for molecular exploration.
The UK's National Physical Laboratory and the University of Manchester are collaborating to speed up the application of graphene, accelerating its commercialization through accurate metrology and characterisation. This partnership aims to establish a Joint Centre of Excellence and make the UK a leading authority on graphene standards.
Researchers discovered graphene devices have different electronic properties at edges and centers. Edge conduction was found to be p-type, while the center exhibited n-type electron conduction. These findings offer insights into developing graphene nanoribbon devices and studying edge photocurrents.
Scientists at NPL have created a synthetic air reference standard to measure carbon dioxide and methane in the atmosphere, providing a trusted base unit for global monitoring. This innovation addresses the growing demand for standards comparable to the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) scale.
A new international collaboration aims to advance commercial opportunities in next-generation electronic devices by developing more accurate measurements of strain at the nano-scale. The Nanostrain project seeks to drive innovation in areas such as microelectronics, ICT, and sensors industries.
Scientists from NPL have developed a technique to identify counterfeit clothing and footwear using terahertz time-domain spectroscopy. The method detects distinct transmission profiles associated with different fabrics, allowing for the distinction between authentic and fake items.
Researchers developed a quantum Drude oscillator (QDO) that mimics the behavior of real water molecules, producing a realistic liquid with well-developed hydrogen bonds and other properties. The 'bottom up' approach has clear biological applications and potential for simulating other substances.
A new experimental set-up developed by Dr Alexandre Bounouh's team at LNE in France accurately measures mechanical values and properties of MEMS devices through electrical measurement. The technique uses a current with varying frequency to analyze the harmonic content of the output voltage, determining mechanical characteristics such a...
A graphene single-electron pump provides a fast enough electron flow to create a current standard, overcoming the Achilles heel of metallic pumps. This innovation marks a major step forward in using graphene to redefine the ampere.
Researchers have invented a new way to zip and unzip DNA strands using electrochemistry, enabling fast control at constant temperatures without dramatic changes in solution conditions. This method uses DNA intercalators that bind differently to DNA depending on their electrical state, allowing for rapid and precise control.
Research confirms small devices are primary cause of GPS jamming, with commercial drivers using jammers during moonlighting activities. New technologies, including intelligent receivers and radio-based backups, will protect against impact of these jammers.
The new Advanced Metrology Laboratory at NPL will house an estimated 20 laboratories for 40 scientists, focusing on high-precision metrology. This facility will enable cutting-edge research in key nano and quantum metrology programmes, driving growth in the UK's technological development and application.
Researchers have developed a solid-state MASER capable of operating at room temperature, eliminating the need for extreme conditions. This breakthrough has significant implications for various fields, including medicine, where it could be used to create more sensitive medical instruments.
Researchers at NPL have demonstrated a monolithic 3D ion microtrap array that can confine individual ions at the nanoscale and scale up to handle tens of qubits. This breakthrough device could enable faster quantum computation and advanced measurements.
Researchers at the National Physical Laboratory have created an electron pump nano-device that can manipulate individual electrons to create a well-defined electrical current. The device achieves this by speeding up the rate of pumping electrons while maintaining accuracy, surpassing previous records.
The UK has launched its Centre for Carbon Measurement to improve climate data accuracy, support carbon markets, and stimulate green innovation. The centre aims to triple the £6m of low-carbon projects already being supported by NPL over three years.
Researchers at the National Physical Laboratory have developed a new model for piezoelectric energy harvesters that can convert up to 25% more energy from unwanted mechanical vibrations. The new design covers only two-thirds of the cantilever's length, reducing internal power loss and increasing overall efficiency.
Experts have confirmed that UK road users are jamming GPS signals, with over 60 individual incidents recorded in one location. The phenomenon poses a significant threat to maritime navigation, with ships relying heavily on GPS for safe passage.
New research by National Physical Laboratory produces technology for accurate measurements of Planck's constant, a fundamental constant that relates frequency to energy. The technique enables the kilogram to be redefined in terms of this constant, providing a universal standard and greater long-term certainty for scientists.
Scientists at NPL developed a functional model of the native extracellular matrix, providing structural support for cells to aid growth and proliferation. The model could lead to advances in regenerative medicine by mimicking the complex nano-to-microscale structure of the ECM.
The European Metrology for Earth Observation and Climate (MetEOC) project aims to enhance the accuracy of climate data by developing a coordinated international capacity. The project will focus on optical domain calibration, ocean color measurements, and ground-based prototype development.
Scientists have made precise measurements of the quantum Hall effect in graphene, supporting the redefinition of the kilogram and ampere. This breakthrough aims to establish a universal and stable definition for these fundamental constants, linking them to natural quantities.
Scientists warn that current climate model predictions are unreliable due to measurement uncertainties. A new satellite concept, TRUTHS, aims to improve accuracy by calibrating other satellites and facilitating the establishment of a global network with robust quality guarantees.
Researchers at National Physical Laboratory develop a model peptide sequence dubbed GeT that transports genetic material into human cells, overcoming poor cell membrane permeability. This approach holds promise for gene therapy in treating defective genes such as cancer.
Scientists have identified molecular differences between disease-indicating proteins and those that exist naturally, enabling the development of reliable diagnostic tests. This breakthrough could lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment of fatal diseases, such as cancer.
Researchers from NPL and Linköping University have developed a method to identify graphene thickness using EFM, allowing for precise device applications. This technique is suitable for industrial environments and can be used to distinguish between one- and two-layer graphene.
Researchers have gained insight into HIV's structure and how it infects healthy cells. The study provides key information to develop treatments that stop HIV from entering cells.
A recent study by the National Physical Laboratory shows that light can control the electrical properties of graphene, enabling the development of new optoelectronic devices. The researchers successfully created a device that retains its modified properties until heated, opening up possibilities for highly sensitive sensors.
The Megaframe Imager, a new ultrafast camera, uses an extremely sensitive SPAD device to detect viral DNA binding events at low target concentrations. This technology has potential applications in biological processes, automotive collisions, and astronomical observations.
UK scientists at NPL create standards for measuring electric materials on the nanoscale, allowing for more accurate devices and a better understanding of nanotechnology's role in electric materials. This breakthrough enables comparisons to be made and promotes the development of new nano-structured ferroelectric materials.
Researchers at NPL and Orla Protein Technologies are developing improved TB detection methods to enhance sensitivity, specificity, cost and speed. The project aims to create systems that advance current methods, helping improve healthcare in resource-limiting settings.
Scientists at NPL have developed a new strategy for quicker and more precise detection of biomarkers, proteins indicating disease. This approach uses a probe to 'fish' for likely proteins in crowded blood samples, potentially leading to earlier diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's and cancer.
Agnieszka Bialek wins Royal Photographic Society's Selwyn Award for her work on multi-spectral imaging, which reveals details unseen by the eye. Her IRIS technology captures eight replicated images of an object at different wavelengths, enabling characterisation of materials with variations in colour or appearance.
Researchers at NPL have confirmed a definitive structure of an HIV protein, shedding light on its infection mechanism. This discovery may lead to better treatments for people affected by HIV.
Home-use IPL systems emit lower fluence rates and have physical safety features to minimize optical hazard. NPL's research confirms their safety, building on earlier work on dosimetry needs for salon-based devices.
Researchers have produced high-quality graphene on a large scale, overcoming two major barriers to scaling up the technology. The material's electrical characteristics can now be measured with unprecedented precision, paving the way for widespread adoption in high-speed electronics.
Researchers at NPL developed magnetic semiconductors with superior performance, showing potential for electronic devices. The technology could revolutionize computing and be realized in 10 years, sustaining Moore's Law.
A new project aims to develop affordable sensors that can detect early indicators of food spoilage and set more meaningful best before dates, reducing food waste. The project, supported by Syngenta, will help slash the UK's food wastage bill.
Researchers at the National Physical Laboratory are working towards a redefinition of the kilogram, which could shift from a physical object to a fundamental physical constant. The goal is to improve accuracy and consistency in measurements, but current results show a significant discrepancy with previous data.
A new acoustic absorber developed by National Physical Laboratory has improved the calibration accuracy of physiotherapy ultrasound machines, reducing the risk of patient injury. The upgrade enables equipment to accommodate spreading beams and provides greater calibration accuracy.
The UK's proposed TRUTHS satellite mission seeks to settle international debates on climate change by launching a calibration laboratory into space. This will enable more accurate climate data and inform predictive quality of climate models.
Researchers at National Physical Laboratory have developed an electron surf machine that delivers electrons one by one in a reliable steady stream at a rate of over a billion per second. This technology has the potential to increase computer efficiency, allowing for faster processing and more secure digital communication.
Researchers have developed the most effective commercially available black coating, NPL Super Black, with a low reflectance of 0.35% in the visible region. This breakthrough has significant implications for fields like radiometry, spectroscopy, and optical metrology, where stray light reduction is crucial.