An Assessment of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Physical Measurement Laboratory : Fiscal Year 2015

The Physical Measurement Laboratory (PML) at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is dedicated to three fundamental and complementary tasks: (1) increase the accuracy of our knowledge of the physical parameters that are the foundation of our technology-driven society; (2) disseminate technologies by which these physical parameters can be accessed in a standardized way by the stakeholders; and (3) conduct research at both fundamental and applied levels to provide knowledge that may eventually lead to advances in measurement approaches and standards. This report assesses the scientific and technical work performed by the PML and identifies salient examples of accomplishments, challenges, and opportunities for improvement for each of its nine divisions. Table of ContentsFront MatterSummary1 The Charge to the Panel and the Assessment Process2 Applied Physics and Quantum Electromagnetics Divisions3 Engineering Physics Division4 Office of Weights and Measures5 Quantum Measurement Division6 Quantum Physics Division7 Radiation Physics Division8 Sensor Science Division9 Time and Frequency Division10 Key Suggestions for ImprovementAcronyms