Photometry and Radiometry

The Photometry and Radiometry Group provides internationally recognized primary standards for optical radiation measurements. These standards support the metrological needs of Canadian industry and help reduce technical barriers to world trade. The Group maintains and improves standards for the measurement of light, ultraviolet and infrared radiation in the wavelength range 200 nm to 50,000 nm, and carries out targeted research and development in areas of current and anticipated technological growth in Canada. Photometric and radiometric standards are disseminated through a comprehensive calibration service and by timely response to technical inquiries and requests for services and collaborative R&D arrangements.

The research program of the Group includes the photometric and radiometric standards of luminous intensity (the candela), luminous flux, spectral irradiance, spectral radiance, spectral responsivity, spectral transmittance and reflectance (regular and diffuse), specular gloss, and industrial colorimetry.

Cooperative research with colleagues and clients, participation in international standards organizations, and comparisons of national standards with the National Metrology Institutes (NMIs) of other countries insures international recognition.

• Publications
• Calibration Services
• Facilities

Absolute Spectral Responsivity

This facility is used for the first level calibration of transfer standards of absolute spectral responsivity. These transfer standards are the basis for the realization of several photometric and radiometric standards. [More]

Infrared Chemical Imaging of Biological Samples

Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) chemical imaging is an emerging technology that is being applied to examine biological samples. There are a number of new applications in biology and medicine including cancer pathology. [More]

Optical Characterization of Nanomaterials

This project focuses on establishing new microspectrophotometric measurement facilities and services to meet demands for reliable optical characterization and calibrations for a wide variety of emerging applications involving nanostructured materials. [More]

Quantum Candela

The Quantum Candela project aims to address the challenges of the emerging Canadian technology sector by modernizing the definition of the base unit for luminous intensity, the candela. [More]

Standardization of Fluorescence Measurements

The "whiteness" of paper is a key component of its market value. NRC, which is recognized as the world authority in paper whiteness measurements, developed the reference instrument that establishes the absolute whiteness level for various types of paper.

To read the research highlight story, “How white is white?” click here.

High Temperature Blackbody Facility

Called an ultra high-temperature blackbody, this rare physics tool now being readied at the NRC Institute for National Measurement Standards (NRC-INMS) in Ottawa will soon be one of the world's most accurate ways to measure ultraviolet, or UV, light.

To read the research highlight story, Canada’s Ultimate Light Ruler, please click here.

Development of BRDF Measurement Facility

NRC-INMS has developed a leading-edge "gonioreflectometer" — a highly sensitive instrument that can rapidly measure, in three dimensions, the reflectance properties of materials with a variety of colour attributes and surface properties.

To read the research highlight story, Reflecting on colour, please click here.

Related Information

Institutes:

• NRC Institute for National Measurement Standards