Bilateral Optical Power Meter Comparison Between NIST and CENAM

We describe the results of a comparison of reference standards between the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST-USA) and Centro Nacional De Metrología (CENAM-Mexico). Open beam (free field) and optical-fiber-based measurements at wavelengths of 1302 nm and 1546 nm are reported. Both laboratories’ reference standards were compared by means of a temperature-controlled optical trap detector. Measurements showed a largest difference of less than 3.4 parts in 10³, which is within the combined expanded (k = 2) uncertainty for the laboratories’ reference standards.     

Optical Fiber Power Meter Comparison Between NIST and NIM

We describe the results of a comparison of reference standards between the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST-USA) and National Institute of Metrology (NIM-China). We report optical fiber-based power measurements at nominal wavelengths of 1310 nm and 1550 nm. We compare the laboratories’ reference standards by means of a commercial optical power meter. Measurement results showed the largest difference of less than 2.6 parts in 10³, which is within the combined standard (k = 1) uncertainty for the laboratories’ reference standards.     

Identification and Handling of Discrepant Measurements in Key Comparisons

In a key comparison one or several measurement objects are circulated among a number of laboratories, each of which measures the quantities represented by the objects. In order to compare the measurement results obtained by the participating laboratories, the values represented by the circulated objects have to be established. These values, known as the key comparison reference values, and their associated uncertainties can easily be calculated by the method of least squares from the measurement results provided by the participating laboratories. Since this method requires that the measurement results be mutually consistent, a hypothesis that sometimes has to be rejected at a reasonable level of significance, a procedure for identification and handling of discrepant measurements is needed. In this paper such a procedure is suggested. It is demonstrated that although a key comparison reference value is attracted to a discrepant measurement result that has an uncertainty much smaller than the remaining results, the suggested procedure is able to identify this discrepant result. It is also demonstrated that the exclusion of a discrepant measurement result from the calculation of the reference values does not amplify the discrepancy of that result. As the discrepant result is not excluded from the comparison itself, the exclusion of the result in the calculation of the reference values should therefore be uncontroversial.     

Optical-Fiber Power Meter Comparison Between NIST and PTB

We describe the results of a comparison of reference standards between the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST-USA) and Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB-Germany) at nominal wavelengths of 1300 nm and 1550 nm using an optical-fiber cable. Both laboratories used thermal detectors as reference standards. A novel temperature-controlled, optical-trap detector was used as a transfer standard to compare two reference standards. Measurement results showed differences of less than 1.5 × 10⁻³, which is within the combined uncertainty for both laboratories.     

The standard function for a platinum resistance thermometer above the setting point of silver

A method and apparatus are described for measuring the characteristics W(T) at 962– 1085 °C for a hightemperature platinum resistance thermometer. A special design has been used containing a radiating cavity of black-body type localized around the sensitive element. The measurements were made with a spectropyrometric comparator by brightness comparison at the Ag, Au, and Cu reference points, and also at temperatures representing multiple and fractional brightnesses. The results are compared with the W(T) obtained by interpolating measurements made by the contact method at the Zn, Al, and Cu reference points. The differences in the W(T) constituted the temperature equivalent of 0.16, – 0.14, and 0.04 at the reference points correspondingly for Ag, Au, and Cu. The over- all measurement error is estimated as 0.19°C. An interpolation formula is proposed that is based on the standard function W_ref(T₉₀) given in the definition of ITS- 90.Translated from Izmeritel'naya Tekhnika, No. 9, pp. 39–42, September, 1993.     

Participation of RCChem–LIPI in the Key Comparison APMP.QM-K91 for pH Measurement of Phthalate Buffer

Metrology in Chemistry (MiC) Laboratory of Research Center for Chemistry, Indonesian Institute of Sciences (RCChem–LIPI) has been participated in key comparison APMP.QM-K91 for the pH measurement in phthalate buffer. This participation is indispensable for supporting the Calibration and Measurement Capabilities (CMC) claim in the field of pH measurement. The method used in this measurement was validated using differential potentiometry cell method and the pH measurements were performed at 15, 25 and 37 °C. The results of RCChem-LIPI in this key comparison were satisfied with the degree of equivalence (D_i) and uncertainty of degree of equivalence (uD_i) was in agreement with the key comparison reference value (KCRV). It demonstrates the capability of MiC Laboratory of RCChem-LIPI in measuring the pH of phthalate buffer, which is crucial in obtaining the CMC claim.     

铝凝固点及银凝固点容器国际关键比对评述

介绍了国际计量局（BIPM）温度咨询委员会（CCT）关键比对4即铝凝固点及银凝固点容器国际比对。采用固定点容器直接比对的形式进行，共11个国家实验室参加了该项比对，介绍了比对的组织、比对过程、实验方法以及参考值的选取，同时给出了比对结果及比对等效图。     

Analysis of Comparison Data from Acceleration Measurements

The Evaluation Guidelines [1] specify general analysis methods for key comparisons of measurement data where their reasonable application is subject to some preconditions. We discuss a real example of comparison data that can be analyzed in formal accordance with the Guidelines. But we prefer a model-based analysis benefiting from the intrinsic relation of the data. Indeed, this method is founded on the principles of the Guidelines. In our example, the laboratories participating in the key comparison have carried out a series of calibration measurements of a particular accelerometer. The values from this series correspond to the measurements at different excitation frequencies. A physical model describing the frequency dependence is known. The proposed model-based analysis estimates the unknown model parameters taking the values from the series of the laboratories simultaneously into account. If the derived model and the data are consistent, the model function gained represents the reference values. The advantage of the model-based analysis is that we utilize the a priori knowledge we have at our disposal. We obtain better reference values, i.e., the uncertainties associated with the reference values are considerably lower.     

CCT-K7水三相点容器国际关键比对

在国际互认框架内，国家计量标准的国际等效性是通过国际计量委员会（CIPM）的咨询委员会组织的一系列国际关键比对来确定的。温度咨询委员会（CCT）委托国际计量局（BIPM）作为主导实验室组织了由20个国家实验室参加的CCT-K7水三相点容器国际关键比对。比对结果表明：这些国家基准水三相点值在0．171mK范围内一致。此外，为了减小国家实验室复现水三相点的系统差，需要进一步研究同位素组成对水三相点温度的影响以及同位素修正。     

Fe-Ni合金薄膜组成表面分析测量国际

利用X射线光电子能谱技术,建立了Fe-Ni合金薄膜组成表面分析准确定量方法,中国计量科学研究院参加了国际关键比对CCQM-K67。根据最近公布的关键比对结果,中国计量科学研究院测量的Fe原子分数结果为51.48%,与参加的各国国家计量研究院的结果（50.02%）达到了等效一致。     

Text mining applied to patent mapping: a practical business case

Professional patent searchers are traditionally rather suspicious of the alleged “black box” effect inherently attached to intelligent software engines relying upon linguistic technologies for patent analysis and mapping. In this article, the authors propose that such prejudices can be overcome by setting a realistic business objective while experimenting with these new linguistic tools, as well as by applying serious methodology for validating the results of the analysis. The strengths and weaknesses of a particular text mining tool are assessed with reference to a practical business case in the field of packaging technology, and a comparison of the outcome of such an analysis with a traditional one, carried out using conventional patent classifications, is also described.     

Technical Aspects of Guidelines for the Evaluation of Key Comparison Data

Some of the technical aspects of guidelines for key comparison data evaluation prepared by BIPM Director's Advisory Group on Uncertainties are considered. These guidelines relate to key comparisons based on the measurement of a travelling standard having good short-term stability and stability during transport, in cases where the institutes' measurements are realised independently. They include two procedures for forming a key comparison reference value (KCRV), and the associated uncertainty, and the consequent degrees of equivalence (including the associated uncertainties), in accordance with the Mutual Recognition Arrangement. The basis of the procedures is (a) the representation of the information provided by the participating institutes as probability density functions (pdf), and (b) the estimator (model) used as the KCRV. The calculation of the KCRV and the associated uncertainty and the degrees of equivalence is then undertaken in accordance with the law of propagation of uncertainty, as described in the Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement (GUM), or the propagation of distributions, a generalisation of the law of propagation of uncertainty, covered in a supplemental guide to the GUM. Attention is paid to the choice of model, relating it to the conditions that apply to the key comparison. The first procedure is intended for cases where for each institute a Gaussian distribution is assigned to the measurand of which the institute's measurement is an estimate. The weighted mean is used as the model in this case. A consistency test is included to determine whether the model is consistent with the data. If the test is satisfied, the weighted mean is accepted as the KCRV. The second procedure is used in circumstances where (a) not all the pdf's assigned are Gaussian or (b) where the first procedure had previously been applied, the consistency test was not satisfied and there was no opportunity to correct all institutes' data regarded as discrepant. The model in this case is chosen to be a more robust estimator such as the median or another estimator considered appropriate for the particular comparison.     

Isotopic Correction of Water-Triple-Point Cells at NMIJ

The twenty-one participating laboratories in the international key comparison of water-triple-point cells (CCT-K7) can be classified into three groups: two laboratories that corrected the effect of the isotopic composition of water, four laboratories that had information on the isotopic composition but did not correct the effect, and the remaining laboratories that had no information. There were significant differences in the realized national standard for the triple point of water (TPW) between those laboratories that applied the isotopic correction and those that did not. The isotopic correction is now considered essential for the triple point of water. Since the National Metrology Institute of Japan (NMIJ) did not apply the isotopic correction and estimated large uncertainties at the time of the CCT-K7 comparison, we subsequently developed new cells for the TPW to improve the reliability and to reduce the uncertainty of the realization as a national reference. The isotopic compositions of seven cells were analyzed, and a chemical impurity analysis of one cell was performed. The good consistency among seven cells was shown in the results obtained when the isotopic correction was applied to the realized temperatures measured experimentally. The expanded uncertainty of the new national reference of NMIJ is estimated to be 49 μK (k = 2), and as a result of this improvement, the expanded uncertainty for calibrating a water-triple-point cell is 80 μK. The previous reference of NMIJ, reported in CCT-K7 to have an expanded uncertainty of 302 μK, is 42 μK lower than the new one. The new reference value is within the uncertainty of the previous national reference, and the new uncertainty is completely covered by the previous uncertainty. Furthermore, the new reference of NMIJ shows good agreement with the national references of the six laboratories able to apply isotopic corrects to their results for CCT-K7. These facts confirm the validity and the linkage to the CCT-K7 of both the previous and the new national references of NMIJ.     

EURAMET.T-K7 Key Comparison of Water Triple-Point Cells

The results of a EURAMET key comparison of water triple-point cells (EURAMET.T-K7) are reported. The equipment used, the measuring conditions applied, and the procedures adopted for the water triple-point measurement at the participating laboratories are synthetically presented. The definitions of the national reference for the water triple-point temperature adopted by each laboratory are disclosed. The multiplicity of degrees of equivalence arising for the linking laboratories with respect to the ??mother?? comparison CCT-K7 is discussed in detail.     

医用加速器光子水吸收剂量国际比对及进展

医用加速器光子水吸收剂量国际比对采用星式比对方式,主导实验室为国际计量局,其石墨量热计复现的水吸收剂量为比对参考值.各国计量实验室依据各自医用加速器辐射质参数,进行2～3个辐射质的水吸收剂量绝对测量,现已完成7个国家的比对工作,比对数据公布在关键比对数据库中.     

Statistical Interpretation of Key Comparison Reference Value and Degrees of Equivalence

Key comparisons carried out by the Consultative Committees (CCs) of the International Committee of Weights and Measures (CIPM) or the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM) are referred to as CIPM key comparisons. The outputs of a statistical analysis of the data from a CIPM key comparison are the key comparison reference value, the degrees of equivalence, and their associated uncertainties. The BIPM publications do not discuss statistical interpretation of these outputs. We discuss their interpretation under the following three statistical models: nonexistent laboratory-effects model, random laboratory-effects model, and systematic laboratory-effects model.     

Comparison EUROMET.EM-K8 of DC voltage ratio: results

A regional key comparison of dc voltage ratio has been carried out in Europe. The method to evaluate the comparison reference value, the resulting degrees of equivalence for the voltage ratios 1000 V/10 V and 100 V/10 V and the link to the corresponding worldwide key comparison CCEM-K8 are reported.     

Recalibration of the NBS Glass Standards of Spectral Transmittance

In 1934, Gibson, Walker, and Brown developed sets of four colored glass filters to serve as working standards of spectral transmittance for checking the reliability of spectrophotometers. Several sets of these glasses were measured carefully and reserved and designated as future reference standards. Duplicate standards evaluated by comparison with the reference standards are available by purchase to the public. The current set of reference standards was established in the years 1945 to 1947, and one of these reference standards (selenium-red) was recalibrated in 1952. This paper reports a recalibration, made in 1961 and 1962, of all four glasses (selenium-red, carbon-yellow, copper-green, cobalt-blue) on three spectrophotometers (Cary 14, Beckman DU, König-Martens). Except for the cobalt-blue standard, the values of spectral transmittance found differ from those previously assigned by amounts differing at some wavelengths by as much as or slightly more than the uncertainties estimated for the present values, though not by amounts exceeding the combined uncertainties of the present and previous determinations. The indicated changes for these three standards are fairly regular, however, and support the view that the selenium-red and carbon-yellow standards are changing chiefly by formation of a reflectance-reducing film on the surfaces. The indicated rate of upward drift is slow, and suggests that it takes about 10 years for the drift to exceed the assigned uncertainity.     

高纯氦气中杂质标准物质的研制

介绍了重量法研制高纯氦气中微量氢气、氖气、氧气、氩气、氮气、甲烷、一氧化碳和二氧化碳8种杂质标准物质的过程,包括重量法制备技术、稀释气中相关杂质的定量及稳定性考察等。研制的8种微量气体标准物质的种类和摩尔分数参照国标GB/T 4844-2011中对高纯氦气的规定,摩尔分数范围在0.5~4.0μmol/mol之间,扩展不确定度为1%~3%（k=2）。通过参加CCQM相关国际关键比对,验证了标准物质量值的准确度。与现有的国家二级标准物质相比,研制的标准物质在种类和不确定度方面都已达到了较高水平。     

Determining Reference Values and Degrees of Equivalence in Key Comparisons

Various approaches are considered to determining the reference value in key comparisons. The purposes of key comparisons are compared with those of other interlaboratory experiments. Models are proposed for the key comparison data in accordance with the purposes of the key comparisons and available a priori information on those data.