NIST scientists have developed highly accurate methods for measuring extremely small masses and forces using innovative optical and electrostatic techniques. The new methods could revolutionize force and mass measurements, particularly for applications in manufacturing, medicine, and scientific research.
The key innovations include:
1. A self-calibrating optomechanical force sensor that can measure forces as small as femtonewtons (1e-15 N) with high accuracy
2. An electrostatic force balance (EFB) that can measure mass in the milligram range with the lowest uncertainty in the world
3. A portable primary reference balance that provides traceability to the SI (International System of Units) without requiring calibration weights
These new techniques could enable:
– Compact, field-portable balances for measuring masses as small as a milligram
– Self-contained SI-traceable reference forces and masses
– Improved calibration of atomic force microscopes and other scientific instruments
– More accurate measurements of laser power across a wide range of applications
The innovations build on NIST’s previous work in small mass and force metrology, and could have significant implications for commercial and scientific applications requiring precise measurements of very small forces and masses.
Source: https://www.nist.gov/noac/technology/mass-force-and-acceleration/measuring-small-masses-and-forces
Keywords: Terms, Reference, Metrology, Forces, Mass, Pressure, Laser, Optics, Cavity, Calibration, Balance, Scale, Precision, Traceability, Measurement, Units, Standards, Reference, Metrology
