The Sources and Detectors Group at NIST conducts research on advanced laser and detector technologies. Their work focuses on developing new sources and detectors to support various industries, quantum communications, manufacturing, and defense applications. The group is particularly known for its carbon-nanotube based coatings for detectors used in earth and space radiometry.
The Photonic Radiometry Project within the group is developing next-generation optical power measurement standards for laser power, detector spectral responsivity, and other applications. They have created a family of chip-scale bolometric standards that provide accurate, SI-traceable measurements of optical power using micro-fabricated detectors. These standards allow for calibrations at power levels ranging from nanowatts to hundreds of kilowatts and energy levels from femtojoules to megajoules across various wavelengths.
The Laser Applications Project at NIST focuses on enhancing the ability to measure high power laser output parameters with the necessary accuracy and ease of use. They develop and implement unique technologies such as a thermal flowing-water-based approach and a force-based technique using optical radiation pressure. The project also utilizes NIST’s high power laser facilities to develop supporting metrology for materials processing applications like photovoltaic manufacturing and laser welding.
Source: https://www.nist.gov/pml/applied-physics-division/sources-and-detectors
Keywords: laser, metrology, radiometry, detectors, traceability
