National Physical Laboratory Collection (#2)

Ultrasound hydrophone calibration C016 / 6473
Ultrasound hydrophone calibration equipment. This equipment is used to calibrate hydrophones (underwater microphones) that are used to detect and measure ultrasound waves

Ultrasound thermal test object casing C016 / 6489
Ultrasound thermal test object casing. Expanded view of the casing used in a device known as a thermal test object (TTO). This is used for testing temperature rises caused by ultrasound beams

Ultrasound beam plotting tests C016 / 6462
Ultrasound beam plotting tests. Researcher carrying out tests with ultrasound beam plotting equipment. This equipment is used to accurately measure and plot the output of medical ultrasound devices

Ultrasound beam plotting tests C016 / 6453
Ultrasound beam plotting tests. Researcher carrying out tests with ultrasound beam plotting equipment. This equipment is used to accurately measure and plot the output of medical ultrasound devices

Ultrasound thermal test object C016 / 6492
Ultrasound thermal test object and sample. A thermal test object (TTO) is used for testing temperature rises caused by ultrasound beams

Ultrasound power testing equipment C016 / 6469
Ultrasound power testing equipment. This equipment is used to carry out buoyancy tests to measure the power output of ultrasound devices

Ultrasound hydrophone calibration C016 / 6471
Ultrasound hydrophone calibration equipment. This equipment is used to calibrate hydrophones (underwater microphones) that are used to detect and measure ultrasound waves

Ultrasound beam plotting equipment C016 / 6451
Ultrasound beam plotting equipment. This equipment is used to accurately measure and plot the output of medical ultrasound devices

Ultrasound beam plotting equipment C016 / 6459
Ultrasound beam plotting equipment. This equipment is used to accurately measure and plot the output of medical ultrasound devices

Ultrasound beam plotting tests C016 / 6457
Ultrasound beam plotting tests. Researcher carrying out tests with ultrasound beam plotting equipment. This equipment is used to accurately measure and plot the output of medical ultrasound devices

Ultrasound hydrophone calibration C016 / 6475
Ultrasound hydrophone calibration equipment. This equipment is used to calibrate hydrophones (underwater microphones) that are used to detect and measure ultrasound waves

Ultrasound hydrophone calibration C016 / 6476
Ultrasound hydrophone calibration test. Researcher using equipment to calibrate hydrophones (underwater microphones) that are used to detect and measure ultrasound waves

Thin-film thermocouples C016 / 6481
Thin-film thermocouples. Thermocouples, used for temperature measurements, are based on the thermoelectric effect between two metals

Millimetre radio waveguide C016 / 6438
Millimetre radio waveguide. This metallic waveguide is used to guide and transmit radio waves with a wavelength in the millimetre band range (EHF, extermely high frequency)

Thin-film thermocouples C016 / 6480
Thin-film thermocouples. Thermocouples, used for temperature measurements, are based on the thermoelectric effect between two metals

Ultrasound beam plotting tests C016 / 6461
Ultrasound beam plotting tests. Researcher carrying out tests with ultrasound beam plotting equipment. This equipment is used to accurately measure and plot the output of medical ultrasound devices

Millimetre radio waveguides C016 / 6442
Millimetre radio waveguides. These metallic waveguides and comparison objects are used to guide and transmit radio waves with a wavelength in the millimetre band range (EHF)

Smart card research, 1982
Smart card research by British computer scientists at the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), Teddington, UK. At left is Donald Davies (1924-2000) of the NPL

Donald Davies, British computer scientist
Donald Watts Davies (1924-2000), British computer scientist. Davies studied physics at Imperial College, London, working on the British nuclear weapons program

Etched columnar grain structure C016 / 2059
Etched columnar grain structure. Spun-cast tube section, etched to reveal a columnar grain structure. Grains are microscopic crystals (crystallites) that together, separated by visible boundaries

Interference rings as length standards C016 / 2056
Interference rings as length standards. These Fabry-Perot interferometer observations (40-centimetre path difference) are for the green line of mercury-198 (left)

Cathode ray tube colour gamut C016 / 2058
Cathode ray tube colour gamut. This graphic represents the range of colours produced by a cathode ray tube (CRT). The gamut (triangular) is typically less than the entire available colour space

Laser holography of a molecular model C016 / 2054
Laser holography of a molecular model. Holography uses laser beams to record the dimensions of an object as a set of interference patterns

Glass and ceramics research C016 / 2053
Glass and ceramics research. Researcher pouring out a sample of molten glass during the casting process. This is part of work on ceramic engineering aimed at producing glasses

Kilogram 18, UK copy of SI unit of mass C016 / 2049
Kilogram 18, UK copy of SI unit of mass. The UKs National Standard Kilogram, copy number 18 of the International Prototype, was allocated in 1889 when the standard was established

Casting platinum-iridium kilograms C016 / 2050
Casting platinum-iridium kilograms. Researchers carrying out the casting and graining stages of producing platinum-iridium kilogram standards

Historical standards, metre and yard C016 / 2047
Historical standards, metre and yard. The two standards here are the International Prototype Metre (iridium-platinum, standard from 1889 to 1960)

Metal surface tension measurements C016 / 2045
Metal surface tension measurements. Close-up of a drop of molten steel (yellow) suspended in an electromagnetic field. This is the levitating drop apparatus for determining the surface tensions of

Centrifugal plasma furnace C016 / 2044
Centrifugal plasma furnace, cutaway artwork. Also known as a centrifugal plasma arc furnace, this device is used to turn contaminated soils and other waste materials into glassy solids for disposal

Historical length standards C016 / 2046
Historical length standards. Standards established for the yard and the metre, along with their cross-sections (right). The Henry VII Yard (1497) and the Elizabeth Yard (1588)

Bank of Weston cells C016 / 2041
Bank of Weston cells. These electrochemical cells produce a stable voltage used as a standard to calibrate voltmeters and define the SI unit for electromotive force (the volt)

Kilogram 18, UK copy of SI unit of mass C016 / 2043
Kilogram 18, UK copy of SI unit of mass. The UKs National Standard Kilogram, copy number 18 of the International Prototype, was allocated in 1889 when the standard was established

Historical iron corrosion samples C016 / 2040
Historical iron corrosion samples. Series of glass tubes with 70-year-old samples of iron under different conditions, demonstrating the effect on corrosion. The years vary between 1907 and 1910

Arithmometer, 1897 C016 / 2038
Arithmometer. Invented in 1820 and manufactured from the 1850s to 1915, these were the first widely used mechanical calculators

Cooling coil corrosion C016 / 2036
Cooling coil corrosion. Close-up of corrosion (rust: hydrated iron oxide) on a cooling coil that failed. Photographed at the National Physical Laboratory, Teddington, UK

Copper pipe deposits C016 / 2037
Copper pipe deposits. Green copper-containing deposits inside a copper pipe. These are usually a form of verdigris, where cuprous oxide combines with moisture

Tetraform nanoprecision machine tool C016 / 2035
Tetraform nanoprecision machine tool. This machine, developed at the UKs National Physical Laboratory, was intended to be used to carry out machining (shaping devices and components)

Ayrton-Jones ampere balance C016 / 2034
Ayrton-Jones ampere balance. This apparatus is used to measure a standard value for the ampere, the international (SI) unit of electric current

Automatic sample changer C016 / 3807
Automatic sample changer. Robotic arm removing a radioactive sample from a storage container. Photographed at the National Physical Laboratory, Teddington, UK

Automatic sample changer C016 / 3808
Automatic sample changer. Robotic arm removing a radioactive sample from a storage container. Photographed at the National Physical Laboratory, Teddington, UK

Surface texture measurement C016 / 3805
Surface texture measurement. Optical instrument, based on a light microscope, being calibrated for areal (three-dimensional) topography

Surface texture measurement C016 / 3806
Surface texture measurement. Optical instrument, based on a light microscope, being calibrated for areal (three-dimensional) topography

Nanomechanical measurement references C016 / 3801
Nanomechanical measurement references in their case. These calibrated reference grids are used for nanomechanical measurements. This is a Datasure toolkit

Surface texture measurement C016 / 3804
Surface texture measurement. Optical instrument, based on a light microscope, being calibrated for areal (three-dimensional) topography

Nanomechanical measurement references C016 / 3802
Nanomechanical measurement references. These calibrated reference grids are used for nanomechanical measurements. These ones are part of a Datasure toolkit

Surface texture measurement C016 / 3803
Surface texture measurement. Optical instrument, based on a light microscope, being calibrated for areal (three-dimensional) topography

Liquid samples C016 / 3799
Liquid samples in glass vials. Photographed at the National Physical Laboratory, Teddington, UK

Liquid samples C016 / 3798
Liquid samples in glass vials. Photographed at the National Physical Laboratory, Teddington, UK

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The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) has been at the forefront of scientific innovation since its establishment in 1900. With a rich history spanning over a century, NPL has contributed significantly to various fields of research and development. One notable achievement is the introduction of the mass spectrometer in 1954, revolutionizing analytical chemistry by allowing scientists to identify and quantify elements with unparalleled precision. This groundbreaking invention paved the way for advancements in numerous scientific disciplines. Another remarkable contribution from NPL includes the creation of tungsten carbide slip gauge blocks C016/2042. These meticulously calibrated tools have become an essential component in ensuring accurate measurements across industries worldwide. In addition, NPL played a pivotal role in computer science with the development of Pilot ACE computer in 1950. This early computing machine laid the foundation for modern-day computers and propelled technological progress on a global scale. Preserving historical artifacts is also part of NPL's mission, as seen through their possession of a copy of the Imperial Standard Pound C016/2048. This artifact serves as a testament to NPL's commitment to preserving scientific heritage and promoting international standards. The evolution of measurement units is another area where NPL has made significant contributions. From yardsticks to advanced measuring instruments, NPL has continuously worked towards refining accuracy and standardization throughout history. Nestled within its headquarters since 1906, NPL continues to be an iconic symbol representing excellence in scientific research and innovation. The building stands as a testament to decades-long dedication towards advancing knowledge and pushing boundaries. Amongst other notable achievements are Campbell standard mutual inductance devices used extensively by researchers worldwide, ship testing tanks that simulate real-world conditions for maritime experiments, Rosenhain optical microscope enabling detailed analysis at microscopic levels, propeller cavitation studies contributing towards efficient propulsion systems like those used on Supermarine Spitfire aircraft during World War II; all these accomplishments showcase how diverse yet impactful NPL's contributions have been.