Annual Review: Supplement Activities of the BIPM …...2 publications in peer reviewed journals on...
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Annual Review: Supplement
Activities of the BIPM Departments
Work Programme (2016 – 2019)
07/07/2020 2
Contents
I. Physical Metrology ................................................................................................................................................................................10
II. Time MetrologyTime Metrology ..........................................................................................................................................................18
III. Chemical Metrology ..........................................................................................................................................................................23
IV. Ionizing Radiation Metrology ...........................................................................................................................................................29
V. International Liaison and Coordination .............................................................................................................................................37
This supplement reports activities on the projects detailed under the BIPM Work Programme (2016 – 2019).
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Key developments (2016 – 2019)
The Work Programme for 2016 – 2019 contains 37 projects and 80 tasks to the BIPM. Some of the key activities that took place
during the work programme period are highlighted below:
Physical Metrology
– In 2016 the BIPM organized the CCM pilot comparison of future kilogram realizations, to test the agreement between
independent realizations made by five NMIs using Kibble balances and the XRCD method. This study also served as a trial for a
key comparison of kilogram realizations which is now also organized by the BIPM;
– During 2017 and 2018 the BIPM organized the CCEM key comparison of realizations of the farad, CCEM-K4.2017. The first use of
the star-scheme for a CCEM comparison was a great success. The comparison has been completed within a period of only one
year and the results are excellent. The CCEM community will consider if this model can be applied to comparisons of other
quantities;
– The year 2019 marked a crucial step towards the completion of the BIPM Kibble balance for realizing the new kilogram
definition. The relative standard uncertainty has been reduced to about 5 x 10-8. This allows the BIPM to participate in the first
CCM key comparison of realizations of the new definition of the kilogram;
– The programme of on-site comparisons of electrical quantum standards has been very active throughout the period 2016-2019
with seven on-site key comparisons of quantum Hall resistance standards, two key comparisons of Josephson voltage standards
and four pilot studies of a future comparison of Josephson voltage standards used for ac signals.
Time Metrology
– Several studies and experimental tests on the Software Defined Radio (SDR) Receiver in the TWSTFT techniques in collaboration
with the leading NMIs and the CCTF TWSTFT WG were carried out. To support the further development of the SDR technique,
the BIPM with the CCTF WG has created a platform running GITLab for a collaborative open source code development. The
characterization of the techniques on long term including accuracy, stability, and reliability was achieved to prepare the use of
SDR in UTC;
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– In collaboration with OP-SYRTE, the design and development of a new BIPM GNSS calibrating travelling box aiming at ns
accuracy to be used for TWSTFT and GNSS calibration was carried out;
– Secondary Frequency standards (Sr standard from OP-SYRTE and NICT, Rb from OP-SYRTE, and Yb one from NIST and INRIM) in
the steering of TAI are now actively used since end 2018.
Chemical Metrology
– 14 comparison exercises coordinated by the BIPM with 298 NMI participations covering NMI standards/ reference capabilities
for Greenhouse Gases; Air Quality Gases; Organics; Proteins/Peptides;
– 19 peer reviewed publications supported by 16 seconded visiting scientists, including papers on reference methods for
Greenhouse Gases and isotope ratios; accurate surface ozone measurements; application of quantitative NMR; protein/peptide
clinical analytes;
– A knowledge transfer programme on Mycotoxin standards for Food Safety Analysis developed with support from 7 visiting NMI
scientists with training secondments by 11 NMI visiting scientists;
– A knowledge transfer programme on Application of FTIR for gas standard analysis as part of Metrology for Clean Air programme
with training secondments completed by 13 NMI visiting scientists;
– 7 measurement guidelines on the application of internal standards for qNMR characterization of organic standards published.
Ionizing Radiation Metrology
– The service for comparisons of standards for high energy photon dosimetry for radiotherapy was developed using, for the first
time, an off-site facility (the DOSEO Platform in Saclay) characterized by the BIPM;
– A new absorbed-dose-to-water standard was developed for medium-energy x-rays; the clinical impact of the new standard is
that measurement uncertainties are reduced from about 3 % to 0.7 % improving the effectiveness and safety of cancer therapy;
– A new service was launched for comparing primary standards of pure beta-emitting radionuclides for applications in the nuclear
industry and nuclear medicine. The instrumentation and analysis techniques were developed in collaboration with the
LNHB(France), PTB(Germany), POLATOM(Poland), NPL(UK) and NIM(China);
– The first comparison exercise for 11C was completed using the transportable international reference system (SIRTI); a challenging
measurement as 11C has a short half life (20 minutes). The radionuclide is used for positron emission tomography;
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– BIPM staff contributed to the publication of ICRU Report 90 on key data for ionizing radiation dosimetry; these data are used by
all metrology institutes in the field and impact primary standards and measurement uncertainties.
Liaison, Coordination, Communication and Promotion
– 5 new Member States (4 of them were previously Associate States), 6 new Associates;
– 5 new signatories of the CIPM MRA;
– The CIPM MRA recognized within ISO/IEC 17025:2017;
– The KCDB 2.0, a new web-platform (embodies all the CMC review and comparison registration processes) was developed and
launched on 29 October 2019;
– The CBKT programme was launched in 2016, and over 75 % of Member States and Associates have participated in the
programme initiatives (as trainees, lecturers and sponsors);
– Metrologia’s position as the leading international journal in pure and applied metrology has been reinforced, with the last four
years recording the journal’s four highest Impact Factors. The Impact Factor for 2018 (the most recent result) is its highest ever:
3.447;
– A major project is in progress to transfer the BIPM website to a new content management system (CMS);
– Publication of the UNIDO-BIPM-OIML joint brochure on “The role of metrology in the context of the 2030 Sustainable
Development Goals” in May 2017.
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Key figures (2016 – 2019)
Technical Services
492 Calibrations certificates and
Study notes issued by the BIPM
560 Participation in comparisons
coordinated by the BIPM
80/59 Participation in the TIME
comparisons (Circular T/ UTCr)
427 Participation in Workshop- based
CBKT activities of the BIPM
51 Participation in Laboratory-based
CBKT (25 placements at the BIPM)
58 WP Secondees assisted to deliver
the Work Programme projects
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Key figures (2016 – 2019)
Scientific publications
Publications in 2019:
1. Amount of substance and the mole in the SI
Metrologia, 2019, 56(4)
Güttler B., Bettin H., Brown R.J.C., Davis R.S., Mester Z., Milton M.J.T., Pramann A., Rienitz O., Vocke R.D., Wielgosz R.I.
2. Advances in reference materials and measurement techniques for greenhouse gas atmospheric observations
Metrologia, 2019, 56(3)
Brewer P.J., Kim J.S., Lee S., Tarasova O.A., Viallon J., Flores E., Wielgosz R.I., Shimosaka T., Assonov S., Allison C.E., van der Veen A.M.H., Hall B.,
Crotwell A.M., Rhoderick G.C., Hodges J.T., Mohn J., Zellweger C., Moossen H., Ebert V., Griffith D.W.T.
3. Development and validation of a suite of standards for the purity assignment of organic compounds by quantitative NMR spectroscopy
Metrologia, 2019, 56(6)
Westwood S., Yamazaki T., Huang T., Garrido B., Ün I., Zhang W., Martos G., Stoppacher N., Saito T., Wielgosz R.I.
4. The first official measurement of 11C in the SIRTI
Appl. Radiat. Isotop., 2019, 154
Galea R., Michotte C., Nonis M., Moore K., El Gamal I., Keightley J., Fenwick A.
5. The Coordinated Universal Time (UTC)
Metrologia, 2019, 56(4)
Panfilo G., Arias F.
136 Scientific articles/papers/reports published by
the BIPM staff in the open scientific literature
92 comparison reports published in the Technical
supplement of Metrologia
A full list of recent publications is available here:
https://www.bipm.org/en/publications/open-
literature/
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Key figures (2016 – 2019)
Source of Finance
EURAMET
APMP
SIM
COOMET
AFRIMETS GU
LFM
ET
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Key figures (2016 – 2019)
Member States and Associates
KCDB data
− 61 Member States* and
− 41 Associates of the CGPM (States and Economies)
*The official term is "States Parties to the Metre
Convention"; the term "Member States" is its
synonym and used for easy reference.
262 Institutes
− 102 National Metrology Institutes
• 61 Member States
• 41 Associates
− 4 International organizations
(ESA, IAEA, JRC, WMO)
− plus 156 Designated Institutes
1,613 comparisons
1039 KCs, 574 SCs
25 242 CMCs Peer-reviewed declarations
Report on the BIPM Work Programme for 2016-2019
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I. Physical Metrology
1.
International
reference
standard for
voltage
E-A1.1
1) Maintenance of the transportable
dc Josephson voltage standard,
supporting also A1.3 and A1.4
2) Bilateral on-site comparisons at
1 V and 10 V as part of BIPM.EM-
K10.a/b (4 NMIs) with relative
uncertainty of 1 × 10−10.
Two on-site comparisons BIPM.EM-K10 were carried out with JV (Norway) and MIKES
(Finland). No publishable result could be obtained from the first, because the
Josephson voltage standard of JV did not behave as expected. The number of
Josephson voltage comparisons at dc was smaller than initially planned to allow
concentration on the development of the future comparison programme for ac
Josephson voltage standards (E-A1.2).
Investigations on the effect of leakage resistance in applications of programmable
JVSs were presented at CPEM 2016 and found a large resonance.
E-A1.2
1) Development and maintenance of
an ac JVS standard
2) Development and characteri-
zation of an ac voltage secondary
standard for on-site comparisons
3) Pilot studies to establish the new
protocol for BIPM ongoing on-site
ac JVS key comparison (2 NMIs)
with a target uncertainty < 1 ×
10−6.
Four on-site trial comparisons have been carried out using the transportable BIPM ac
Josephson voltage standard: with CENAM (2016), PTB (2017, 2019) and NPL (2018).
The key parameters influencing the result of such comparisons have been studied,
with support of a secondee from KRISS (Rep. of Korea). Progress has been made in
developing a new comparison protocol to extend the on-site comparisons from dc to
ac voltages for frequencies below 1 kHz. Uncertainties at the level of a few parts in
107 seem to be achievable.
A number of secondary ac voltage standards, necessary for the new ac comparisons,
have been investigated and one promising instrument has been identified.
E-A1.3
1) Maintenance of the BIPM
secondary dc voltage standards
(Zeners), also for E-A1.4
2) Bilateral comparisons of Zener
diode transfer standards as part
of BIPM.EM-K11.a/b (4 NMIs)
with relative uncertainty of 5 ×
10−8.
Four bilateral comparisons of Zener voltage standards, BIPM.EM-K11, have been
carried out with DEFNAT (Tunesia), NMISA (South Africa), KEBS (Kenia) and BIM
(Bulgaria).
The BIPM was a participant and a member of the support group for
GULFMET.EM.BIPM-K11. The comparison coordinator from SCL (Hong Kong, China)
spent two months in the BIPM laboratories for training. The BIPM contributed to the
characterization of the travelling standards and measured the standards twice.
The pressure and temperature coefficients of the BIPM Zener voltage standards have
been re-evaluated after 15 years to underpin the uncertainty budget of the
comparisons. To our knowledge the BIPM is the only laboratory which systematically
investigates these coefficients.
E-A1.4
Calibration of Zener diode secondary
standards for NMIs without a
primary realization (six certificates
for four NMIs) and for internal
19 Zener voltage standards were calibrated for 9 NMIs: INM (Colombia), SMD
(Belgium), SASO (Saudi Arabia), SIQ (Slovenia), SIRIM (Malaysia), BIM (Bulgaria), EMI
(UAE), BSN (Indonesia) and INRIM (Italy). Two Zeners were calibrated for the BIPM
Ionizing Radiation Department.
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customers (Ionizing Radiation and
the watt balance).
2.
International
reference
standard for
resistance
E-A2.1
1) Development of a new
transportable QHR standard
based on graphene for simplified
operation and cost reduction
2) Bilateral on-site comparisons of
quantum Hall standards
(including new graphene samples)
as part of BIPM.EM-K12 (4-6
NMIs) with relative uncertainty 1 ×
10−9
3) Providing the basis for the
realization of the farad, E-A3.
7 on-site comparisons of quantum Hall standards, BIPM.EM-K12, have been
organized with CMI (Czech Republic), METAS (Switzerland), NRC (Canada), NMIJ
(Japan), A*STAR (Singapore), NIM (China) and KRISS (Rep. of Korea).
A series of measurements have been made in 2016 on a commercial sample of
graphene. Quantization could be achieved, but required the application of a high
magnetic field, which is too high for a transportable standard. Recently contacts have
been made with another supplier of graphene QHR samples.
A major renovation of the four terminal-pair coaxial bridge for ac-resistance
measurements has been completed in collaboration with a secondee from NMIJ
(Japan). This bridge plays an important role in linking the 10 pF reference capacitors
of the BIPM to its dc-QHR standard.
E-A2.2
1) Maintenance of BIPM secondary
resistance standards, also for E-
A2.3
2) Bilateral comparisons of
resistance transfer standards as
part of BIPM.EM-K13.a/b (4-6
NMIs) with relative uncertainty of
5 × 10−8.
Bilateral comparisons of resistance calibrations, BIPM.EM-K13, have been made with
6 NMIs: SMD (Belgium), NSAI (Ireland), INMETRO (Brazil), A*STAR (Singapore), NMISA
(South Africa) and NIM (China).
A new laboratory with a new and better screened Faraday cage has been created for
resistance metrology.
E-A2.3
Calibration of resistance secondary
standards for NMIs without primary
realizations (100 certificates for 20
NMIs) and for internal customers
(Mass, Ionizing Radiation, watt
balance).
140 resistance standards were calibrated for 23 NMIs: GUM (Poland), IPQ (Portugal),
INM (Colombia), NIS (Egypt), DMDM (Serbia), MKEH (Hungary), SIRIM (Malaysia), DFM
(Denmark), A*STAR (Singapore), SIQ (Slovenia), SMD (Belgium), MSL (New Zealand),
NMCI (Iran), EIM (Greece), BEV (Austria), BIM (Bulgaria), INMETRO (Brazil), NIMT
(Thailand), EMI (UAE), INRIM (Italy), NMISA (South Africa), SMU (Slovakia) and NMIA
(Australia). 17 calibrations were provided for other BIPM departments.
3.
International
reference
standard for
capacitance
E-A3.1
1) Maintenance of the measurement
systems to derive the capacitance
unit from the quantum Hall effect
and/or the calculable capacitor,
also supporting E-A3.2 and A3.3
Bilateral comparisons of calibrations of capacitance standards, BIPM.EM-K14, have
been carried out with 4 NMIs: NMISA (South Africa), NIS (Egypt), NSAI (Ireland) and
SMD (Belgium).
The BIPM had participated during several years in the EURAMET comparison
EURAMET.EM-S31 of capacitance and capacitance ratio. This work was finished at the
end of 2016.
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2) Bilateral comparisons of
capacitance transfer standards as
part of BIPM.EM-K14.a/b (4-6
NMIs) with relative uncertainty of
5 × 10−8.
A strategy for the alignment of the electrode bars of the calculable capacitor has
been developed which leads to an uncertainty contribution of 3 parts in 109. The
calculable capacitor and all measurement systems for capacitance metrology have
been moved to a new laboratory.
A new set of improved resistors with calculable frequency dependence, needed for
the link of the farad to the ohm, has been fabricated and characterized with the help
of a secondee from NIM (China). Two resistors were sold to NIM and LNE (France).
E-A3.2
Organization of a CCEM key
comparison (15-20 NMIs), following
the protocol of BIPM.EM-K14 (E-A3.1)
and coordinated by the BIPM.
The CCEM key comparison of capacitance, CCEM-K4.2017, with participation from 7
NMIs and the BIPM has been completed successfully. The BIPM result agreed with
the KCRV well within the uncertainty. The effective comparison scheme allowed to
issue the first Draft A report just one year after the start of the comparison. The
scheme will serve as a model for future CCEM comparisons.
E-A3.3
Calibrations of capacitance
secondary standards for NMIs
without primary realizations (100
certificates for 20 NMIs).
94 capacitance standards were calibrated for 22 NMIs: IPQ (Portugal), SIRIM
(Malaysia), INMETRO (Brazil), EIM (Greece), BIM (Bulgaria), MIKES (Finland), A*STAR
(Singapore), SIQ (Slovenia), SMD (Belgium), CENAM (Mexico), CEM (Spain), NIMT
(Thailand), GUM (Poland), NPLI (India), BEV (Austria), VSL (Netherlands), CMI (Czech
Rep.), NIS (Egypt), NMIJ (Japan), INTI (Argentina), NMISA (South Africa), SMU (Slovakia).
E-A3.4
Continued metrological
characterization of the ac quantum
Hall effect for improved
measurement of the von Klitzing
constant with a target uncertainty of
5 x 10-9 and to establish a primary ac
impedance standard.
An expert on the ac quantum Hall effect from PTB stayed for one week at the BIPM in
2018 for information exchange. Two staff members of BIPM visited the PTB during
two weeks in 2019 to learn about the implementation of the ac-QHR effect.
A sample holder has been fabricated to test the suitability of BIPM’s QHR samples
for measurements at ac.
4.
Mass
dissemination
based on IPK
M-A1.1
1) Fabrication of 1 kg
Platinum/Iridium prototypes for
Member States (workshop)
2) Calibration of new 1 kg Pt/Ir
prototypes.
New Pt-Ir prototypes have been fabricated and calibrated for NIM (China), KRISS(Rep.
of Korea), NPSL(Pakistan) and SNSU(Indonesia).
Three more prototypes, nos. 113-115, are in the final stages of fabrication.
M-A1.2
1) Re-calibration of 1 kg Pt/Ir
prototypes
2) Calibration of 1 kg stainless steel
mass standards.
Pt-Ir prototypes were re-calibrated for PTB (Germany), SCL (Hong Kong, China), KRISS
(Rep. of Korea), UME (Turkey), BFKH (Hungary), INMETRO (Brazil), NPL (UK), SMU
(Slovakia), SMD (Belgium), BEV (Austria) and NIST (USA). In total 12 calibration
certificates were issued.
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Stainless steel 1 kg standards were calibrated for CESMEC (Chile), NMCI (Iran), LATU
(Uruguay), KIM-LIPI (Indonesia), EIM (Greece), EMI (UAE), HMI (Croatia), DMDM
(Serbia), VSL (Netherlands), INMETRO (Brazil), INTI (Argentina), MIRS (Slovenia), NMIM
(Malaysia), SMU (Slovakia), NSC (Ukraine), SMD (Belgium) and BEV (Austria). In total
29 calibration certificates were issued.
Since 2015 we follow a new strategy for the use of the Pt-Ir working standards,
limiting their use a much as possible, and setting up a clear hierarchy in the use of
the standards. This has led to a better understanding of mass changes of our
references and has opened the possibility to correct for them.
The BIPM participated in the comparison EURAMET.M.M-K4.2015, on the mass of 1
kg stainless steel standards. The result agreed with the KCRV within 1 µg.
M-A1.3 Traceability of the working standards
to the BIPM ensemble of reference
mass standards (M-A2).
As a consequence of the good results obtained from the new strategy for the use of
our Pt-Ir working standards (see M-A1.2), it has been decided that they will remain
our principal reference. No traceability has been established to the ensemble of
reference mass standards.
M-A1.4 Improved, highly-reproducible
cleaning technique in air.
No work done, no longer considered a priority after the redefinition of the kilogram.
M-A6.1
Calibration of mass standards,
including Si spheres, under vacuum,
for the calibration service and for the
BIPM key comparison of primary
realizations (M-A4).
A series of weighings under vacuum were made during the CCM Pilot Study in 2016.
A series of weighings under vacuum were made during the CCM key comparison of
kg realizations, CCM-K8.2019, which started in late 2019.
M-A6.2 Provision of water sorption artefacts
in Pt/Ir to NMIs.
A stack of 8 Pt-Ir disks and 21 spacers, to be used as a sorption artefact, was
manufactured for NPL.
M-A7.1
1) Volume determination of newly
fabricated prototypes (M-A1.1)
2) Volume determination of
stainless steel standards as part
of the mass calibration service (M-
A1.2).
The density of the new 1 kg prototypes for NIM (China), KRISS (Rep. of Korea), SNSU
(Indonesia) was determined.
The density of three new 1 kg prototypes under fabrication, nos. 113-115 was
determined.
M-A7.2 Centre of gravity determination of
stainless steel standards with a knob,
Two determinations of the centre of gravity of national stainless steel standards
were carried out, for NMIM (Malaysia) and KIM-LIPI (Indonesia).
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as part of the mass calibration
service (M-A1.2).
M-A7.3 Calibration of small masses for the
determination of the sensitivity of
the mass comparators.
The masses of the sensitivity weights for the M_one and the Metrotec mass
comparators have been re-calibrated in 2019.
M-A8.1
Calibration of mass standards for the
watt balance, the Chemistry
Department and the Ionizing
Radiation Department.
Mass calibrations have been provided to the watt balance (3) and the Chemistry
Department (2).
M-A8.2 Calibration of pressure gauges for
several BIPM departments (incl.
Mass).
42 calibration certificates have been issued for the Physical Metrology Department,
the Chemistry Department and the Ionizing Radiation Department.
5. I
Ensemble of
reference mass
standards
M-A2.1
1) Characterization of the
performance of the storage
system
2) Improvement of the storage
conditions, based on results of M-
A2.2 and M-A2.3.
At the end of 2018 it was decided to stop the storage of the mass standards of the
ensemble under gas flow and to bring them all into air. This was a consequence of
the outcome of the Extraordinary Calibrations using the IPK in 2014-2015, which led
to the conclusion that at the BIPM the main cause for changes of the mass of the
working standards is alteration due to use, and not contamination from the
environment.
M-A2.2
1) Mass comparison of standards
within the ensemble
2) Linking the average mass of the
ensemble to values deduced from
primary realizations
3) Modelling of mass changes in-
between calibrations against
primary realizations.
See comment on M-A2.1
The standards of the ensemble will be linked to the primary realizations of the
kilogram during the CCM key comparisons of kg realizations and will contribute to
linking the reference value from one comparison to the next.
M-A2.3 Characterization of surface
contamination of standards.
Has not been pursued, see comment on M-A2.1
M-A2.4 Provide a model to deduce mass
change from surface analysis, in
particular for Si spheres.
Has not been pursued, see comment on M-A2.1
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M-A2.5
Understanding of the sensitivity of
the mass of the standards of the
ensemble to cleaning techniques.
Development of cleaning procedures
for the standards of the ensemble,
adapted to the storage environments
Has not been pursued, see comment on M-A2.1
M-A5.1
Absolute realization of the kg after
the redefinition, within about 20 μg,
based on surface characterization by
ellipsometry of previously
characterized Si-spheres (M-A2.4).
Since the volume properties are
assumed to be stable in time, this is
equivalent to a repeated XRCD
project.
Priority is now given to the development of our Kibble balance (M-A3)
6.
Watt balance M-A3.1
Fully operational watt balance at the
level of several parts in 108. This
requires:
1) Analysis of alignment
uncertainties and reduction at the
level of about 1 × 10−8
2) Study of the performance of the
new interferometer
3) Measurement series to
characterize the performance of
the apparatus as a whole
4) Comparison of the conventional
two-phase operation and the
BIPM specific simultaneous
operation to identify systematic
errors
5) Study of vacuum operation
At the end of 2019 a standard uncertainty of 4.9 parts in 108 for the calibration of a 1
kg mass standard has been achieved. This allows the BIPM to participate in the CCM
key comparison of kg realizations (M-A4.2). A paper has been submitted to
Metrologia.
A new interferometer has been introduced which is firmly mounted on the magnetic
circuit. It led to a significant reduction of the type B uncertainty. A publication is
under preparation.
The alignment uncertainties have been carefully studied and are now at a level of 3.3
parts in 108.
Three different modes of operation have been compared and the one-mode two-
phases scheme has been chosen as the most appropriate.
Several series of measurements under vacuum, lasting at least one month, have
been carried out during 2019 to characterize the performance of the apparatus. The
results are consistent and have allowed to improve several aspects of the
experiment.
A number of studies on effects related to the magnetic circuit have been carried out
and published.
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6) Continued improvement of the
apparatus as a result of (2) to (5)
with the objective to reach a
target uncertainty of several parts
in 108.
M-A3.2
1) Calibration of the angle of the
mirrors on the watt balance coil
to within about 100 μ rad
2) Improvement of the setup to
reduce uncertainty to about 50 μ
rad.
This activity is no longer required since a novel procedure has been developed to
directly align the magnetic circuit to within 25 μrad.
M-A3.3
Determination of the value of local
gravitational acceleration (also
included in the Time programme as
T-A5.2).
METAS had kindly proposed to carry out a new measurement of the gravitational
acceleration in the Kibble balance laboratory using their absolute gravimeter in
September 2019.
M-A3.4 Maintenance and improvement of
two Josephson voltage standards.
Two Josephson voltage standards have been developed.
The recently chosen one-mode two-phases operation scheme requires only one of
them.
M-A3.5 Support for the watt balance in all
issues related to electrical
measurements.
Calibration of standard resistors
Fabrication of several electronic boards
Study of the stability of the gain of three voltmeters
7.
Comparisons of
primary
realizations of
the new kilogram
definition
M-A4.1
1) Pilot comparison of primary
realizations of the new definition
2) Transfer to and maintenance of
the reference value by the BIPM
ensemble of mass reference
standards.
The CCM pilot comparison of kg realizations was successfully organized in 2016 with
five NMI participants.
The reference value has been linked with the as-maintained BIPM mass unit and is
conserved on the BIPM working standards.
M-A4.2
1) Ongoing BIPM key comparison of
primary realizations composed of
bilateral exercises between
individual primary realisations
The first CCM key comparison of kg realizations, CCM-K8.2019, has been organized.
Six NMIs and the BIPM are participating. The first round of weighings has been
completed in December 2019. The second round will be finished in February 2020.
The key comparison reference value will be linked with the as-maintained BIPM mass
unit and conserved on the BIPM working standards.
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and the BIPM ensemble of mass
reference standards
2) Update of the average mass value
attributed to the BIPM ensemble.
8.
International
Liaison and
Coordination
Activities
CM-A1
Provision of the CCM Executive
Secretary, general support to the CC
and WGs plus specifically support for:
1) Two CCM meetings:
2) Four annual meetings of CCM
working groups
3) Coordinate review of CC and RMO
comparison reports before
publication
4) Related liaisons with RMOs.
Organization of two CCM meetings in 2017 and 2019.
Organization of annual meetings of CCM working groups.
Participation in the CCM WG on the phases of the dissemination of the kg.
Coordination of the review of more than 70 CCM and RMO comparison reports.
Participation in four EURAMET TC-M meetings and in an APMP mass and force
conference.
Publication of CCM e-News.
CE-A1.1
Provision of the CCEM Executive
Secretary, general support to the CC
and WGs plus specifically support for:
1) Two CCEM meetings
2) Four annual meetings of CCEM
working groups (12 meetings)
3) Coordinate review of CC and RMO
comparison reports before
publication
4) Related liaisons with RMOs.
Organization of two CCEM meetings in 2017 and 2019.
Organization of annual meetings of CCEM working groups.
Coordination of the review of CCEM and RMO comparison reports.
Participation in two EURAMET TCEM meetings and support for APMP TCEM meetings.
CU-A1.1
Provision of the CCU Executive
Secretary, general support to the
CCU. Participation in the elaboration
of the 9th edition of the SI Brochure.
Organization of three CCU meetings.
Support for the CCU strategy working group.
Participation in the elaboration of the 9th edition of the SI brochure.
Significant number of press contacts about the revised SI before the 2018 CGPM.
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II. Time Metrolog yTime Metrology
1.
Computation of
UTC-KC
Time and
frequency
transfer
T-A1.1
1) New and refined methods for
clock comparison for application
on existing and new techniques
for the full exploitation of the
time transfer systems.
Benefits - redundancy of data,
impacting on:
(a) the reliability of the time links
system;
(b) improvement of the
uncertainty and better
traceability of UTC(k) to UTC
and the SI second;
(c) the characterization of clocks;
(d) the ultimate impact is on the
stability of the time scales.
2) Distribution of data, results,
comparisons to UTC participants
and other relevant users.
3) CCTF-K001.UTC, Circular T (70
participants in 2013, 10 % increase
expected).
Regular delivery of UTC, rapid UTC, Circular T, and CCTF-K001.UTC.
Handling of 4 retirements of senior staff and introduction of 3 new staff members
ensuring continuity on the critical expertise and department heritage.
Concerning GNSS time transfer, tests on the use of the European GNSS Galileo and
the Chinese Beidou for clock comparison in UTC, also in collaboration with NIM. First
development and testing of the extension of Section 4 of Circular T to report the
data of UTC disseminated by BeiDou and Galileo systems.
Study and test on GNSS interoperability for time transfer and positioning in
collaboration with ORB and INRIM.
Studies and tests on the Software Defined Radio (SDR) Receiver in the TWSTFT
techniques in collaboration with the leading NMIs and the CCTF TWSTFT WG. To
support the further development of the SDR technique, the BIPM with the CCTF WG
has created a platform running GITLab for a collaborative open source code
development. The characterization of the techniques on long term including
accuracy, stability, and reliability was carried out to prepare the use of SDR in UTC.
Participation by invitation to the performance tests of the new TWSTFT modem
developed by NICT, Japan.
A refined algorithm for the computation of uncertainties of UTC-UTC(k) has been
developed and tested to take into account correlation and biases in the UTC
equipment.
A project and initial development for a new IT structure in the Time dept for the
computation of UTC has started based on virtual machines.
Data distribution has been enhanced by the implementation of the Time
Department Data Base and its open access to external users.
The number of participants to UTC increased to 80.
8 Secondee from 8 different countries at Time Dept.
9 journal papers and 14 communications to international congresses related to this
activity.
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2. ;
Algorithms T-A1.2
1) Improved frequency stability and
accuracy. Target is improving
both the present frequency
stability (3 × 10−16) and frequency
accuracy (few parts in 1016) by a
factor of two.
2) Larger data and results
distribution.
3) Generation of a time scale for
scientific applications requiring
long-term stability and higher
accuracy (yearly TT(BIPM)).
TT(BIPM20XX) has been computed and published in the FTP server every year.
The Time dept annual report has also been produced and published in
https://www.bipm.org/en/bipm/tai/annual-report.html with some novelties and
most of the data are available on the Time Dept data base and FTP.
A change in the drift estimation observation window for UTC clock allowing a better
stability of EAL has been introduced.
A study on the stability of UTC and UTC(k) and the observed periodic fluctuations
has been carried out with PTB, and OP-SYRTE.
A study on the optimization of the algorithm parameters in UTC and UTCr has been
carried out identifying an improvement in UTC and UTCr, also in collaboration with a
NICT secondee.
Accuracy of TAI has been maintained within -0.5 and 1.5 * 10-16 corresponding to the
best achieved accuracy of primary frequency standards.
Stability on long term is maintained at the level of a few 10-16 .
1 journal paper and 3 communications to international congresses related to this
activity.
3.
Rapid UTC T-A1.3
1) Publication of UTCr, rapid UTC
providing weekly access to a UTC
Rapid solution for better
synchronization of local
realizations of UTC(k) in
contributing laboratories. (40
participants in 2013, 100 %
increase expected over the
programme).
UTCr has been published without interruption every Wednesday (with one exception
due to BIPM black out).
The algorithm of computation of UTCr has been updated and modifications have
been introduced (clock weighting procedure, for ex.), for correcting the increasing
offset wrt UTC. Since July 2017 the offset remains in average smaller than 3 ns.
Offset to UTC within +/- 2 ns since July 2017.
A number of laboratories steer the UTC(k) using UTCr as reference.
The number of laboratories participating to UTCr is 59.
4.
Calibration
campaigns for
UTC
T-A2.1
1) Characterization of equipment
compatible with those operated
in NMIs.
2) Reliable/redundant travelling and
fixed-reference standards.
3) Guidance documents and support
for contributing NMIs.
A new measurement set up has been installed in the lab generating the BIPM Time
and Frequency reference (BTFR) signal. This reference signal is continuously
monitored in stability and accuracy and it is distributed to the other BIPM labs.
The set of BIPM GNSS receivers is continuously operated and monitored to get
confidence on the behavior and the calibration capacity.
Three new model of GNSS receivers have been acquired and installed (Novatel,
GTR55, and Polar X5). They are under study and will be used for the future
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4) Technical protocols for
calibration.
5) Methods of calibration aimed at
improving the time link
uncertainty. The target is
improving the present 5 ns value
of the Type B uncertainty by a
factor of at least 2.
calibration campaigns. Those receivers are in fact in use of most of the UTC
laboratories.
NIM has provided a self-made GNSS receiver for collaborative experimentation on
Beidou time transfer.
In collaboration with OP-SYRTE, the design and development of a new GNSS
calibrating travelling box aiming at ns accuracy to be used for TWSTFT and GNSS
calibration was carried out. The calibrating box is under test in collaboration with OP-
SYRTE, INRIM, OCA.
Absolute calibration of BIPM and NIST GNSS receivers by European Space Agency in
the frame of a collaboration agreement.
5.
Calibration
campaigns for
UTC
T-A2.2
Typically, two characterization
campaigns (requiring the sending of
BIPM travelling system without staff)
to each of approximately 15
contributing laboratories (G1 labs)
during the programme.
1) Provision of Guidelines for the
calibrations organized by the
RMOs.
2) Regular assessment of the the
calibrations by the RMOs and
their link to the UTC system for
for approximately 60 contributing
laboratories.
3) Generating Input data for time
links used in CCTF-K001.UTC,
BIPM Circular T and rapid UTC.
Updated version of Guidelines for GPS equipment calibration in 2016.
Calibration of the TWSTFT link TL-NICT by GNSS G1 calibration trip in collaboration
with OP and TL.
The G1 calibration campaign organized by the BIPM in G1 laboratories started in
February 2016 with three laboratories in APMP (NIM, NICT, TL), in the G1 EURAMET
laboratories (PTB, OP, ROA), in October 2016; in SIM (NIST, USNO) at the end of 2017;
at COOMET (SU) in spring 2018.
A second G1 campaign visited 3 Group 1 labs in Asia in summer 2018, EURAMET (OP,
PTB, ROA), and SIM (USNO, NIST) in summer 2019.
The BIPM calibrated a receiver of the AFRIMETS G1 laboratory (NMISA) in 2016.
RMOs calibrations campaigns have been reported by APMP, EURAMET and SIM and
linked to Circular T covering 13 laboratories.
As the result of the calibration campaigns, all the values of uB of the calibrated
equipment have been updated in Circular T.
Complete information is available at
http://www.bipm.org/jsp/en/TimeCalibrations.jsp
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6.
Very accurate
standards and
transfer
techniques
T-A3
1) Comparison of optical standards
with ~10−18 relative uncertainty
over short and long baselines
2) Contributing to the discussion on
the redefinition of the second
(2018 onwards).
Development of a method based on Graph Theory for evaluating optical frequency
ratios and uncertainties to be applied to the list of frequencies recommended for
secondary representations of the second. Method successfully applied to validate
the uncertainties in the last frequency list updates in 2016.
Study, development, and implementation of a tool to use IPPP for time transfer
based on a post-doc activity, in cooperation with the CNRS and OP. The IPPP tool
provides the time transfer computation and interface for the use of the CNES IPPP
algorithm and integer products. This method is used, a posteriori, for the UTC links
and also to validate other techniques as optical fiber, VLBI, other optical links, also in
collaboration with EURAMET and APMP colleagues.
Use of Secondary Frequency standards (Sr standard from OP-SYRTE and NICT, Rb
from OP-SYRTE, and Yb one from NIST and INRIM) in the steering of TAI starting since
end 2018.
Different methods to compare optical frequency standards to the SI unit, also for not
NMI labs have been studied and presented to the scientific community in 2018.
The BIPM has started working in the Working Group for the exploitation of the ACES
experiment on the ISS with the aim of studying high accuracy microwave link.
15 journal papers and 6 communications to international congresses related to this
activity
1) Evaluation of the use of
microwave links as a possible
candidate for future high level
optical clock comparisons based
on a comparison of Space-Earth
and Earth-Earth Comparison of
atomic clocks.
2) Comparison of optical standards
with ~10−18 fractional uncertainty
over short and long baselines.
3) Improved time link accuracy.
7.
International
Liaison and
Coordination
Activities
CT-A1.1
1) TAI/UTC/TT(BIPM)/ maintenance
2) GNSS/TW/other time transfer
systems and coordination
3) Support to GNSS system times
4) Provision of the Executive
Secretary, general support to the
CC and WGs and liaison with
RMOs for:
‐ CCTF
‐ CCL
‐ CCAUV
Contribution annually to the International GNSS Committee of the United Nation.
Contribution to the URSI annual meetings and general assembly.
Participation to the annual EURAMET TCTF meeting.
Participation to the work of the ITU-R WP7A on issues relating to the standard time
and frequency dissemination signals.
Contribution to the celebration of new SI on May 20, 2019 in China, and to the China
Navigation Conference as keynote speaker on time and navigation.
Participation to the International Summer school in Metrology, 2016, Varenna, Italy.
In the frame of CCTF activities:
Organization and participation to the 21st meeting of the CCTF and its Working
Groups (2017).
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Interaction with the IAU, IUGG and URSI for the preparation of the 2018 CGPM
resolution 2 on time scales.
Publication of Guidelines of the CCTF WG on MRA.
Organization of GNSS and ATFT WG workshops in 2019 and several meetings of the
CCTF WGs.
Organization of the CCL and related working group meetings in June 2018.
Organization of the CCAUV meeting in September 2017, along with the associated
Working and Task Group meetings, update and publications of CCAUV strategic plan,
revised List of Services, CCs’ and RMOs’ comparison reports.
Organization of a CBKT course on “Effective participation in UTC” for 24 new time
laboratories in collaboration with GNSS Receiver manufacturers, METAS (sponsor),
and PTB in Feb 2018. About 48 applications received.
Initial, development of a new CBKT interactive course on Time scale and Algorithm in
collaboration with a secondee.
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III. Chemical Metrology
1.
International
equivalence of
gas standards for
air quality and
climate change
monitoring
C-A1.1
1) Bilateral comparisons as part of
BIPM.QM-K1 coordination (2016-
2019).
NMI participations: 20
2) Comparison with independent
methods for system stability
verification and accuracy
improvement. Improvement of
global system performance.
3) Coordination of CCQM-K137 (NO
in Nitrogen).
NMI participations: 30
21 Bilateral comparisons of Ozone Standards as part of BIPM.QM-K1 completed with
1 as a calibration;
4 papers published in peer reviewed journals on Ozone standards and
measurements, including ‘Recommendation of a consensus value of the ozone
absorption cross-section at 253.65 nm based on a literature review, 2019, Metrologia, 56,
034001’
Established Steering Committee for 2020 Workshop on Implementing an Ozone Cross
Section change for worldwide surface ozone monitoring;
Prototype new electronic module for Ozone SRP designed, built and tested;
24 NMI participations in CCQM-K137 comparison on NO in N2 standards with the final
report completed and published in Metrologia.
2.
C-A1.2
1) Coordination of CCQM-K74-
repeat on Nitrogen Dioxide
standards (2017) and PS on
Spectroscopy.
NMI participations: 15
2) Maintenance and development of
a HCHO facility for future CCQM-
K90-Repeats.
28 NMI participations in CCQM-K74.2018 (NO2 in nitrogen), with all measurements
completed and Draft A in preparation;
6 NMI participations in CCQM-P172 (HNO3 by spectroscopy), measurements on 4
standards completed, 2 on-going;
8 NMI participation in CCQM-K90 (HCHO in nitrogen) with the final report completed
and published, Metrologia, 2017, 54, Tech. Suppl., 08029;
1 paper published in a peer reviewed journal on reactive gas standard stability;
13 visiting scientists trained on FTIR for gas standard analysis including B-FOS
software operation, with 5 scientists funded by the NPL and 1 by the PTB as part of
BIPM’s Metrology for Clean Air CBKT project
3.
C-A1.3
1) Key comparison on Carbon
dioxide and maintenance of
Methane facility (CCQM-K120).
NMI participations: 20
2) Developed methods with reduced
uncertainties for greenhouse gas
comparisons.
3) Coordination of CCQM-K68.2018
Nitrous Oxide, development of
44 NMI participations in CCQM-K120.a and.b (CO2 in air) with final report published:
Metrologia, 56, 08001
2 participations in CCQM-P188 (CO2 in air) with final report published: Metrologia,
2019, 56, Tech. Supp., 08012
BIPM CO2-PVT primary facility: Mark II developed and performance validated in
CCQM-P188, with support of visiting scientists from NIST (3) and RISE (1);
4 papers (1 with CITAC Best Paper award for 2019) published in peer reviewed journals
on CO2 standards and measurements including, Calibration strategies for FT-IR and
other isotope ratio infrared spectrometer instruments for accurate δ13C and δ18O
measurements of CO2 in air, Anal. Chem., 2017, 89(6), 3648-3655;
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facility and comparison on air
greenhouse gas standards.
NMI participations: 10
CO2 isotope ratio standard generation and characterization facility developed, in
collaborative project with IAEA, with support of visiting scientists from NIM, INIRIM,
VNIIM and NPL, in preparation for CCQM-P204;
18 NMI participations in CCQM-K68.2019 (N2O in air) with measurements on-going,
with facilities developed an validated with visiting scientist from KRISS;
2 participations in CCQM-P131 run in parallel with CCQM-K68.2019.
4.
International
equivalence of
organic primary
calibrators for
Clinical
Chemistry and
Laboratory
Medicine, Food
Analysis,
Environmental
analysis,
Forensics and
Pharma
C-A2.1
1) Method for characterization
coordination of CCQM-K55.c.1
repeat (polar organic (300 Da to
500 Da) (2019).
NMI participations: 30
2) Coordination CCQM-K55.a.1
repeat (non-polar organic (100
Da to 300 Da) (2017) and CCQM-
K55.d
NMI participations: 30
3) Developed and published
spectroscopic methods for purity
comparisons.
CCQM-K55.d (Folic acid purity) and CCQM-P117.d (Folic acid purity), with key
comparison report published in Metrologia;
21 NMI participations in CCQM-K148.a (Bisphenol A purity) and CCQM-P187.a
measurements complete, Draft B in preparation;
7 reference documents on application of qNMR internal standards published, with
support of visiting scientists from NMIJ, NIM (2), INMETRO, UME, INTI;
2 publications in peer reviewed journals on the application of qNMR for purity analysis
including Development and cross validation of a suite of standards for the purity
assignment of organic compounds by quantitative NMR spectroscopy, Metrologia, 2019,
56;
IUPAC Technical Report on Methods for SI-Traceable Value Assignment of the Purity
of Organic Compounds drafted and under final review.
C-A2.2
1) Key Comparison on calibration
solution solutions CCQM-K78.a
(multi-component polar).
NMI participations: 30
2) Preparation for repeat calibration
solution key comparison CCQM-
K78.b (multi-component non-
polar) (2020).
63 NMI participations in CCQM-K78.a and CCQM-P121.a (Multicomponent Amino
acid solutions), with key comparison report published in Metrologia;
1 review article published on calibrant material characterization.
5.
C-A2.3
1) Developed and published
methods for the characterization
of large molecule primary
calibrators.
5 papers published in peer reviewed journals on peptide primary reference material
characterization, including Implementing a reference measurement system for C-
peptide: Successes and lessons learned, Clin. Chem., 2017, 63(10), 1447-1456;
Reference methods for the characterization of peptide calibrators developed with
support of visiting scientists from LNE (2), HSA, NIM, LGC, NIBSC, NIMT, NPL;
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2) Completion of purity key
comparison CCQM-K115 (2015) C-
peptide purity (1 kDa to 5 kDa).
NMI participations: 16
3) Coordination of CCQM-115.b
Primary organic calibrator (5
kDa to 10 kDa) large organic
molecule primary calibrator
comparison.
NMI participations: 16
24 NMI participations in CCQM-K115 (peptide purity–synthetic human C-peptide)
published in Metrologia, 2017, 54, Tech. Suppl., 08007 together with associated pilot
study CCQM-P55.2 published in Metrologia, 2017, 54, Tech. Suppl., 08011;
20 NMI participations in CCQM-K115.b/P55.2.b (peptide purity–Oxytocin) with
measurements complete and the Draft B report in finalization;
26 NMI registrations in CCQM-K115.c/P55.2.c (HbA1c hexapeptide (GE) purity)
material characterization completed and samples distributed by the BIPM with
comparison measurements on-going;
28 NMI registrations in CCQM-K115.2018/P55.2.2018 (HbA0 hexapeptide (VE) purity)
material characterization completed and samples distributed by the BIPM with
comparison measurements on-going.
6.
International
Liaison and
Coordination
Activities
CQM-A1.1
Provision of the CCQM Executive
Secretary. Support for:
1) Four CCQM Plenary Meetings
2) Nine CCQM working groups (36
Meetings)
3) Participate in the pool of experts
reviewing CC and RMO
comparison and pilot study
reports before publication
4) Development of strategic plans
5) Related liaisons with RMOs.
Provision of the CCPR Executive
Secretary, general support to the
CC and WGs plus specifically
support for:
1) Two CCPR meetings
2) Four annual meetings of CCPR
working groups (12 meetings)
CCQM and CCPR updated Strategy document published in 2018, with support from
BIPM;
Organized/supported 4 CCQM plenary session; 44 CCQM WG meetings; 3 CCQM
Workshops;
Special issue for Metrologia organized on advances in Metrology in Chemistry and
Biology with 20 published papers from related CCQM Workshop;
Organized/supported 2 CCPR plenary session; 9 CCPR WG meetings;
Invited reports and liaison provided to EURAMET (4), APMP(2) and SIM MC-TC (1)
groups.
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3) Related liaison with International
Commission on Illumination (CIE)
and RMOs.
4) Coordinate review of CC and RMO
comparison reports before
publication.
5) Related liaisons with RMOs.
CQM-A1.2
Support for:
1) JCTLM Executive and WGs (eight
meetings)
2) JCTLM Database entry/nomination
review process
Maintenance of JCTLM Database.
Organized/supported 4 Executive meetings; and 8 working group meetings;
Organized 4 call and review cycles for JCTLM Database entries/nominations;
4 newsletter designed, published and distributed;
Meeting organized with ICSH;
Updated JCTLM Declaration of cooperation document which was approved, with ICSH
appointed as new Executive Member;
2 JCTLM Stakeholder workshops organized;
46 JCTLM procedures updated;
Participation in 2 JCTLM Review Teams.
CQM-A1.3
Liaison activities with:
IUPAC; ISO TC 212, IFCC, WMO, WHO,
WADA, Codex, ISO TC 146.
Co-organized 2 workshops with NMI China (2016 and 2018) on Protein and Peptide
Diagnostics and Therapeutics 450 participants both meetings;
Organized WADA-BIPM Workshop (28-29 September 2016) on ‘Standards and
Metrology for Anti-Doping Analysis’ with 100 participants;
1 paper published: Metrological challenges for measurements of key climatological
observables: oceanic salinity and pH, and atmospheric humidity. Part 1: overview,
Metrologia, 2016, 53(1), R1-R11;
Provided liaison to WADA’s laboratory expert group providing expert review of EQAS
results;
Publication of ISO 15195 and redrafting of ISO 17511, through liaison to ISO TC 212
WG2 (Reference Measurement Systems for Traceability in Laboratory Medicine);
Publication of ISO 17034 through liaison to ISO REMCO and joint WG with CASCO JWG
43;
Lectures and publications for Varenna Summer School on Metrology 2016 and 2019.
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Provided support to “Regional Fund Quality Infrastructure for Biodiversity & Climate
Protection in Latin America and the Caribbean” programme with lectures on
Metrology for GHG Measurement and Review of programme plans;
Provided liaison to WADA’s laboratory expert group (4 meetings) providing expert
review of EQAS results;
Technical input into IAEA and WMO meetings on VOCs (WMO Expert Group) and
Greenhouse gases and isotope ratio standards for CO2 (IAEA technical meeting and
GGMT-2017 and 2019), including promoting results of CCQM-K120 comparison to
underpin update in WMO-CO2 scale;
Provide liaison to the Meeting of International Organizations working in the field of
Methods of Analysis and Sampling (Inter Agency Meeting) prior to Codex CCMAS (4
meetings), including contribution to electronic WG on measurement uncertainty;
3 invited lectures at international meetings on qNMR (Baveno, 2017; Tokyo, 2018;
Washington 2019);
Liaison with IUPAC ICTNS on redefinition of the mole activities;
1 paper published following the mole redefinition, Amount of substance and the mole
in the SI, Metrologia, 2019, 56(4), 044002.
7.
CBKT C-A2.4
1) Mycotoxin CBKT Phase 1 (AFB1
and ZON)
2) Mycotoxin CBKT Phase 2 (PAT and
DON)
4 Mycotoxin Metrology CBKT meetings organized involving cumulatively 18
organizations;
Established MoU and LoI with NIM to support project and supply and characterization
of 4 mycotoxin materials;
MoUs and LoIs signed with 8 institutes (INTI, NIMT, NMISA, KEBS, UME, LATU, INM,
INRAP) to enable their participation in the Mycotoxin Metrology CB&KT programme;
Concluded collaborative agreement with NRC (Canada) to extend MMCBKT
programme to include Ochratoxin A;
Secured Financial support from PTB for training secondments of visiting scientists
from 7 NMIs.
7 visiting scientist secondments completed and 4 mycoxtoxin pure material, stock and
calibrant solution standards characterized.
11 visiting scientist training secondments (from INTI (2), INMETRO, NMISA (2), NMIT,
KEBS LATU, INM, UME, INRAP) completed on Mycotoxin Calibrator Characterization;
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CCQM-K154.a (ZEN in acetonitrile calibration solution comparison): measurement
completed with 18 NMIs participations and Draft B in preparation;
CCQM-K154.a.1 (ZEN in acetonitrile calibration solution comparison) with 2 NMI
participations registered and Draft B in preparation;
CCQM-K154.b (AfB1 in acetonitrile calibration solution comparison): protocol
prepared and stock solutions distributed for measurements in 2020;
2 Papers published: Mycotoxin metrology: Gravimetric production of zearalenone
calibration solution, J. Phys. Conf. Ser. 975 (2018) 012014, and Accurate Characterization
of a Pure Aflatoxin B1 Material to Avoid Calibration Errors, J. AOAC Int. (2019);
2 measurement guidelines published on mycotoxin primary reference material and
calibrant characterization;
The BIPM Mycotoxin Metrology Capacity Building and Knowledge Transfer Three-day
Knowledge Transfer Workshop for GULFMET organized and delivered on ‘Metrology
for Safe Food and Feed - Organic Analysis and Standards’, Saudi Arabia on 4-6
November 2019. on request from GULFMET.
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1.
X-ray standards
dosimetry IR-A1.1
1) Maintaining the BIPM primary
standards for:
- air kerma in low- and medium-
energy x-rays (9 beams),
- absorbed-dose to water in
medium-energy x-rays
developed in 2013-2015 (4
beams),
- air kerma for mammography
(11 beams).
2) Providing bilateral key comparisons
BIPM.RI(I)-K2, -K3, -K7 and –K9, on
request.
3) Calibration and characterization of
national standards in these beams
(), on request.
4) Replacement of an HV generator
for low- or medium-energy x-rays.
The comparison and calibration services continued to be fully booked throughout
the period. They were used by the following laboratories:
− 2016: VSL(Netherlands), NIST(USA), NMISA(South Africa), STUK(Finland) and
the IAEA
− 2017: KRISS(Korea), NIM(China), NPL(UK), IST(Portugal), NIS(Egypt) and
SSI(Sweden) and the IAEA
− 2018: NRC(Canada), NIM(China), LNHB(France), CRRD(Argentina),
NRPA(Norway) and the IAEA
− 2019: CMI(Czech Republic), IRCL(Greece), LNMRI(Brazil), , STUK(Finland) and
the IAEA
A new absorbed dose to water standard was developed for medium-energy x-rays –
the standard is easier to implement than calorimetry.
The low-energy x-ray laboratory and control room have been refurbished.
A project was completed in collaboration with secondee from the VNIIM(Russia) to
improve the characterization of reference qualities for low-energy x-rays.
Measurements of backscatter corrections for x-ray dosimetry were also carried out
in collaboration with the IAEA, for data needed for an update of a dosimetry code of
practice.
The medium-energy x-ray generator continued to give excellent service throughout
most of the period but developed a fault at the end of 2019. A replacement x-ray
generator has been ordered for commissioning and validation in 2020.
2.
-ray standards
dosimetry IR-A1.2
1) Maintaining the BIPM primary
standards for:
- air kerma in 60Co and 137Cs beams
for radiotherapy and
radioprotection, respectively,
- absorbed dose to water in 60Co
beam for radiotherapy,
- absorbed dose to water in high-
energy beams, reference
measurements using the graphite
calorimeter in 60Co.
The comparison and calibration services for gamma standards were also fully
booked:
− 2016: MKEH(Hungary), SCK.CEN(Belgium), VSL(Netherlands), KRISS(Korea),
CIEMAT(Spain), NMISA(South Africa), SMU(Slovakia), SSM(Sweden),
GUM(Poland) and the IAEA;
− 2017: SMU(Slovakia), NPL(UK), VSL(Netherlands), IST(Portugal), NIS(Egypt),
SSI(Sweden) and the IAEA;
− 2018: NRPA(Norway);
− 2019: VNIIFTRI(Russia), VSL(Netherlands), IRCL(Greece), SMU(Slovakia),
LNMRI(Brazil), GUM(Poland), METAS(Switzerland), CMI(Czech Republic),
STUK(Finland) and the IAEA.
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2) Providing bilateral key
comparisons BIPM.RI(I)-K1, -K4, -
K5 and –K6, on request.
3) Characterization and calibration
of national standards in these
beams (), on request.
4) Replacement of the 60Co source
in 2017.
60Co air kerma services were successfully transferred from the older CIS-BIO
irradiator to the Theratron, with no interruption to the service or loss in accuracy.
The CIS-BIO irradiator itself was decommissioned. The purchase of a new 60Co
irradiator will be considered during the new programme.
The 137Cs irradiator was decommissioned in 2018 as the source reached the end of
its working life. Agreement was reached with the IAEA for BIPM staff to use the new
irradiator at the IAEA laboratory as soon as it is available (2020/2021).
3.
High-energy
dosimetry
(accelerator
dosimetry)
IR-A1.3
1) Maintaining the transportable
photon calorimeter standard to
provide robust traceability for
absorbed dose through on-site
comparisons and
characterizations of national
standards.
2) Providing the BIPM.RI(I)-K6
comparisons on-site at the NMIs.
3) Continued study of long-term
optimal scenario for a sustainable
maintenance of BIPM.RI(I)-K6
comparisons, using the BIPM
graphite calorimeter standard.
An agreement was reached in 2017 with the DOSEO platform (close to the BIPM) to
use the Elekta LINAC as a BIPM reference. The comparison and calibration service
was successfully transferred to this facility.
New software and hardware were installed to enable real-time monitoring, the
quality system was established and a member of staff was trained and qualified to
operate the LINAC.
A new comparison service has been established and has been used by METAS
(Switzerland) LNHB (France) and KRISS (Korea)
A detailed study was carried out during 2019 to investigate the possible impact of
using different models of LINAC on calibrations. Measurements were carried out
using two LINACs at DOSEO and a LINAC at the DTU (Denmark). The work was
carried out in collaboration with LNHB (France) and DTU (Denmark) with support
from a secondee from the NRC (Canada). A publication is in preparation.
4.
Brachytherapy IR-A1.4
1) Maintaining the BIPM transfer
standards (thimble and well-type
chambers) for 192Ir brachytherapy
comparisons.
2) Providing BIPM.RI(I)-K8 on-site
comparisons for reference air
kerma rate for HDR 192Ir sources,
as adopted by the CCRI, on
request of NMIs.
3) Study of the convenience and
feasibility of future development
The brachytherapy facility was refurbished including the installation of a robot to
position the radioactive source for the quality control of the well-type transfer
standard (reducing staff dose).
The x-ray imaging system set up for the brachytherapy facility was also used to
provide information on the construction of various devices, including ion chambers
for calibration and the BIPM calorimeter core.
Periodic quality control tests have continued.
One comparison exercise was carried out with the VSL (Netherlands).
Although there have been few participations in this service during this period, there
are indications that interest will increase in the future with EURAMET and the IAEA
both active in the field.
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of a primary standard.
Proposal/discussion at CCRI-2017.
5.
International
Reference
System
for γ emitters
(SIR)
Meas. of γ
emitters
IR-A2.1
1) Maintenance and development of
SIR facility for core comparisons
of γ emitters.
2) Providing on demand the
BIPM.RI(II)-K1 comparisons
covering (at least):
3) 11C, 18F, 22Na, 22Na, 46Sc, 47Sc, 51Cr, 54Mn, 56Mn, 56Co, 57Co, 58Co, 60Co, 59Fe, 64Cu, 65Zn, 67Ga, 75Se, 85Kr, 85Sr, 88Y, 95Nb, 99Mo, 99mTc, 103Ru, 106Ru, 109Cd, 110mAg, 111Ag, 111In, 113Sn, 123I, 124Sb, 125Sb, 125I, 131I, 133Ba, 133Xe, 134Cs, 137Cs, 139Ce, 140Ba, 141Ce, 144Ce, 152Eu, 153Gd, 153Sm, 154Eu, 155Eu, 166mHo, 169Yb, 177Lu, 182Ta, 186Re, 192Ir, 195Au, 201Tl, 203Hg, 203Pb, 207Bi, 222Rn, 228Th, 237Np, 241Am, 243Am.
4) Contribution to the development
of the Measurement Method
Matrix (MMM, CCRI(II)) to reduce
the total number of comparisons
for γ emitters.
The following comparisons were carried out during this period:
− 2016: 133Ba(NRC(Canada)), 88Y(LNHB(France), 88Y(BEV(Austria)), 134Cs(PTB(Germany));
− 2017: 60Co and 54Mn(PTB(Germany)), 231Pa (NPL(UK)), 113Sn(LNHB(France)), 131I
and 166mHo(NMISA(South Africa), 166Ho(CMI(Czech Republic)), 152Eu, 133Ba, 60Co, 68Ge and 137Cs (TAEK(Turkey));
− 2018: 223Ra and 65Zn (LNHB(France)), 85Sr (PTB) (Note: there were restrictions for
regulatory reasons on shipping radioactive products to the BIPM in 2017/8);
− 2019: 139Ce and 133Ba (NMISA (South Africa)), 152Eu (NMI (Japan)), 133Ba (NIST
(USA)), 88Y (BEV (Austria)), 225Ac (PTB (Germany)), 60Co (VNIIM (Russia)).
The SIR Laboratory was refurbished in 2019 to ensure continued compliance with the
ionizing radiations regulations.
A high resolution gamma spectrometer was set up and calibrated, to check SIR
sources for possible cross-contamination.
The long-term stability measurements of the SIR were contributed to a paper on
‘Evidence against solar influence on nuclear decay constants’, a controversial theory
that half lives could depend on the distance between the Earth and the sun.
New hardware and software were developed to run the SIR.
Physical
backup to
SIR 226Ra
sources
IR-A2.7
1) Feasibility and eventual
construction and operation of an
electronic current source of high
stability and reproducibility for
gradual elimination of 226Ra
sources used in the SIR.
2) In case of negative answer to
point 1), study of an alternative to
A BIPM-NIST workshop was held in 2018 at the NIST(USA) to discuss options for
measuring low electrical current from ionization chambers or using current sources.
There was general interest in this topic and a joint CCEM/CCRI Task Group was set up
to oversee the project. A project was agreed in the 2020-2023 programme to validate
the use of the PTB Ultra-stable Low noise Current Amplifier (ULCA) which may enable
a reduction in the number of sealed sources needed for the SIR.
A study to identify options to replace the 226Ra sources was completed. The only
viable alternative to 226Ra was found to be 166mHo and this radionuclide is not
available commercially. The production of the raw material is underway in
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226Ra sources for the long-term
operation of the SIR.
3) Measurements of natural 222Rn
emanation in room S11 and study
of its possible contribution to the
background current measured in
the SIR ionization Chambers (SIR
IC).
4) Study of the design of a new
metallic gas container to improve
the measurements of radioactive
noble gas in the SIR IC.
collaboration with the IRA (Switzerland) and LNHB (France), a method to construct
the sources has been agreed, and validation will start as soon as the material is
available (expected mid-2020).
The issue of the possible impact of radon on measurements on the SIR was reviewed
in more detail. The background current is negligible in comparison to the current
from a source, so any changes in the background have no impact on the results.
Other effects of radon on the current measurement system are cancelled as all
measurements are relative to sealed radium sources. This topic was therefore not
pursued further.
The design of a metal gas container developed by the IRA(Switzerland) was reviewed.
Modifications are needed to ensure that the gas container can be placed in an
accurately reproducible position on the SIR. The containers are expensive to
construct and few metrology institutes produce gas standards, so this project will be
continued if there is sufficient demand.
6.
International
reference facility
for short-lived γ
emitters
SIR Transfer
Instr. (SIRTI)
IR-A2.4
1) Maintenance and development of
the SIR Transfer Instrument for
on-site comparisons and
extension to new short-lived
radionuclides.
2) Providing the BIPM.RI(II)-K4
bilateral comparisons covering on
demand 99mTc, 18F, 64Cu, and, for
example, 11C, 68Ga, 211At, 56Mn, or
other radionuclides requested by
the NMIs.
3) Contribution to the development
of the Measurement Method
Matrix (MMM, CCRI(II)) to reduce
the total number of comparisons
for short-lived γ emitters.
The SIRTI has been used for the following off-site comparison exercises (for
radionuclides used for medical imaging):
− 2016: 18F and 64Cu (NIST(USA)).
− 2017: 99mTc, 18F, 64Cu and 11C (NRC(Canada)).
− 2018: 99mTc, 18F and 64Cu (ANSTO(Australia)).
The measurements of 11C at the NRC were the first comparison of this radionuclide,
which is used for positron emission tomography.
The CCRI conducted a review of the strategy for the SIRTI in 2018. To make best use
of the instrument, it was agreed that on-site work should cover as many
radionuclides as possible during one visit; this necessitated first characterizing the
SIRTI for additional radionuclides identified as a priority. In 2019, studies were
completed for 123I and 153Sm (with the help of a secondee from LNMRI (Brazil)) and
missions will restart in 2020.
7.
Extensions of SIR
Meas. of
pure β
emitters
IR-A2.2
1) Implementation, operation and
maintenance of SIR facility for β
emitters future core comparisons
for reduction of the heavy
Detailed investigations were carried out in 2016 and 2017 (with the support of
secondees from the NIST (USA) and NIM (China)) of a proposed method to realize a
high precision comparator using commercial liquid scintillation counters. It was
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logistics of CCRI(II)-K2
comparisons.
2) Establishing the BIPM.RI(II)-K1
bilateral comparisons covering on
demand 3H, 14C, 55Fe, 63Ni, and,
for example, 32P, 89Sr, 90Sr/90Y, 99Tc, 147Pm, 204Tl, or other
radionuclides requested by the
NMIs.
3) Contributions to the development
of the Measurement Method
Matrix (MMM, CCRI(II)) to reduce
the total number of comparisons
for β emitters.
found that the reproducibility of the measurements did not meet the required
specification.
The project was therefore restarted in 2019 in collaboration with POLATOM, PTB,
LNHB, NPL and NIM using an alternative technique based on the triple-to-double
coincidence counting method (TDCR). New electronics and software were installed
on the BIPM’s TDCR counter. The studies showed much improved reproducibility, so
additional work was carried out to test the effect of ageing of components.
Secondees from NPL and NIM participated in the testing. This work was also
successful and an article has been accepted for publication in Metrologia.
Improvements have been made to source preparation facilities, including a new
ampoule sealer and better temperature control in the laboratory, to ensure sources
are dispensed accurately.
The first comparison exercise (a pilot study) has been organized and scheduled for
2020.
Meas. of α
emitters
IR-A2.3
1) Development and
implementation of SIR facility
(LSC or defined solid angle) for α
emitter future core comparisons
for reduction of the heavy
logistics of CCRI(II)-K2
comparisons.
2) This will allow to complete (with
IR-A2.1, IR-A2.2) the frame for the
core comparisons of most
common α- , β- and γ-emitters.
3) BIPM.RI(II)-K1 bilateral
comparisons, covering on
request for example 241Am, 223Ra, 211At, 238Pu, 210Po or other
radionuclides demanded by the
NMIs.
4) Contributions to the development
of the Measurement Method
Matrix (MMM, CCRI(II) ) to reduce
The work has focused on establishing the TDCR method for pure beta emitters,
which proved to be more challenging and time consuming than anticipated. The
same technique can be used for alpha emitters so the project will be taken up in the
new programme as a natural continuation.
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the total number of comparisons
for α emitters.
8.
Reference
instruments for
primary
measurements
Coincidenc
e counting
IR-A2.5
1) Maintenance and further
development of 4πβ-γ
coincidence counting and TDCR
LSC systems.
2) Organization of one CCRI
comparison for 109Cd and
participation in two CCRI
comparisons according to the
Rolling Plan and the MMM table.
3) Establish missing KCRVs for:
47Sc, 68Ge, 111Ag, 140Ba, 155Eu, 195Au
and improve KCRVs for:
24Na, 56Co, 123I, 124Sb, 125Sb, 153Sm, 154Eu, 166mHo, 177Lu as priorities.
This task was combined with project A2.2 with the TDCR being developed for the
comparison of primary standards of pure beta emitters, rather than as a primary
standardization technique.
The 109Cd comparison was delayed at the request of some of the participants and is
planned for 2020/2021.
Low-level
meas.
of γ and β
emitters
IR-A2.6
1) Acquisition, Monte Carlo
simulation and setup of a 4π-γ
NaI(Tl) well-type detector for γ
emitters.
2) Operational use of the Quantulus
1220-LSC spectrometer for low-
level measurements of β and α
emitters.
3) Coordination/participation in
one CCRI comparison on low-
level measurements of
contaminated materials.
The work during the period was prioritized to focus on the development of the ESIR.
Priority also had to be given to the replacement of the 226Ra sources for the SIR to
ensure that this service can be maintained.
9.
International
Liaison and
Coordination
Activities
CCRI
CIR-A.1.1
Provision of the CCRI Executive
Secretary, general support to CCRI
and CCRI-WGs including:
1) Biennial CCRI and sections I, II
and III meetings
The consultation arrangements for ionizing radiation were changed during this
period, membership of the CCRI was expanded and the specialist topics were
discussed in three section meetings.
Executive Secretary support to the CCRI continued, with the co-ordination of
meetings of the CCRI, Sections and Working Groups.
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2) Regular meetings of five working
groups
3) Review of CCRI and RMO-TC-IR
comparison reports before
publication
4) Development of strategic plans
5) Publication of BIPM Monographies
6) Related liaisons with RMOs.
A new CCRI strategy was developed and published.
BIPM staff attended meetings of the EURAMET TC-IR and the APMP TC-IR (a
workshop to review trends in the field was also organized before the APMP TC-IR
committee meeting).
Comparison reports were reviewed before publication and a new streamlined
process was implemented following approval by the CCRI to reduce the time taken to
publish reports.
CCT
CIR-A1.3
Provision of the CCT Executive
Secretary: support and advice to CCT
and CT-WGs including:
1) Biennial CCT and ten WG
meetings
2) Pro-active interaction on strategy
and communication
3) Related liaisons with RMOs.
CCT meeting in June 2017
First update of CCT strategy made in 2017
The revision of “Guide to the Realization of the ITS-90” was completed.
A large part of the activity was dedicated to the redefinition of the kelvin.
Collaboration on solving fundamental issues for the redefinition were made via the
working group on contact thermometry (CCT-WG-CTh) and the CCT ad hoc working
group on the SI. A substantial revision of the Mise en Pratique was made and issued
in May 2019. The CCT interacted with CCU on the determination of the Boltzmann
constant.
Support to
JCGM-WG1
CIR-A1.4
Provision of the Scientific Secretary
and support including:
1) Rapporteur
2) Two annual meetings.
Provision of JCGM-WG1 (two annual meetings) Executive Secretary and rapporteur.
Communication with JCGM member organizations (MOs) and NMIs on the
Committee Drafts JCGM 100:201X, Guide to the expression of uncertainty in
measurement, and JCGM 110:201X, Examples of uncertainty evaluation
Circulation of the Committee Draft of the JCGM document Guide to the expression of
uncertainty in measurement— Developing and using measurement models and the
collation of the comments received from JCGM MOs and NMIs
a workshop on "Type A evaluation of measurement uncertainty for a small set of
observations" at the BIPM.
CIR-A1.5
Support to/from (inter)national
bodies:
1) International Commission on
Radiation Units and Measurements
(ICRU) (Commissioner and sponsor
of Report Committees),
1) The BIPM contributed to writing a major report ICRU Report 90 on key data for
radiation dosimetry (these data underpin measurement standards for dosimetry at
all metrology institutes and for the calibration of clinical instruments. The BIPM’s
Commissioner on the ICRU also provided data and editorial support for ICRU
reports on small field dosimetry and operational quantities.
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2) International Atomic Energy Agency
(IAEA)
(SSDL Scientific Committee),
3) International Committee for
Radionuclide Metrology (ICRM)
(Scientific Committee and technical
refereeing).
4) LNE-LNHB
(Scientific Committee Ionizing
Radiations)
5) Autorité de Sécurité Nucléaire
(ASN, France)
2) The close links between the IAEA and the BIPM were maintained throughout the
period. BIPM staff contributed to the ongoing revision of the IAEA code of practice
for radiotherapy dosimetry (TRS-398), participated in the IAEA SSDL scientific
committee, worked on the organizing committee for the IDOS Conference 2019, and
participated in training workshops for secondary standards laboratories.
3) Contributions to the ICRM continued, with BIPM staff active on the scientific
committee, selecting, editing and reviewing publications, chairing sessions at the
conference and giving presentations and writing papers. Two ICRM conferences
were held during this period, in 2017 and 2019.
4) The BIPM is no longer represented on the LNE-LNHB Scientific Committee as the
person concerned has retired.
5) Significant effort was devoted to ensuring continued compliance with the ionizing
radiations regulations. Inspectors from the ASN visited the BIPM for the first time in
2019 and the operating license was renewed. The removal from the site of older
sealed sources was arranged and there is a continuing programme to update
laboratories and to dispose of radioactive waste.
6) In addition, a new liaison was established with the technical committee at ISO
concerned with radiological measurements (TC85 SC2). BIPM staff contributed to
the development of new standards, including ISO20042 (gamma spectrometry)
which was published in 2019.
7) The topic of ionizing radiation metrology was covered for the first time at the
Varenna Metrology Summer School. A paper has been written for inclusion in the
proceedings.
8) BIPM staff were also invited to carry out technical audits.
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V. Internat ional Liaison and Coordination
1.
CIPM MRA ILC-1.2
JCRB Executive Secretary and CMC
review website
KCDB Office and databases
entry/nomination review process
Maintenance and upgrade of the
KCDB
5 new signatories of the CIPM MRA:
- Qatar signed the CIPM MRA on 16 March 2016;
- Ethiopia signed the CIPM MRA on 8 January 2018;
- Tanzania signed the CIPM MRA on 16 April 2018;
- Kuwait signed the CIPM MRA on 12 July 2018;
- Uzbekistan signed the CIPM MRA on 13 July 2018.
Three JCRB Executive Secretaries were seconded to the BIPM from NIST (US), VNIIM
(RU) and RISE (SE).
In the period 199 CMC batches were submitted for the review through the JCRB, and
150 CMC batches were successfully published.
Individual CMCs in KCDB kept around 25 000 with an annual revision rate around 7%.
CIPM MRA participation:
- Participating institutes increased from 100 to 106.
- Further designated institutes increased from 153 to 154.
- International organizations maintained at 4
The CIPM MRA document suite was reviewed during a three month secondment
from NIST in 2018. In the follow-up, 27 documents were collated and reduced to 9
while representing the same content in a more coherent format. First update sent
for review in December 2019.
KCDB 2.0 was developed and launched on 29 October 2019.
6500 CMCs were edited for the KCDB.
Published 320 comparisons in the KCDB.
Revision and implementation of the KCDB:
- Migration of data
- Realization of an electronic web platform for CMC submission and review, and
comparison registration
- Improved search facilities and access to numerical data
- Customized generation of statistical data.
Continuous support at CC meetings and WGs, and support to users of the KCDB.
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2.
Liaison and
Coordination
work
ILC-1.1
Support for and representation to:
‐ RMOs - (AFRIMETS, APMP,
COOMET, EURAMERT, SIM and
GULFMET).
‐ International/intergovernmental:
OIML, ILAC, ISO, WMO, WTO,
IUPAC, IUPAP, IEC, IFCC, CODATA
TGFC.
BIPM-WTO cooperation:
- Deliverance of the BIPM statement at the WTO TBT informal (thematic sessions)
and regular meetings held three times a year
- Deliverance of presentations on the role of metrology within Quality
Infrastructure at the WTO courses, roundtable and thematic session
BIPM-OECD cooperation:
- Contribution to analytical work through the IO Partnership for effective
international rule-making (involving more than 50 IOs, country delegates and
academics) in its five core focus areas (the BIPM is represented in WG2
(implementation), WG4 (evaluation) and WG5 (IO coordination);
BIPM-UNESCO cooperation
- Invigoration of the BIPM-UNESCO cooperation existing since 1949 (Agreement,
revised in 1952) interrupted since 80s and exploring (together with the OIML)
possibilities with UNESCO Secretariat for a proclamation of 20 May as World
Metrology Day by UNESCO (possibility to celebrate 20 May 2022 as a World Day
of UNESCO).
Publication of the UNIDO-BIPM-OIML joint brochure on “The role of metrology in the
context of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals” in May 2017.
Bilateral and multilateral agreements with liaisons:
- Re-signing of the revised Joint BIPM, OIML, ILAC and ISO declaration on
metrological traceability (November 2018);
- Signing of the BIPM-IUPAC MoU (October 2019);
- Re-signing of the revised BIPM-IFCC-ILAC Declaration of Cooperation (December
2019);
- Drafting BIPM-ITU, BIPM-CTBTO, BIPM-CODATA MoUs.
Attended all RMOs General Assembles and contributed to their meetings.
Participated and contributed to ILAC GA, ILAC AIC and WG Metrology. Contributed to
the revision of ILAC P10 and ILAC P14.
Participated in ISO-CASCO-WG44 and contributed to the revision of ISO-IEC 17025.
Annual meetings with OIML, ISO and ILAC were organized.
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ILC-1.3
Support to the BIPM Director, CIPM,
Member States and Associates
Promotion of the Metre Convention
and support to potential Member
States and Associates
As of December 2019 there are 61 Member States, and 41 Associate States of the
CGPM:
5 new Member States (4 of them were previously Associate States encouraged to
accede to the Metre Convention)*:
- Slovenia* became a Member State as from 23 March 2016;
- Montenegro became a Member State as from 24 January 2018;
- Ukraine* became a Member State as from 7 August 2018;
- Morocco became a Member State as from 24 May 2019;
- Ecuador* became a Member State as from 6 August 2019;
6 new Associate States:
- Qatar became an Associate State as from 10 March 2016;
- Sri-Lanka became an Associate State as from 17 August 2016 (re-joining);
- Ethiopia became an Associate State as from 1 January 2018;
- Tanzania became an Associate State as from 1 January 2018;
- Kuwait became an Associate State as from 23 March 2018;
- Uzbekistan became an Associate State as from 13 July 2018.
Adoption of Decisions CIPM/106-20, CIPM/106-21 and CIPM/106-22 in October 2017:
- Revision of the criteria (adding a percentage higher than 0.02 on the UN Scale)
for encouragement of Associate States to become Member States considering
the status of ‘smaller’ states (so called ‘micro-CEEMS’);
- Starting from 2018 reduction of the increased subscriptions of already
encouraged Associate States (i.e. Albania, Moldova, North Macedonia, Georgia,
Paraguay, Jamaica) to the minimum for an Associate;
- Rescheduling agreement was established with Jamaica to pay its arrears for
2016 and 2017 and to avoid exclusion as an Associate State.
Adoption of Resolution 5 On the financial arrears of Member States and the process of
exclusion by the CGPM at its 26th meeting in November 2018 and follow up Decisions
CIPM/108-33 and CIPM/108-34 in October 2019:
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- Informing States that have previously been notified of accumulated arrears
exceeding the six-year period that the amounts due are those equal to the first
six years of default and that any amounts paid by such States that constitute
accumulated arrears exceeding the six-year period, may be considered when
calculating their contribution, and entry contribution, following their re-
engagement;
- Options to address the advances associated with the accumulated arrears in a
way that will be acceptable to the Member States that made the advances and
to the external auditors, will be explored by the CIPM Sub-Committee on
Finance.
Adoption of Decision CIPM/108-35 in October 2019:
- Taking into account the difficulties of some States (e.g. Zimbabwe and Cuba)
which have been unable to transfer their contributions or subscriptions
successfully to the BIPM bank accounts in France due to the risk-averse policies
of the French banks in the context of international sanction policies it was
decided not to have their advantages and prerogatives suspended or be
excluded, provided that genuine efforts have been made to pay their
contributions or subscriptions, confirmed by refusal of acceptance by the banks
holding the BIPM accounts.
ILC-1.5
Provision of JCGM (one annual
meeting) and JCGM WG2 (two annual
meetings) Executive Secretary and
rapporteur, general support to JCGM,
representation in JCGM WG2.
Two meetings of the JCGM (May 2017 and December 2018). Executive Secretary
provided for both meetings and reports drafted, edited and published.
Eight meetings of JCGM WG2. Executive Secretary provided for each meeting and
reports drafted, edited and published.
Support to JCGM WG2 for the preparation of the VIM4 CD.
3.
Publications and
the BIPM website
ILC-2.1
Drafting/Minuting reports, including
editing, translation into French,
typesetting and publication of CIPM
and BIPM reports, publications and
posters.
Drafting/Minuting reports
Proceedings of the 25th and 26th meetings of the CGPM drafted, translated, typeset
and published.
Documents to support the 26th meeting of the CGPM (Draft BIPM Work Programme
2020-2023; BIPM strategic plan; Convocation; Draft Resolutions; BIPM highlights of ILC-2.2 Editing and publication of Metrologia.
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ILC-3.0 Journal subscriptions (on-line or hard
copy), buy-per-view scientific articles
and books for BIPM staff
progress made, and notes supporting the dotation 2020-2023, CIPM President’s Report),
edited, translated, typeset and published.
Twenty-two CC, Joint Committee and departmental posters produced for the 26th
meeting of the CGPM. CGPM roll-ups, banners and posters produced for the
conference venue.
Ten CC President’s reports and presentations to the 26th meeting of the CGPM
edited.
Ninth edition of the SI Brochure (2019) edited, translated, typeset and published on
the website.
Twenty-one CC reports edited, typeset and published online.
Four Proceedings of the CIPM (105th to 108th) meetings drafted, translated, typeset
and published.
Four issues of the Annual Review (2015 to 2018) designed, drafted and published.
Four Financial Reports (Rapport Financier) for 2015 to 2018 edited, translated, typeset
and published.
News from the BIPM laboratories for 2015 to 2018 edited and published in Metrologia.
Fourteen “Rapports BIPM” edited and published, including seven qNMR Internal
Standard Reference documents.
Four JCTLM Newsletters designed, typeset, edited and published online. Programmes
and flyers designed, edited, typeset and published for JCTLM Stakeholder meetings
in 2017 and 2019.
BIPM Annual Report on Time Activities edited and published for 2015 to 2018.
237 news stories drafted and published.
At least three issues of BIPM e-News published annually.
Editorial services and advice provided to colleagues throughout the BIPM.
Translation services provided to BIPM Departments (WMD documents,
BIPM Compendium, Notes verbales, etc.).
Metrologia
Metrologia’s position as the leading international journal in pure and applied
metrology has been reinforced, with the last four years recording the journal’s four
ILC-4.0 Provision of BIPM internet.
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highest Impact Factors. The Impact Factor for 2018 (the most recent result) is its
highest ever: 3.447.
Metrologia played an important support role in the joint CCM/CCU roadmap for the
revision of the SI, publishing in particular key papers in preparation for the new mise
en pratique of the definition of the kilogram, input data for the CODATA-2017
adjustment, and publication of the CODATA-2017 results
Six issues of Metrologia have been published each year. The most downloaded
paper during the last four years:
o The CODATA 2017 values of h, e, k, and NA for the revision of the SI (Newell et al.
2018 L13), downloaded more than 27 000 times to date
Other selected highlight:
o Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) (Panfilo and Arias 2019 042001)
o Applying principles of metrology to historical Earth observations from satellites
(Mittaz et al. 2019 032002)
o Quantum imaging with sub-Poissonian light: Challenges and perspectives in
optical metrology (Berchera and Degiovanni 2019 024001)
o The revision of the SI – The result of three decades of progress in metrology
(Stock et al. 2019 022001)
o The CIPM list of recommended frequency standard values: guidelines and
procedures (Riehle et al. 2018 188)
o Data and analysis for the CODATA 2017 special fundamental constants
adjustment (Mohr et al., 2018 125)
o SI traceability and scales for underpinning atmospheric monitoring of
greenhouse gases (Brewer et al. 2018 S174)
o Perspectives for a new realization of the pascal by optical methods (Jousten et
al. 2017 S146)
o Robustness of single-electron pumps at sub-ppm current accuracy level (Stein
et al. 2017 S1)
o Amount of substance and the mole in the SI (Güttler et al. 2019 044002)
o The Boltzmann project (Fischer et al. 2018 R1)
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Focus issues published in support of the revision of the SI: Focus on the Revision of
the SI; Focus on Realization, Maintenance and Dissemination of the New Kilogram;
Focus on Quantum Metrology
Focus issues complied in collaboration with the Consultative Committees: Focus on
Advances in Metrology in Chemistry and Biology; Focus on Metrology in Electricity
and Magnetism; Focus on Metrology for Dynamic Measurements
Focus Issues highlighting selected papers from international metrology conferences:
Focus on Pressure and Vacuum Metrology; Focus on Optical Radiometry (NEWRAD
2017), Focus on Mathematics and Statistics for Metrology; Focus on Time Scale
Algorithms; Focus on Metrology for Meteorology and Climate; Focus on
Measurement Uncertainty
Introduction of “Accelerated Manuscripts” means that papers can be made available
the day they are accepted
Deputy Editors: Richard Davis (January 2018 to May 2019), Giovanni Mana (INRIM,
from April 2018), Sten Bergstrand (BIPM/RISE, from May 2019) Rod White (MSL, from
October 2019)
Journal subscriptions
Journals: rationalization of the subscriptions from 24 journals in 2016 to 11 in 2019.
Purchasing of 160 articles, 30 books and 13 standards.
BIPM website
The BIPM website www.bipm.org continues to be the BIPM’s primary means of
communication. During the meeting of the CGPM in 2018 there were over 80 visits
per minute.
Documents for the CGPM, and for the CIPM, its Consultative Committees and
Working Groups, are all distributed via the BIPM website. At the time of writing the
website hosts dedicated content for over 220 special-interest groups.
A YouTube channel was launched in 2018, initially for material related to the
revision of the SI.
The 9th edition of the SI Brochure (2019) was published uniquely on the BIPM
website. Material related to the redefinition of the SI, produced both by the BIPM
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and by the CIPM Task Group for Promotion of the SI, was distributed through the
website.
A major project is in progress to transfer the BIPM website to a new content
management system (CMS):
o The new website will have the advantage of being fully responsive, and will
allow login connections at the level of the individual user.
o The new CMS has been installed and interfaced with the BIPM’s central
database, maintained by the Meetings Office.
o The structure has been agreed, and a new graphic charter developed. The new
graphic style has already been implemented on the KCDB2.0. New banner
images for the BIPM website have been contributed by a number of NMIs.
o Transfer of the structured content from the old to the new website is under
way.
The new website will be released in 2020 as soon as the construction and testing phases
have been completed.
4.
Workshops on
key topics
identified by the
CIPM and
support to a
combined
metrology school
- “X Grand challenge CIPM workshops
plus Metrology school delivered
collaboratively with Verona”
BIPM Symposium: The Fundamental Constants of Physics organized at BIPM
(September 2017).
BIPM Workshop: The Quantum Revolution in Metrology held at BIPM (September
2017).
CC Presidents meeting hosted at BIPM (June, 2017).
Two Metrology Summer Schools were organized by the BIPM with the Italian
Physical Society was held in Varenna (Italy) in July 2016 and 2019. METAS through
the BIPM CBKT programme supported 6 young metrologists’ participation in the
Summer School and placement at METAS laboratories from two-to six-weeks.
5.
CBKT -
Agreed BIPM CBKT courses:
‐ NIST funded: "Leaders of
Tomorrow", 2016.
‐ "Metrology: from physics
fundamentals to quality of life"
METAS sponsorship and
placement.
The BIPM in early 2016 launched a sponsor-based initiative. This was the first step in
what has evolved into the BIPM CBKT. As of today, over 75 % of Member States and
Associates have participated in the CBKT Programme (as trainees, lecturers and
sponsors). The programme remains flexible and accommodates various ideas/topics
covering the needs of the NMI community, provided that they align with the aims of the
programme.
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‐ "Metrology for Safe Food and
Feed in Developing Economies"
project.
‐ NIST: Sound beginning in the
CIPM MRA”, 2017.
2016-2019 overview of the CBKT:
23 CBKT initiatives were organized: 20 completed and 3 ongoing. 16 Workshop-
based and 7 Laboratory-based placement projects.
Overall, 478 participants (156 at the BIPM) from 93 countries participated in various
training courses. 427 participants at Workshop-based and 51 placements at
Laboratory-based projects.
14 new RMO TC/WG Chairs were trained and 12 existing RMO TC/WG Chairs
benefited from the 2016-2019 CBKT programme initiatives.
First ever CMC publication within the reporting period: 7 CMCs in mass metrology of
Namibia (joined in 2012); 13 CMCs in thermometry of Zimbabwe (joined in 2012); 1
CMC in Viscosity of Azerbaijan (joined in 2015) and 11 CMCs in Thermometry of
Zambia (joined in 2010) have been published in the KCDB.
-
Courses under development:
‐ "BIPM-EURAMET TC leadership
Course"
‐ GULFMET workshop
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