Optical measurement client services

The National Measurement Institute (NMI) delivers the most accurate photometry and radiometry services in Australia. We measure electromagnetic radiation, calibrate optical standards and deliver research, advice and training. Our measurement work spans the ultraviolet, visible and infrared spectral regions.

From our Lindfield laboratory we deliver services to Australian laboratories, universities, government and industry. This is the same facility where we develop and maintain Australia’s primary standard for optical measurements. We can also deliver some services on-site at our clients’ facilities around Australia. Our laboratory is accredited by the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA).

Our client services include:

• calibrating and testing reference radiometry measuring instruments, sources and standards
• consultancy services, including research and development, precision measurement and advice
• training courses in instrument calibration and optical measurement

Radiometric calibration and testing services

We calibrate instruments, artefacts and reference materials used as measurement standards for electromagnetic radiation. This includes reference standards used by NATA-accredited laboratories to calibrate their clients’ radiometric instruments.

Measurements made with instruments and reference standards that we calibrate provide results traceable to Australia's primary standards for optical measurement for optical measurement. Results from our radiometric calibration and testing services are recognised internationally via the Comité International des Poids et Mesures (CIPM) Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA). The Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM) maintains the CIPM MRA.

For more information email calibration.coordinator@measurement.gov.au or phone 02 8467 3836.

Radiometry instruments, standards and sources we calibrate

• optical spectrum analysers
• interferometers
• spectroradiometers
• array spectrometers
• luminance and illuminance meters
• bilirubin meters
• radiometers (infrared, ultraviolet, blue light and filter)
• UVA, UVB and UVC meters
• light meters
• luxmeters
• photometers and photometric detectors
• laser energy and laser power meters
• photodiodes
• thermal detectors and thermopiles
• integrating sphere sources
• luminance standard sources
• spectral irradiance and spectral radiance standard sources
• broadband sources (including blackbodies)
• lamps, including incandescent lamps and LED sources

Radiometric measurement determinants

We can determine, measure and test standards, instruments and sources for:

• wavelength
• luminance
• illuminance
• irradiance
• linearity
• responsivity
• cosine correction
• spectral radiant flux and spectral irradiance
• broadband irradiance
• distribution temperature
• radiant power (laser line sources)
• luminous intensity and luminous flux
• correlated colour temperature
• chromaticity
• eye-safety according to relevant documentary standards

Optical characteristics of manufactured products and documentary standards

Our laboratory can analyse the optical characteristics of some manufactured goods. This includes testing to documentary standards for the:

• safety of laser products (AS/NZS IEC60825)
• photobiological safety of lamps and lamp systems (AS/NZS IED 62471)

We can evaluate optical systems, consumer lighting and industrial lighting for:

• colour
• distribution of luminous intensity
• luminance
• energy
• power

Radiometry calibration and testing capabilities

Our uncertainty capabilities are the lowest available in Australia and among the lowest in the world.

Our results provide traceability to the national standards for optical measurement and, where necessary as part of optical measurements, to the national standards for frequency, electric voltage and resistance. This provides traceability to the international system of units (SI) base units for:

• photometric quantities (the candela, lumen and lux)
• electrical quantities (the volt ohm and watt)
• time and frequency (the second and hertz)

We publish our capability data through the BIPM’s Key Comparison Database (KCDB) and NATA:

• NATA Scope of Accreditation: NMI Optical Standards Project
• BIPM Key Comparison Database (KCDB)

For more information email calibration.coordinator@measurement.gov.au or phone 02 8467 3836.

Indicative calibration costs

We offer premium radiometry calibration and testing services. Our costs reflect the time, detail and depth of the service we provide. This suits clients who have a regulatory or ethical responsibility to have the highest accuracy possible. It also suits clients with legal or commercial motivations, including those with products that must meet documentary standards.

NATA accredited laboratories can provide results directly traceable to the national standards. They can deliver results with uncertainties that meet the needs of most clients in Australia at more competitive rates.

Request a quote for calibration. 

Typical turnaround times and bookings

We liaise with clients to meet their schedule requirements wherever possible, including urgent requirements. Our timeframes depend on the volume of work we have at the time and the instrument’s complexity or size.

• 1 day to 2 weeks to calibrate or measure
• 2 weeks to 2 months wait time, from booking to calibration
• 1 to 2 weeks to complete the calibration report

To make a booking email calibration.coordinator@measurement.gov.au or phone 02 8467 3836.

Consultancy services

We work with clients to understand their unique optical or dimensional measurement issues, or opportunities, and provide:

• precision measurement and selecting appropriate measuring equipment
• technical advice on calibration or precision measurement issues
• consultancy for testing, research and benchmark studies
• contract research and development for short-term or long-term projects
• advice for product development, measurement integrity, quality assurance and meeting documentary standards

For more information email info@measurement.gov.au or phone 1800 020 076.

Customised training in optical measurement

We can design and deliver bespoke training programs for clients. This is separate to our established training and assessment programs in radiometry, calibrations and measurement uncertainty.

Our bespoke training programs can involve training teams to:

• use purpose-built radiometric and photometric measuring instruments
• understand traceability and measurement uncertainty
• maintain a quality system

For more information email info@measurement.gov.au or phone 1800 020 076. 

Read more

• Read the terms and conditions for our calibration services 
• Learn about Australia's measurement system
• Get more information about grants, funding, support and incentives for industry through the Cooperative Research Centres (CRC) Program
• See our suite of undergraduate and graduate student opportunities in NMI laboratories

Contact us

• For general enquiries email info@measurement.gov.au or phone 1800 020 076
• For calibration enquiries, quotations and bookings, email calibration.coordinator@measurement.gov.au or phone 02 8467 3836
• Write to us at National Measurement Institute, GPO Box 2013, Canberra ACT 2601

Connect with us

• Join us on Facebook @NMIAustralia
• Follow us on Twitter @NMIAustralia
• Follow the National Measurement Institute on LinkedIn

See also

• Learn about the international measurement standards from the International Bureau of Weights and Measures
• See more about the international standard (SI) base unit for the photometric quantity luminous intensity, the candela
• See our optical measurement capabilities on our NATA Scope of Accreditation: NMI Optical Standards Project
• See our calibration capabilities on the BIPM Calibration and Measurement Capability database
• See our NATA Scope of Accreditation: NMI Melbourne Physical Metrology Laboratory Dimensional, Pressure and Time and Frequency
• Find a NATA certified laboratory to calibrate your instrument or conduct a precision measurement
• Read about the Australian documentary standards (AS) from Standards Australia
• Read about the international documentary standards (ISO) from the International Organization for Standardization
• Purchase copies of Australian and international documentary standards through SAI Global