National Physical Laboratory Collection

Mass spectrometer, 1954
Mass spectrometer. Researchers adjusting the controls of a mass spectrometer. This is an all-metal demountable mass spectrometer

Tungsten carbide slip gauge blocks C016 / 2042
Tungsten carbide slip gauge blocks. These are used as a standard form of length measurement. They are precision ground (lapped) to a specific thickness and then stacked to create the required length

Pilot ACE computer, 1950
Pilot ACE computer. Control panel of the Automatic Computing Engine (ACE) pilot model. This was a preliminary version of the full ACE design

Supermarine Napier S4 seaplane, 1926
Supermarine Napier S4 seaplane. The Supermarine Napier S4 is most famous for raising the worlds seaplane speed record to about 227 miles per hour in 1925

Evolution of the yardstick. The oldest yardstick is at bottom, becoming more modern towards the top. Henry VII (1485-1509) and Elizabeth I (1533- 1603)

Copy of the Imperial Standard Pound C016 / 2048
Copy of the Imperial Standard Pound. Parliamentary Copy number 5 (P.C.5) of the Imperial Standard Pound, dated 1879. The imperial system of weights and measures was established in 1824

NPL headquarters, 1906
NPL headquarters. Bushy House, the NPL (National Physical Laboratory) headquarters, not only contained numerous research laboratories but also was the venue of NPL staff garden parties

Campbell standard of mutual inductance. Mr A. Campbell designed this standard of mutual inductance in 1907-8. Two single-layer copper coils (upper and lower centre)

Ship testing tank, being filled with water from a hose pipe (bottom). This tank was used to test models of ships being developed by engineers

Rosenhain optical microscope. The viewing lens (eyepiece, upper right), focusing wheel (lower right) and objective lens (centre) are seen

The William Froude National Tank (b / w photo)
6006370 The William Froude National Tank (b/w photo) by English Photographer, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The William Froude National Tank)

Ceramic colour standards C016 / 6445
Ceramic colour standards. Set of ceramic tiles showing the colour standards set by CERAM (British Ceramic Research Association) and the UKs National Physical Laboratory (NPL)

ANLAB colour space C016 / 2057
ANLAB colour space. This graphic represents a section through ANLAB colour space. This is the abbreviation for the Adams-Nickerson uniform colour space proposed by Elliot Quincy Adams

Infrared spectrometer, 1954
Infrared spectrometer. Researcher using an infrared grating spectrometer. This is used to analyse the composition of chemicals by recording the wavelengths at which they absorb infrared radiation

Electric light bulb research
Electric light bulbs being tested to determine their lifespan. Photographed in the Light Division of the National Physical Laboratory, Teddington, UK

Thin-film thermocouples C016 / 6482
Thin-film thermocouples. Thermocouples, used for temperature measurements, are based on the thermoelectric effect between two metals

Ultrasound power tests C016 / 6464
Ultrasound power tests. Researcher carrying out buoyancy tests to measure the power output of ultrasound devices. This method is a form of calorimetry and solid-state pyroelectrics

Ultrasound thermal test object casing C016 / 6490
Ultrasound thermal test object casing. Expanded view of the casing used in a device known as a thermal test object (TTO). This is used for testing temperature rises caused by ultrasound beams

Laser microscope experiment C016 / 6434
Laser microscope experiment. Researcher working in a laboratory on an experiment with lasers (green light) and a microscope. The microscope being used here is a type known as an inverted microscope

Millimetre radio waveguide C016 / 6441
Millimetre radio waveguide. This metallic waveguide is used to guide and transmit radio waves with a wavelength in the millimetre band range (EHF, extermely high frequency)

Ultrasound beam plotting tests C016 / 6455
Ultrasound beam plotting tests. Researcher carrying out tests with ultrasound beam plotting equipment. This equipment is used to accurately measure and plot the output of medical ultrasound devices

Ultrasound hydrophone calibration C016 / 6470
Ultrasound hydrophone calibration equipment. This equipment is used to calibrate hydrophones (underwater microphones) that are used to detect and measure ultrasound waves

Laser microscope experiment C016 / 6430
Laser microscope experiment. Researcher working in a laboratory on an experiment with lasers (green light) and a microscope. The microscope being used here is a type known as an inverted microscope

Ultrasound thermal test object casing C016 / 6491
Ultrasound thermal test object casing. Expanded view of the casing used in a device known as a thermal test object (TTO). This is used for testing temperature rises caused by ultrasound beams

Ultrasound power tests C016 / 6466
Ultrasound power tests. Researcher carrying out buoyancy tests to measure the power output of ultrasound devices. This method is a form of calorimetry and solid-state pyroelectrics

Ultrasound beam plotting tests C016 / 6456
Ultrasound beam plotting tests. Researcher carrying out tests with ultrasound beam plotting equipment. This equipment is used to accurately measure and plot the output of medical ultrasound devices

Helium-neon laser controls C016 / 6435
Helium-neon laser sockets. Power and input and output sockets on the rear of the casing for a robust iodine-stabilised 633-nanometre wavelength helium-neon (HeNe) laser

Ultrasound beam plotting equipment C016 / 6458
Ultrasound beam plotting equipment. This equipment is used to accurately measure and plot the output of medical ultrasound devices

Thin-film thermocouple C016 / 6484
Thin-film thermocouple, close-up. Thermocouples, used for temperature measurements, are based on the thermoelectric effect between two metals

Millimetre radio waveguides C016 / 6444
Millimetre radio waveguides. These metallic waveguides and comparison objects are used to guide and transmit radio waves with a wavelength in the millimetre band range (EHF)

Ultrasound beam plotting equipment C016 / 6450
Ultrasound beam plotting equipment. This equipment is used to accurately measure and plot the output of medical ultrasound devices

Ultrasound (HIFU) transducers C016 / 6487
Ultrasound (HIFU) transducers. High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) transducers are used in medical research. They are capable of focusing ultrasound waves to very high intensities

Primary standard radiation force balance C016 / 6477
Primary standard radiation force balance. Radiation force balances are used to measure the output power generated by transducers, devices that convert one form of energy to another

Thin-film thermocouple C016 / 6486
Thin-film thermocouple, close-up. Thermocouples, used for temperature measurements, are based on the thermoelectric effect between two metals

Ultrasound beam plotting tests C016 / 6460
Ultrasound beam plotting tests. Researcher carrying out tests with ultrasound beam plotting equipment. This equipment is used to accurately measure and plot the output of medical ultrasound devices

Ultrasound hydrophone calibration C016 / 6474
Ultrasound hydrophone calibration equipment. This equipment is used to calibrate hydrophones (underwater microphones) that are used to detect and measure ultrasound waves

Ultrasound power testing equipment C016 / 6468
Ultrasound power testing equipment. This equipment is used to carry out buoyancy tests to measure the power output of ultrasound devices

Ultrasound power tests C016 / 6465
Ultrasound power tests. Researcher carrying out buoyancy tests to measure the power output of ultrasound devices. This method is a form of calorimetry and solid-state pyroelectrics

Ultrasound beam plotting equipment C016 / 6452
Ultrasound beam plotting equipment. This equipment is used to accurately measure and plot the output of medical ultrasound devices

Thin-film thermocouple C016 / 6483
Thin-film thermocouple. Thermocouples, used for temperature measurements, are based on the thermoelectric effect between two metals

Ultrasound (HIFU) transducers C016 / 6488
Ultrasound (HIFU) transducers. High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) transducers are used in medical research. They are capable of focusing ultrasound waves to very high intensities

Thin-film thermocouple C016 / 6485
Thin-film thermocouple, close-up. Thermocouples, used for temperature measurements, are based on the thermoelectric effect between two metals

Ultrasound beam plotting tests C016 / 6454
Ultrasound beam plotting tests. Researcher carrying out tests with ultrasound beam plotting equipment. This equipment is used to accurately measure and plot the output of medical ultrasound devices

Ultrasound power tests C016 / 6467
Ultrasound power tests. Researcher carrying out buoyancy tests to measure the power output of ultrasound devices. This method is a form of calorimetry and solid-state pyroelectrics

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

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

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

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

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