The National Metrology Institute of Japan (NMIJ) has been assigned responsibility for the development and dissemination of measurement standards. In July 2005, MNIJ launched the NMIJ Metrology Club to provide opportunities for better understanding by industry, academia and the public of metrology. The Club intends to promote technical exchange between club members and NMIJ researchers. NMIJ manages 29 clubs. Each club covers a specific area, and provides information about:
- Workshops, lectures, joint research
- Technical counseling
- Implementation of traceability, measurement standards provided by NMIJ, conformity assessment, international metrological activities.
Areas of Expertise
Frequency, Lengths, Dimensions
Optical Comb Club
Time & Frequency Club
Length Club
Non-contact CMM Assessment Club
Force, Pressure, Vacuum
Force & Torque Club
Pressure &Vacuum Club
Acoustics, Ultrasound, Vibration
Ultrasound Club
Vibration Club
Temperature, Humidity
Temperature & Humidity Club
Flow
Flow Club
Thermophysical Properties, Materials
Solid-State Thermphysical Properties Club
Fluid Properties Club
Nano-Materials Club
Polymer Club
Particle Club
Electricity, Electromagnetic Waves
DC & Low Frequency Electricity Standards Club
Radio-Frequency Club
Electromagnetic Fields Club
Quantum Radiation
Ionizing Radiation Club
Photometry & Radiometry
Optical Radiation Club
Inorganic & Organic Analytical chemistry
pH Club
Inorganic Analytical Chemistry Club
Standard Gas Club
Standardization of Laboratory Medicine Club
qNMR Club
Uncertainty, Metrology Standards
Uncertainty Club
Metrology Standards Club
Legal Metrology
Legal Metrology Club
Software
Measuring Instruments Software Club
Club Activity Plans
Optical Comb Club
Wavelength Standards Section, Time and Frequency Division
Length Standards Section, Lengths and Dimensions Division
- Workshop
"Optical (Frequency) comb" is a new technology discovered in the end of the 20th century. It was found very useful first in metrology and fundamental constants. Now it is a core technology for "optical frequency meters" and "optical synthesizers". Optical frequency meters are used for more accurate frequency control that is essential for optical communication such as WDM telecommunication systems. Optical synthesizers are expected to be applicable to spectroscopic and analytical areas. Used for those kinds of equipment, optical comb technology is expected to make a tremendous contribution to industry. It can also help a great deal in metrology. It can improve the accuracy of length measurements and provide means to transfer measurement standards remotely through optical fibers together with laser diodes in communication bands. The Optical Comb Club holds technical workshops in order to provide information on fundamentals and applications of optical comb technology and to obtain information about industrial needs related to optical technology so that the club can contribute to the creation of a technological roadmap of this particular technology.
Time & Frequency Club
Frequency Measurement Systems Section, Time and Frequency Division
- Technical Counseling & Technical Training
The Time & Frequency Club provides technical counseling and training related to frequency standards. The club plans to place a special focus on disseminating a remote frequency calibration system (part of the e-trace project).
- Workshop
The club plans to hold workshops three times a year. The workshop will provide excellent opportunities for club members to share knowledge, techniques and information relevant to frequency standards as well as to improve technical capability. The workshops include presentations by both club members and NMIJ scientists, the provision schedule of frequency standards, and NMIJ Laboratory tours. The club also plans workshops with specific themes and seminars by lecturers from abroad. Themes for workshops or seminars vary; to name a few, a remote frequency calibration system, the fundamentals and applications of GPS, frequency calibration, time calibration, etc. When an issue that needs a special attention comes up in the workshops, an ad-hoc WG will be formed to discuss it further.
- Laboratory tours
Laboratory tours are scheduled to be held once or twice a year. Club members will be invited to visit member organizations's facilities or other organizations related to frequency standards.
Length Club
Non-contact CMM Assessment Club
Dimensional Standards Section, Length and Dimensions Division
- Workshop & Joint Research
Non-contact type CMMs (Coordinate Measuring Machines) have been widely used in many industries. In particular, CMMs that use techniques such as fringe projection and laser scanning are applied in manufacturing automobile industrial products and human body figures. The Non-contact CMM Assessment Club works on standardizing measurement methods to evaluate the accuracy of CMMs, implementing the following:
1. Exchanging opinions and information with domestic/foreign organizations,
2. Collecting and sharing information on optical non-contact 3D measurement systems, and
3. Disseminating and publicizing the results of the club’s activities.
The club also hopes to be a place to discuss techniques and disseminate achievements in metrology in general.
Force & Torque Club
Mass and Force Standards Section, Mechanical Metrology Division
- Workshop
The Force & Torque Club promotes technical exchange between members and NMIJ about force and torque measurements.
- Needs Survey
The club aims to contribute to the development and advancement of measurement standards on related quantities through hearing from members the future needs of measurement standards and technical issues encountered in daily work.
Pressure &Vacuum Club
Pressure and Vacuum Standards Section, Mechanical Metrology Division
- Workshop
The Pressure & Vacuum Club promotes technical exchange between members and NMIJ about pressure and vacuum measurements.
- Information Provision
The club introduces the NMIJ pressure and vacuum standards and the calibration services. It also provides the latest information about the domestic traceability, the international equivalence and the document standards relating to the pressure and vacuum measurements.
Ultrasound Club
Acoustics and Ultrasonics Section, Acoustics and Vibration Metrology Division
- Workshop & Laboratory tour
The Ultrasound Club holds various meetings for:
1. Discussing the accurate measurement technology and uncertainty evaluation concerning acoustic pressure, output power, intensity and acoustic field profiles, all of which specifically involve underwater ultrasound ranging from tens of kHz to tens of MHz,
2. Discussing the IEC or other standards relevant to ultrasonic measurements,
3. Exchanging information about domestic and foreign regulations relevant to ultrasound, and
4. Exchanging opinions about needs and NMIJ's role regarding development of ultrasonic standard.
A NMIJ Laboratory tour, including ultrasound calibration systems, will be carried out by request from members.
Vibration Club
Vibration and Hardness section, Acoustics and Vibration Metrology Division
- Workshop
The Vibration Club promotes technical exchange between members and NMIJ about vibration measurement (displacement, velocity, acceleration).
The club implements various educational activities to increase the publicity of JCSS. It also introduces ISO drafts concerning vibration measurement to domestic specialists, and asks for their opinions.
- Joint Research
The club plans to carry out tentative round-robin exercises to expand the JCSS calibration range of vibration.
Flow Club
Fluid Flow Division
- Workshop & Laboratory tour
The Flow Club provides opportunities for:
- Seminars on fluid flow standards, their calibration technology and various flowmeters,
- Technical counseling, and
- Laboratory tours.
Through those activities, the club hopes to help members share the knowledge and experience in measurement practice between domestic industries and NMIJ.
In fiscal 2008, the club is planning to hold lectures by foreign scientists.
Temperature & Humidity Club
Temperature and Humidity Division
- Information Provision
Through the website, the Temperature & Humidity Club provides information about the domestic and international trend of measurement standards and technology in temperature and humidity, and plays a leading role in information exchange among members to identify their needs
- Lecture
The club organizes lectures by both invited lectures and NMIJ scientists.
- Laboratory Tour
The club holds laboratory tours during NMIJ's two-day poster sessions, which provides opportunities for NMIJ to publicize its research activities as well as for club members to get better informed.
Solid-State Thermophysical Properties Club
Thermophysical Properties Section, Material Properties and Metrological Statistics Division
- Technical Counseling & Information Provision
The club accepts technical questions about thermophysical properties of solids. It also introduces research & review papers and database to members.
- Workshop
The club holds workshops twice a year to share knowledge, measurement practice and information in these fields among members. It also plans to exchange opinions about needs of solid-state thermophysical standards and the importance of their traceability, and thereby establish the traceability system of material standards.
- Joint Research
The joint research about the measurement technology of solid-state thermophysical properties as well as the round robin exercises of reference materials will be carried out, if needed.
Fluid Properties Club
Fluid Properties Section, Material Properties and Metrological Statistics Division
- Workshop
Three working groups are formed in the field of density, viscosity and refractive index of fluid to exchange technical information with calibration laboratories and users. The club discusses technical problems, such as measurement techniques for securing traceability, uncertainty analysis and also international dissemination of measurement standards on the premise of the mutual recognition agreement (MRA).
- Needs Survey
The club aims at contributing to advancement and dissemination of measurement standards through examining the requests from industries and users involved in fluid properties.
DC & Low Frequency Electricity Standards Club
Electricity and Magnetism Division
The DC & Low Frequency Electricity Standards Club addresses DC & LF electrical standards (DC voltage, DC resistance, impedance, AC/DC, etc.).
- Technical Counseling
The club accepts technical questions, problems in the calibration site, and the requests to NMIJ from members at any time. Correspondence is basically via e-mail.
- Information Provision
The club provides timely information, including the provision schedule of NMIJ standards, recent research activities and future research plans, etc. to club members via e-mail.
- Workshop
The club holds workshops twice a year to exchange information among members.
Radio-Frequency Club
Electromagnetic Wave Division
- Workshop
The Radio-Frequency Club plans to hold workshops once or twice a year, in which a series of technical seminars will be given. Various topics, such as RF impedance, RF power, attenuation and noise, will be discussed.
- Laboratory tour
The club organizes laboratory tours, which give members a chance to see NMIJ's facilities for research, development and calibration of measurement standards.
- Needs Survey
The club plans to carry out a questionnaire survey to members about requests to NMIJ as well as to JCSS, and expectations for the club activities.
Electromagnetic Fields Club
Electromagnetic Wave Division
- Workshop
The Electromagnetic Fields Club plans to hold workshops once or twice a year, which will offer a series of technical seminars or a place for information exchange. A variety of topics will be discussed, including antenna measurement, antenna standards, electric and magnetic field standards and other applications of radio wave.
- Laboratory tour
The club organizes laboratory tours, which give members a chance to see NMIJ's facilities for research, development and calibration of measurement standards.
- Needs Survey
The club plans to carry out a questionnaire survey to members about requests to NMIJ as well as to JCSS, and expectations for the club activities.
Ionizing Radiation Club
Quantum Radiation Division
- Workshop
The Ionizing Radiation Club holds various meetings for:
1. Collecting needs and opinions on radiation standards through a questionnaire survey from calibration laboratories, measuring instrument manufacturers, medical staff and organizations engaged in radiation research,
2. Introducing the provision schedule of NMIJ standards, and getting a feedback from members,
3. Informing members of the present status of radiation standards, which NMIJ is developing or providing, and
4. Reporting case studies on technical problems and research results, etc. Working groups will be formed to discuss specific technical problems.
The club coordinates round-robin exercises, if necessary.
Optical Radiation Club
Photometry and Radiometry Division
- Needs Survey
The Optical Radiation Club collects opinions on technical requirements for the Japan Calibration Service System (JCSS) from members for the purpose of ascertaining the points at issue regarding optical radiometry, photometry and measurements of laser power as well as optical attenuation.
- Workshop
The club provides information to share knowledge and technology between members and NMIJ through dissemination of the assessment of uncertainties specific to optical radiation measurements and pertinent measurement techniques.
Moreover, a laboratory tour will be held periodically.
- Task Force
Based on a needs survey or a request from members, a task force steered by a proponent will be temporarily formed to address the measurement issues in support of NMIJ.
pH Club
Inorganic Standards Section, Inorganic Analytical Chemistry Division
- Information Provision
For the benefit of JCSS accredited calibration laboratories, the pH Club plans to inform members of what a pH standard with international consistency is and what direction it should take in future considering the domestic situations. It also hopes to be a place for members to exchange opinions about problems in the calibration site.
- Workshop & Needs Survey
For the benefit of JCSS accredited calibration laboratories, the club plans to hold workshops on methods for estimating the uncertainty of a pH standard with international consistency. It also plans to collect opinions on the technical requirements from the domestic industry, if necessary, in cooperation with relevant organizations, such as the Japan Reagent Association and the Japan Analytical Instruments Manufacturers Association, and also to grasp needs about the scope of supply and calibration systems desired by calibration laboratories.
Inorganic Analytical Chemistry Club
Environmental Standards Section, Inorganic Analytical Chemistry Division
- Workshop & Needs Survey
The Inorganic Analytical Chemistry Club holds workshops for scientists and engineers interested in inorganic elemental analysis in order to exchange information about analytical techniques,
reference materials and domestic and international regulations relevant to inorganic elements.
Through the above activities, the club also surveys needs and opinions on reference materials which have been and will be developed by NMIJ.
- Proficiency testing & Skill-upgrade seminar
The club promotes proficiency testing and skill-upgrade seminars to understand about traceability
and uncertainty of measurement, and supports club members to improve the analytical skill.
The Club also provides consultations for analytical chemistry and analytical techniques.
Standard Gas Club
Organic Standards Section, Organic Analytical Chemistry Division
- Workshop
The Standard Gas Club exchanges domestic and international information about CCQM-GANG and standard gases with its members. It also supports the activities relating to the supply of standard gases in Japan in the scope of APMP.
- Needs Survey
The club plans to collect opinions on technical requirements from industry in cooperation with designated calibration laboratories and relevant industrial associations. It will also conduct a needs survey about the scope of supply and calibration systems desired by calibration laboratories.
Standardization of Laboratory Medicine Club
Bio-Medical Standards Section, Organic Analytical Chemistry Division
- Workshop & Joint Research
The club is formed based on a research group working on a project entitled "the feasibility study to form the basis of medical diagnosis system" sponsored by The Mechanical Social System Foundation. It intends to establish the NMIJ traceability system in the filed of clinical laboratory test reagents by:
1. Assisting activities, in which NMIJ develops and supplies high-level reference materials and then groups led by club members supply working reference materials and clinical laboratory test reagents which are traceable to national standards,
2. Assisting activities to register these reference materials with JCTLM (The Joint Committee for Traceability in Laboratory Medicine) and to secure their international consistency, and
3. Helping members enhance timely and effective response to the international trend by providing information from workshops and activities about standardization in the clinical field in foreign countries.
- Proficiency testing & Skill-upgrade seminar
qNMR Club
qNMR club (Chemical Measurement System Section, Measurement Standards System Division)
For achieving and diffusing quantitative analysis of organic materials using nuclear magnetic resonance (qNMR) as a versatile and accurate technique, study sessions and skill practice sessions will be planned.
Examples of such sessions focus on:
- expository of basics concepts,
- introduction of actual cases studies,
- introduction of domestic and international trends,
- implementation of interlaboratory comparison studies.
Nano-Materials Club
Materials Characterization Division
- Workshop & Joint Research
The Nano-Materials Club holds workshops to promote the measurement technology for nano materials, such as single or multilayer thin film, nano holes, ion implantation, and nano particles, and also to develop the standard reference materials necessary for technical advancement. In fiscal 2008, joint research will be conducted on HfO2 thin-film standard materials. Moreover, seminars for nano-material standards will be held.
Polymer Club
Polymer Standards Section, Materials Characterization Division
- Joint Research
For the purpose of improving the services offered by NMIJ, the Polymer Club aims to establish a basis for measurement technology for analyzing and characterizing the nano elements, such as polymer and nano particles. The club will carry out joint research regarding matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOFMS) and light scattering. In fiscal 2008, the outcome of the domestic joint research carried out in fiscal 2007 on MALDI-TOFMS will be reported through the form of a seminar.
Particle Club
Metrological Statistics and Particle Measurement Section, Material Properties and Metrological Statistics Division
- Workshop & Joint Research
The Particle Club provides technical information related to particle standards (size, shape, particle number concentration, etc.) supplied by NMIJ and promotes their dissemination. The club also collects needs and opinions on the traceability of particle standards from the industrial arena and plans programs for inter-laboratory comparisons on particle measurements.
Uncertainty Club
Metrological Statistics and Particle Measurement Section, Material Properties and Metrological Statistics Division
- Workshop
The Uncertainty Club holds workshops for information exchange about 1)the technical aspects of uncertainty evaluation in measurements or testing, 2)the domestic/foreign trends related to uncertainty, and 3)promotion and educational activities regarding uncertainty. Through case studies of uncertainty evaluation, the club helps calibration/testing laboratories to nurture core staff for uncertainty-related activities. The club plans to start a working group of the small number of people who can actually conduct uncertainty evaluation. Debrief sessions will be held to keep club members updated with evaluation results.
Metrology Standards Club
National Metrology Institute of Japan
- Information Provision
NMIJ is making efforts to disseminate international metrology documents, such as the SI brochure, ISO guides "International Vocabulary of Metrology (VIM)" and "Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement (GUM)", and ISO/IEC80000 "Quantities and Units". It is also the task of NMIJ to spread Japanese Industrial Standards associated with metrology.
The Document Standard Club provides the latest information on these metrology publications.
Legal Metrology Club
Legal Metrology Division
- Workshop
The Legal Metrology Club plans to provide the latest technical information about domestic and international legal metrological control. For this purpose two working groups are formed in the fields of balances and water meters to respond to metrological control in each respective field.
- Technical Counseling & Lecture
The club accepts technical questions about metrological control related to the Measurement Law. Lectures will be held to discuss the Measurement Law's measures.
Measuring Instruments Software Club
Measurement standards system division, Research group of metrological information systems
- Workshop
We plan to organize a workshop once or twice a year, whose purpose
is to discuss software for metrology and measurement, conformity assessment
for software controlled measuring instruments, and related topics.
Areas of interest include but are not limited to:
-Smart meters and related technology
-Technical standards for software of measuring instruments and their international trends
-Conformity assessment for software controlled measuring instruments
-Software development process (from design to validation)
-Security, safety and dependability for software
-Software for measurement and calibration
