USMS

Strengthening Optical Radiation Measurements in the USMS
CORM US Measurement System Workshop
1 – 5 PM, May 9, 2006, NIST Gaithersburg

Across the innovation spectrum-from laboratory to marketplace-measurements are a necessary means to important ends. Businesses, universities, and government laboratories need access to ever-improving measurement capabilities if the United States is to remain a technology leader and reap the resulting economic benefits. But will these essential tools be available when they are needed?

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has launched an ambitious assessment of the nation's decentralized measurement system, one that is far more encompassing than the few studies done over the last several decades. The aim is to determine whether this vital infrastructure-the United States Measurement System or USMS-can effectively address multiplying needs for ever-more exacting and reliable measurement tools and associated services, such as accredited calibration and testing laboratories.

Because of the large and decentralized organization of the system, this first-ever survey of measurement needs and assessment of the health of the USMS must be carried out collaboratively. Workshops and conferences devoted to defining and prioritizing measurement needs are being conducted on an ongoing basis to:

• Identify current and future measurement infrastructure needs
• Identify systemic gaps and weaknesses in the USMS itself
• Engage stakeholders in the USMS to collaboratively seek solutions

The USMS workshop will provide direct stakeholder input to the comprehensive USMS assessment process. The USMS assessment will be the foundation for the USMS roadmap and provide a resource for strategic planning and budgeting exercises conducted by all USMS contributors, including NIST. Visit http://usms.nist.gov for general information on the USMS.

CORM USMS workshop

This USMS workshop is planned in conjunction with CORM 2006 to address measurement needs in optical radiation measurements and optical properties of materials.

Location: Green Auditorium, NIST Gaithersburg

Tentative agenda

1:00   Opening remarks (Cameron Miller, Dennis Swyt, Mike Jergens)

1:30   Invited Talk 1: Kevin Dowling, Color Kinetics
         "Solid-State Lighting: An Industry Without Standards"
         * see http://cie2.NIST.gov/CR3/USMS-talks.htm for abstract.

2:00   Invited Talk 2: Art Springsteen, Avian Technologies
         "New Materials, New Techniques - Challenges in Metrology"
         * see http://cie2.nist.gov/CR3/USMS-talks.htm for abstract)

2:30   Breakout sessions (moderator)
         Light sources and detectors (Cameron Miller)
         Optical Properties of Materials (Maria Nadal)

4:00   Summary session (Cameron Miller)

5:00   Adjourn