Nanometrology

In 2007 NMI commenced a program of establishing infrastructure and promoting awareness of nanometrology to support the emergence of nanotechnology in Australia. Click here for a report we have published on this issue.

For further information contact nano@measurement.gov.au.

Calibration

NMI is developing physical standards and instruments for nanoscale measurements, focussing initially on nanoparticle measurement. 

The recent acquisition of a high-level dynamic light scattering instrument provides size measurement of particles down to 1 nm. We offer a service for calibrating standard reference powders and nanoparticles from 6 µm down to 1 nm.

Through collaboration with universities and research organisations we also have access to high level electron and atomic force microscopes.

Research

NMI participates in numerous international technical committees to give Australian representation at the international level. NMI chairs the Standards Australia NT-001 committee established in March 2006 and heads the Australian delegation to the International Standards Organization's technical committee for nanotechnologies, ISO TC229.

Within the next few years we aim to:

• acquire, develop and operate a metrological atomic force microscope to provide traceability for dimensional nanoscale measurements in Australia
• create an advanced nanoparticle laboratory with a wide range of instruments providing nanoparticle standards, measurement and characterisation capabilities and conducting high level research and development
• establish a first-class scientific team to implement the nanometrology program, interact with Australia’s nanotechnology community and support regulatory frameworks

Workshop on scanning probe microscopy

Date Thursday 23 July
Time 2 to 5 pm
Place NMI, Bradfield Road, Lindfield
Cost free and includes refreshments

NMI is running a workshop to provide participants from university, government and industry sectors with the opportunity to hear about current novel applications of scanning probe microscopy and to discuss opportunities and challenges in applying this key technique of nanotechnology. Three well-established researchers in the fields of physical chemistry, biology and materials science will give presentations on the application of scanning probe microscopy in their areas of research:

• Dr Chiara Neto (School of Chemistry, University of Sydney) Atomic Force Microscopy Studies of Liquid/Solid Interfaces
• Dr Michael Higgins (Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, University of Wollongong) Biological AFM: An Overview of Studies on Single Protein Interactions, Model Membranes and Living Cells
• Dr James Rabeau (Department of Physics, Macquarie University) Combined Optical and Atomic Force Microscopy of Nanodiamonds

To book your place contact Malcolm Lawn (02 8467 3502, malcolm.lawn@measurement.gov.au) by Monday 20 July, and click on the link at the bottom of this page to download a flyer.

Useful links

ISO standards for nanoparticle characterisation

Click here for a collection of ISO standards with relevance for nanoparticle characterisation.

British standards for nanotechnology

BSI British Standards, the UK's national standards body, has published nine documents for nanotechnology terminology and guidance for industry, addressing nanotechnology terminology, health and safety issues and product labelling. To access these standards please click here.

WorkSafe Australia (formerly Australian Safety and Compensation Council)

WorkSafe Australia has made available useful information relating to the health, safety and environmental aspects of nanotechnology. Click here for more information.

Click on the link below to download a flyer on the scanning probe microscopy workshop