Indian Reference Materials for Calibration of Sophisticated Instruments

Abstract

Reference materials play a significant role in the calibration of sophisticated instruments. The rapid advancement in science and technology and globalization of economies poses a strong need for more stringent metrological regulations in trade and commerce. For achieving greater heights in application-oriented science, accurate measurements of the requisite quantities are the basic essentials nowadays. It can only be possible by the calibration of corresponding instrument with suitable reference materials. Large numbers of reference materials are produced by various National Metrology Institutes (NMIs) throughout the world. CSIR – National Physical Laboratory (NPL) (NMI of India) is also making Indian reference materials (Bharatiya Nirdeshak Dravyas: BND®) for calibration of numerous sophisticated instruments. The present chapter focuses on the principle and applications of sophisticated instruments like powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), FTIR, and UV-Vis spectroscopy. We have briefly mentioned about its role for measuring various physical quantities and the importance of calibration by using the Indian Reference Materials (BNDs).