Metrological Problems Research Articles

New challenges associated with hard X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (report on the 2023 ASTM E42‐ASSD AVS workshop)

In contrast to traditional X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), hard X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (HAXPES) can provide information from deeper within a sample while maintaining chemical resolution. However, working with higher energy X‐rays introduces a series of new or different issues ranging from energy calibration to factors associated with quantitative analysis. As part of the efforts to identify and increase community awareness about these issues, a workshop was held to review HAXPES metrology challenges with the perspective of converting it into a quantitative technique. A summary is hereby given of this workshop, which was entitled “What New Challenges Come with the Capabilities of HAXPES?” It was held in Portland, OR, USA, on November 7, 2023, and was primarily sponsored by the ASTM E42 Committee and the Applied Surface Science Division of the American Vacuum Society. This report contains summaries of the presentations and discussions at this workshop regarding the current open problems in HAXPES metrology. There were 20 participants at the workshop.

Metrological problems in the study of weapon systems

The article presents a summary of knowledge on the research and metrological problems related to the assessment of features and parameters of weapon systems. The basic metrological problem of research laboratories evaluating weapon systems is related to the constant search for new solutions, building unique test stands and seeking metrological equipment with higher accuracy classes than the equipment of military weapon systems which is subject to assessment. This is very difficult for the military technology to perform, even impossible in many cases. Significant research problems raised in the article also concern the study of descriptive and functional features which are not addressed by metrology. The article is an introduction to the commencement of works on the extension of metrology related to measurements and evaluation of the results obtained in research laboratories during the implementation of procedures related to the testing of descriptive and functional indicators. The information included in the article may be a source of knowledge for both the personnel of military laboratories and the personnel of civilian laboratories.

Quality control of instruments for measuring the characteristics of bactericidal UV radiation

Objectives. Quality control of instruments for measuring bactericidal irradiance of ultraviolet (UV) radiation is based on studying the main metrological characteristics. These characteristics include: angular and spectral sensitivity; linearity range; and absolute calibration in irradiance units. Deviations of the angular sensitivity of measuring instruments from the ideal cosine characteristic can significantly impact error estimation. They can also lead to the distortion of measurement results and a significant difference in instrument readings. The aim of this work is to enhance accuracy in resolving metrological problems of determining irradiance of bactericidal radiation.Methods. An effective method of resolving this problem is to introduce correction coefficients for the angular sensitivity of radiometers, spectroradiometers and dosimeters. The values are calculated based on the results of measurements on the goniometer when testing measuring instruments. An important role is played by computer models and digital twins of measuring instruments based on the results of studies of the metrological characteristics of radiometers by means of software. This includes modeling the measuring task.Results. The study of angular dependence of bactericidal UV radiometer sensitivity complemented by an analysis of measurement results obtained by other authors allows determining the value of the angular sensitivity correction coefficients by the deviation of the angular sensitivity of the irradiance measuring instruments of bactericidal radiation from the standard cosine dependence.Conclusions. Deviations of the angular dependence of bactericidal radiation UV radiometer sensitivity from the cosine characteristic lead to a significant underestimation of the irradiance measurements results from extended emitters. An effective solution is the use of digital angular sensitivity correction coefficients to measure the irradiance of bactericidal radiation determined during tests. When assessing the quality of radiometers, spectroradiometers and dosimeters for bactericidal radiation, incomplete control of the main metrological characteristics of the measuring instruments creates risks of serious errors in the measurement results of bactericidal irradiance.

Legislative basis for assurance of measurement uniformity

An overview of the legal framework of metrology at the international level, in particular, the activities of the intergovernmental International Organization of Legal Metrology, is given. The establishment of the International Organization of Legal Metrology has had an impact on the consolidation of the regulatory framework for metrology at the regional level, especially in the European Union. The reliability, comparability and traceability of measurement results are ensured by international regulatory documents developed by countries in the field of activity of seven international organizations. For international recognition of measurement and test results of any country. There is a need for a system of normative instruments that ensure international law. Strategically, it is necessary to create a legal framework so that it is possible to move from regional politics to global politics. The role of legal metrology at the regional level and the formation of the legislative framework of fundamental metrology in the world are described. The article presents a database of basic documents for solving scientific problems of ensuring the uniformity of measurements at the international level and the main milestones in the history of the formation of the legal framework of the measurement system in Russia for two centuries. The creation of the metrological service of the USSR, and then the state system for ensuring the uniformity of measurements determined new approaches to improving legislation in the field of metrology. Harmonization of the language of measurements and approaches to solving the problems of metrology will ensure the uniformity of measurements not only in individual countries and regions, but also on a global scale.

Case studies for the MATHMET Quality Management System at VSL, the Dutch National Metrology Institute

The European Metrology Network MATHMET is a network in which a large number of European national metrology institutes combine their forces in the area of mathematics and statistics applied to metrological problems. One underlying principle of such a cooperation is to have a common understanding of the ‘quality’ of software, data and guidelines. To this purpose a flexible, lightweight Quality Management System (QMS), also referred to as Quality Assessment Tools (QAT), is under development by the EMN. In this contribution the application of the QMS to several use cases of different nature by VSL is presented. The benefits and usefulness of the current version of the QMS are discussed from the particular viewpoint of a particular employee of VSL, and an outlook for possible future extensions and usage of the QMS is given.

Validation of intercultural sensitivity and respect for diversity scale (RDS) in a Korean sample

ABSTRACT Intercultural sensitivity is the affective dimension of intercultural competence. Recently, the Intercultural Sensitivity Scale (ISS) was validated for Korean samples, which raised conceptual, translational, and metrological problems. This study improved on the previous ISS Korean version, developed the Respect for Diversity Scale (RDS), and reanalysed the results according to gender and school level. The sample comprised 542 native Korean-speaking high school and college students. Both scales confirmed the validity of 12 items across four dimensions. Notably, the mean ISS scores exceeded those of the RDS across most factors. Gender differences exhibited significance in the scores of both scales, while school-level differences did not prove significant. This study contributes to the literature that has adapted and validated the ISS with participants from non-English-speaking cultures. Additionally, it sheds light on the relationship between the ISS and measures of general diversity appreciation, highlighting variations based on participants’ background characteristics.

Analysis of metrological supply problems in electricity generation

In this article, the data on metrological supply issues of electric energy and production enterprises and laboratories in modern economic conditions are analyzed. Methods of choosing a measuring instrument and reducing errors are analyzed and recommendations are given.

Актуальные проблемы или «национальные особенности» радиационного контроля питьевой воды

Relevant metrological problems of monitoring radiation in water, as well as other types of radiation measurements, are mainly related to insufficient status of measures of specific activity (standard solutions of radionuclides) and limited calibration capabilities in laboratories and standardization organizations in different regions of Russia. If there are no certified reference materials and measurement standards adequate for a measurement task, then metrological traceability of measurements can be carried out according to calibration procedures regulated by measuring methods using calibration standards prepared as certified mixtures from calibrated solutions of radionuclides, as well as pure uranium and potassium compounds. Regular interlaboratory comparisons with control samples having reference quantity values of the measured parameters allow laboratories to confirm their technical competence and the metrological traceability of measurement results.

Predicting and Determining the Time Between Metrological Failures of Smart Systems for Precision Farming

Introduction. Solving the problem of forecasting and determining the operating time for metrological failure and conducting the first calibration of smart systems of precision land use is possible by solving the problem of self-calibration of smart sensors that are part of these smart systems (SS). This problem is solved and described in [1]. The purpose of the paper is the methodology for dynamic prediction and determination of the time between metrological failures (MF) and the first verification of SS designed for precision farming. Results. The article describes a method patented in Ukraine for measuring the SS operating time for a MF (dynamic prediction method) based on a synthesized probabilistic-physical model (PP-model) of SS MF described by a multi-parameter Kondratov – Weibull distribution function (DF) with controlled (flexible) parameters. The proposed model describes the relationship between the normalized error and the parameters of the metrological reliability (MR) of the SS. It is shown that the dynamic regression PP-models of MF are a combination of the capabilities of regression models using flexible multi-parameter DF, with the possibility of using dynamic (spatio-temporal) processes covering different trends in the change in the values of normalized errors and their uncertainty bands, confidence level, time frame, acceptable boundary conditions, etc. Dynamic regression models of MF SS make it possible to understand the relationship between DF variables and allow the possibility of studying metrological problems (“scenarios”) of the “what if …” type. The dynamic regression method is a set of techniques for reciprocating approximation of the values of the shift parameter of the dynamic PP-model of MF to the predicted value of the shift parameter of the static PP-model of MF SS, as well as methods for assessing the reliability and accuracy of forecasting and determination. The article describes the essence of a new method for determining the operating time of the SS in the MF using the PP-model of the MF based on the Kondratov – Weibull DF. For the first time, a graphical portrait of the PP-model of SS metrological failures in the combined system of scales (coordinates) has been developed and presented - with the scales "probability of metrological failure Pξ" and "normalized error ξx" and separate or combined scales of "interval time scale tx " and "calendar time scale". The procedure for determining the time of the first verification is described, the advantage of non-periodic verifications is noted in order to save costs for their implementation. The possibility of occurrence of "conditional misses" in determining the error and time of operation on the MF during one or another verification is shown. Their existence is established only after the subsequent verification, analysis of the obtained data, and drawing the curve of the DF on a graphical portrait. It is recommended to choose the time between verifications as a multiple of one year, and to carry out verifications on the same day and month of the year. Conclusions. The dynamic regression method is an effective and versatile method due to the high accuracy of forecasting and determining the operating time in the MF. It can also be implemented using MF PP- models based on the DF of Kondratov - Cauchy, Kondratov - Laplace and others. Keywords: smart sensor, self-calibration, wireless sensor systems, methods of redundant measurements, problems of metrological support.

Solution of topical spectroradiometric problems using synchrotron radiation

Objectives. In order to solve fundamental metrological problems concerning the reproduction and transmission of spectral radiometry units, as well as developing methods and tools for metrological support of modern technologies such as nanophotolithography in the electronics industry, synchrotron radiation can be used. When developing solid-state sources and receivers of radiation, new topical problems arise in connection with the metrological characteristics of light-emitting diodes (LEDs), multi-element array receivers, charge-coupled device (CCD) cameras and telescopes, whose successful solution depends on the properties of a reference source of synchrotron radiation. Therefore, the purpose of the present work is to develop spectral radiometry methods for obtaining metrological channels using an electron storage ring in order to control the characteristics of electronics components, as well as for studying and calibrating radiometers, photometers, and emitters operating in the visible, ultraviolet and infrared regions of the electromagnetic spectrum.Methods. Methods for transmitting spectroradiometric units on an electron storage ring are based on the classical theory of Julian Schwinger, which describes the electromagnetic radiation of a relativistic electron to calculate the spectral and energetic synchrotron radiation characteristics taking polarization components into account.Results. The possibility of developing methods for transmitting spectral radiometric units using synchrotron radiation was evaluated by means of a test setup, which included a monochromator-based comparator, a telescope with a CCD array, a spectroradiometer, a radiometer, a photometer, a goniometer, and an integrating sphere. This allowed the full set of spectroradiometric and photometric characteristics of radiation sources and receivers to be measured: from the most differential distribution of the spectral radiance density of the emitting region to the integral radiation flux. The results were compared with the reference synchrotron radiation source.Conclusions. Among possible approaches for determining the metrological characteristics of LED emitters, multielement array receivers, CCD cameras, and telescopes, synchrotron radiation seems to be the most promising. This approach allows the small size of the emitting region of synchrotron radiation, the Gaussian distribution of radiance over the emitting region of the synchrotron electron bunch, as well as the wide dynamic range of spectrum tuning due to changes in the energy and number of accelerated electrons, to be taken into account.

General Problems of Metrology and Measurement Technique Metrological Aspects of Harmonic Self-Organization

General Problems of Metrology and Measurement Technique Metrological Aspects of Harmonic Self-Organization

The development of statistical analysis methods for the study of correlations and statistical memory effects in the recorded data of physical experiments

In this paper, we discuss the prospects for the use of statistical analysis methods in the study of correlations and statistical memory effects in the experimental data of physical experiments. Developed methods under consideration: Memory Functions Formalism and Flicker-Noise Spectroscopy allow obtaining a large set of quantitative parameters and qualitative characteristics directly from temporal signals generated by complex physical systems. Additionally, for the study of collective phenomena and effects, one- and two-parameter cross-correlation functions are proposed, which allow studying cross-correlations between simultaneously recorded signals in spatially separated areas of the object under study. The introduced analytical relations and numerical algorithms can be applied to solve the problems of metrology of surface structures at the nano- and microlevels, to study collective phenomena in the plasma of astrophysical objects, the structure of molecules, and their complexes.

Metrological problems of measurements of environmental objects in terms of spectrometry and radiometry of alpha, beta, gamma-emitting radionuclides

This article deals with methods for measuring the characteristics of ionizing radiation in solving problems of radiation monitoring of the environment, industrial premises, sanitary protection zones, human pollution control using measurement techniques certified in the prescribed manner. The types of measuring instruments involved in the measurement of various quantities are listed. The main objects of measurements used in radiation monitoring of the environment, control of surface contamination and human contamination are named. The metrological characteristics (measured quantities) of measuring instruments are compared with the metrological characteristics of real measurement objects. A number of necessary established metrological characteristics for radiometric and spectrometric measuring instruments for the successful use of a measuring instrument in solving one or another problem of radiation measurements is indicated. An example from a real work is considered, in which the method of mathematical modeling when calculating additional metrological characteristics showed a significant discrepancy with the real data obtained during the experiment.

General Problems of Metrology and Measurement Technique Static Component of Temperature Error in the Strain-Gauge Balance: Determination of the Temperature Sensitivity Coefficient

General Problems of Metrology and Measurement Technique Static Component of Temperature Error in the Strain-Gauge Balance: Determination of the Temperature Sensitivity Coefficient

Адаптированный метод расчета функции радиационного отклика при создании высокочувствительных образцовых средств измерений на основе сцинтилляционных блоков детектирования с NaI(Tl) кристаллами для дозиметрии малоинтенсивных и околофоновых уровней

Metrological support of photon radiation fields of low-intensity and near-background levels (0.04–100 μSv/h (μGy/h)) by ambient equivalent dose rate or kerma rate in air using scintillation detectors with NaI(Tl) crystals looks promising and in demand in dosimetry, but nontrivial due to the complex dependence of efficiency registration of gamma quanta from energy. The solution of such problems with the use of these detectors can be based on the use of the radiation response functions, which are functionals of the energy distribution of the radiation field fluence.
 The paper proposes a method for calculating the radiation response function adapted for solving metrological support problems for creating high-precision dosimetric measuring instruments based on scintillation detection units with NaI(Tl) crystals.

Application of bayesian scientific approach to constructing the statistical estimations for solving metrological and measurement problems

Nowadays, constructing effective statistical estimates with a limited amount of statistical information constitutes a significant practical problem. The article is devoted to applying the Bayesian scientific approach to the construction of statistical estimates of the parameters of the laws of distribution of random variables. Five distribution laws are considered: The Poisson law, the exponential law, the uniform law, the Pareto law, and the ordinary law. The concept of distribution laws that conjugate with the observed population was introduced and used. It is shown that for considered distribution laws, the parameters of the laws themselves are random variables and obey the typical law, gamma law, gamma - normal law, and Pareto law. Recalculation formulas are obtained to refine the parameters of these laws, taking into account posterior information. If we apply the recalculation formulas several times in a row, we will get some convergent process. Based on a converging process, it is possible to design a process for self-learning a system or self-tuning a system. The developed scientific approach was applied to solve the measuring problems for the testing measuring devices and technical systems. The results of constructing point estimates and constructing interval estimates for these laws' parameters are given. The results of comparison with the corresponding statistical estimates constructed by the classical maximum likelihood method are presented.

Determination of the Error in Transferring of Length Unit’s Size when Measuring the Nanoparticles’ Diameter Using an Analyzer of Particles’ Differential Electrical Mobility

The quality of nanomaterials and nanotechnologies is largely determined by the stability of the applied technologies, which, to a large extent, depend on the constancy of particle sizes. In this regard, metrological problems arise that are associated both with measuring the dimensions of the microstructure of aerosols, suspensions and powders, and with ensuring the uniformity of measurements when transferring a unit of a physical quantity from a standard to working measuring instruments. The purpose of this work was to determine and calculate the error in transferring the size of a unit of length when measuring the diameter of nanoparticles.An analyzer of differential electric mobility of particles was determined as a reference measuring instrument for which the calculation was made. It allows the separation of aerosol particles based on the dependence of their electrical mobility on the particle size. In combination with a condensation particle counter, it allows you to scan an aerosol and build a particle size distribution function. This measurement method is the most accurate in the field of measuring the diameters of particles in aerosols, therefore, the error in the transmission of particle size must be set as for a standard.The paper describes the physical principles of measurement by this method and presents an equation for determining the diameter of nanoparticles. Based on this equation, the sources of non-excluded systematic error were identified. Also, an experimental method was used to determine the random component of the measurement error of nanoparticles and to calculate the error in transferring the size of a unit of length when measuring the diameter of nanoparticles.The obtained results will be used for metrological support of standard samples of particle size, ensuring traceability of measurements of aerosol particle counters and for aerosol research.

30 Years to Coomet: Results and Prospects of Cooperation

The history of Euro-Asian Cooperation of State Metrological Institutions (COOMET) began three decades ago, on June 12, 1991, when the COOMET Memorandum of Understanding was signed. COOMET is an officially recognized regional organization on metrology, as well as a regional organization on legal metrology. Cooperation in COOMET allows its member countries to successfully solve urgent metrological problems facing the national economies in the context of market globalization, as well as to integrate into the international metrological system. This article briefly reviews the history of COOMET and its major achievements. An assessment of the COOMET effectiveness is given, and promising directions of COOMET development are outlined.

Evaluation of the error of indirect measurements of physical-mechanical characteristics of materials by dynamic indentation method

The metrological problems of measuring the physic and mechanical characteristics of materials by dynamic indentation are considered. It is shown that the estimation of measurement error demanding the creation of the reference blocks is ineffective due to the wide variety of controlled materials and a wide range of changes in their properties. A technique has been developed for evaluating the accuracy of measurements based on the errors of individual parameters included in the calculation equation, i.e. by determining the error of indirect measurements. The technique is based on the estimation of the boundaries of the random error of the measured characteristics of the material and the non-excluded systematic errors of the parameters that are used for the calculations of needed characteristics. The results of experimental studies are presented, indicating that due to the different character of the dependencies of hardness and elastic modulus, the error in measuring the elastic modulus exceeds the error in measuring hardness. In addition, it was found that the error in measuring the characteristics of materials by the dynamic indentation method exceeds the measurement error by the static indentation method and can be reduced by increasing the accuracy of the equipment used for the registration of impact process. The obtained values of the physic and mechanical characteristics of the materials and the values of the measurement error show that the dynamic indentation method can effectively solve the problem of non-destructive testing of hardness, elastic modulus, and strain hardening exponent of metals and products with an appropriate error.

Analysis of Metrological Requirements in Occupational Health and Safety Regulations Related to the Emerging Risk of Exposure to Vibrations

In occupational exposure to vibration, the risk assessment process is defined through a regulatory framework that presents some relevant metrological problems. This framework considers methods based on estimation and on measurements. Estimation methods could employ existing information that is provided for each manufacturer to each individual tool or application to carry out such estimation. The use of estimation methods has some problems, such as substantial uncertainty. When using measurement methods, some metrological aspects are not fully defined. Therefore, a new and emerging risk appears due to certain methodologic limitations. Consequently, the variation between the estimated and the actual values could overestimate the level of occupational exposure to vibrations. Thus, with this paper, a critical analysis of this emerging metrological problem is provided. For this, a critical analysis of the metrological requirements regarding European standards is developed. To this end, the estimation method and measure method are investigated, considering, in both cases, the main factors related to uncertainty, reliability, and traceability. With this structure, a set of metrological limitations have been identified, thus pointing towards future lines of research that allow the improvement of the process of assessing the level of occupational exposure to vibrations.