Recommendation 1 of the 11th CCL (2003)

Future BIPM work in laser and length metrology

The Consultative Committee for Length,

considering that:

• some of the activities of the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM) Length section form an important underpinning of the infrastructure for the calibration and validation of realizations of the unit of length;
• length metrology forms a key role in the basis of all industry, trade and commerce in the Member States;
• the proposed closure of the BIPM Length section in 2006 is viewed as having a severe impact on the world activity in dimensional metrology and international system of traceability in laser frequency (wavelength) measurement;
• the cost to Member States of the Metre Convention of distributing the activities of the BIPM Length section throughout the national metrology institutes (NMIs) would be far greater than the cost of maintaining this work at the BIPM;

recommends that:

• the International Committee for Weights and Measures (CIPM) review the decisions made concerning the long-term operational activity of the Length section of the BIPM;
• the CIPM establish a group of experts to review how the BIPM can satisfy the NMIs base-line needs for dimensional and laser frequency metrology in the long term;

and supports the proposals for:

• secondment of NMI personnel to the BIPM Length section as part of the possible action to supporting this activity;
• a programme of research fellowships at the BIPM as part of maintaining the training of highly qualified personnel from the NMIs and addressing the needs of world-wide work in length standards and dimensional metrology through projects of common interest.

DOI : 10.59161/CCL2003REC1E