Development of international key comparisons in the field of chemico-analytical measurements

The most challenging goals in the field of chemico- and bioanalytical measurements are described. Solutions of these problems are presented, which are being solved in particular by participating in new international comparisons organized by the Cosultative Committee on the Amount of Substance of the International Committee on Weights and Measures (CCQM CIPM). The purposes and tasks of developing key comparisons in the following areas are described: isotopic measurements; determination of the purity of substances; organic analysis; bioanalytical measurements; measurements of aerosol particle parameters; measurements in the field of gas analysis and electrochemistry. It is shown that participation in international key comparisons makes it possible to obtain valid and reliable results of measurements of the composition and properties of gas and liquid media, as well as solid substances and materials.

Imaging interference microscope for nanometrology

Here we report the development of the primary nanometrology capacity at the National Metrology Institute of Brazil (INMETRO). An interference microscope of the Linnik type has been developed and subjected to optimization and characterization studies. The recording of the fringes is done by an automated CCD system with 2 possible processing approaches: interferometric pattern processing and the phase stepping technique. Current progress in the development of the hardware and software adequate for sub- nanometer resolution of the instrument is reported. A study of systematical errors of the interference microscope has been performed. The instrument is aimed for international key comparisons of step height standards.