History and Overview

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has had several names since its founding as the National Bureau of Standards in 1901. It became the Bureau of Standards in 1903, went back to the National Bureau of Standards in 1934, and finally was renamed the National Institute of Standards and Technology in 1988. Established in Boulder in 1950, NIST has two national labs, one in Boulder and the headquarters in Gaithersburg, Maryland. NIST’s mission is to promote U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness by advancing measurement science, standards, and technology in ways that enhance economic security and improve our quality of life. With a staff of about 350 scientists, engineers, technicians, and support personnel, plus approximately 100 visiting researchers annually, the NIST Boulder Laboratories conduct research in a wide range of areas. NIST also conducts “work for others” testing and consultation. Many of its scientists have joint appointments with Colorado research universities.

Research Areas

Electromagnetics - fundamental microwave quantities, high-speed microelectronics, electromagnetic compatibility, antennas, and electromagnetic properties of materials, as well as advanced measurement methods and standards for the magnetic data storage and superconductor power industries

Materials reliability - measurement methods and standards enhancing the quality and reliability of materials

Mathematical and computational sciences - design of experiments, modeling, analytical methods, and algorithms for science

Optoelectronics - measurement technology, standards, and traceability for the optoelectronic industry

Physical and chemical properties - measurements, standards, data, and models for the thermophysical/chemical properties of gases, liquids, and solids and for low-temperature refrigeration systems

Quantum devices - advances measurement science in a variety of fields using state-of-the-art science and technology, especially; quantum effects, including superconductivity, low temperatures to reduce thermal noise, and state-of-the-art lithography to achieve small sizes

Quantum physics - atomic and chemical physics, precision measurement, and laser and optical physics

Statistical modeling and analysis - modern statistical experimental design, statistical modeling, data analysis, and process control procedures

Time and frequency - standards of time and frequency; dissemination of timing information using radio broadcasts and the Internet