Nanotechnology is the revolution that promises wrinkle-resistant clothing, invisible sunscreens and drug delivery direct to the cellular level.

Materials behave differently at the nano-level. They may have physical and chemical properties that can render them beneficial or harmful.

For that reason, before we can work safely and reliably with these materials, we have to be able to measure accurately at this level – at a much smaller scale than we have ever had to measure before.

A state-of-the-art dynamic light-scattering instrument is being used at Australia’s National Measurement Institute (NMI) to measure the size of nano-particles accurately and to calibrate reference particles for use in industry.

Using the internationally accepted measurement standards developed by NMI and other national metrology institutes, nanotechnology industries can improve control of manufacturing processes and product quality, ensure compliance with health, safety and environmental regulations, and innovate with confidence.

For more information: National Measurement Institute,

Yen Heng, Tel: +61 2 8467 3771,

yen.heng@measurement.gov.au