Sensing and Measurement Technologies
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory provides scientific and technology development to meet a broad range of sensor and measurement technology requirements. The final solutions are enabled by custom electronic and software development necessary to meet specific application requirements.
Activities performed are tailored to meet client/project needs and include: scientific investigations and analyses, feasibility studies, measurement and data analysis method development, validation and application, laboratory testing, prototype sensor and equipment development and evaluation, and development and deployment of field-hardened equipment and methods.
PNNL's ability to identify, evaluate, and develop innovative and effective sensing mechanisms and measurement methods is enhanced by the existence of very strong, complementary basic and applied research programs within the Laboratory. This allows the assembly of project teams with distinctive skills in both the underlying science and in the use of basic interactions and mechanisms for practical applications. Important science capabilities include material sciences, chemical sciences (including a major emphasis in molecular sciences), analytical chemistry methods and instrumentation, biological science and microbial biotechnology and physical sciences.
PNNL has developed a broad range of sensors to meet requirements for
In addition, PNNL has developed and deployed a broad range of measurement technologies to meet challenging application requirements (see examples at macro property measurement).
Many of these sensor and measurement systems require and benefit from the development of electronic systems and software for control and user interface, data acquisition and analysis, and reporting of results and effective system integration to ensure suitable performance to meet the application requirements (see examples at electronics and systems).
PNNL Sensor and Measurement Technology (and associated electronics) developments have been recognized with 24 R&D 100 Awards (excellence in technical innovation) and 16 Federal Laboratory Consortium Awards (excellence in technology transfer from a federal laboratory).