The Optical Technology Division (OTD) of the Physics Laboratory at NIST maintains and disseminates the national standards of optical radiation for luminous intensity and temperature above 1234.96 K. It also develops the measurement methods and services needed to support the lighting, photographic, automotive, electronics, and xerographic industries and other sectors dependent on optical radiation measurements. The Division also provides metrology support for National needs in environmental monitoring, for health and safety concerns, and for the aerospace and defense industries.

OTD provides National measurement standards and support services to advance the use and application of optical technologies spanning the ultraviolet through the microwave spectral regions. Maintenance of the national optical radiation standards requires that the Division realize these units in terms of the International System of Units (SI) at the highest levels of accuracy, assure consistency with other national realizations of the photometric and radiometric units through international comparisons, and provide a sound measurement basis for the scientific community.

The Division widely disseminates the results of its research, especially in the areas of advanced measurement technology and dissemination of national standards, through a variety of channels - for-fee calibrations, measurement services including Standard Reference Materials, publications, software, short courses, conferences and workshops, and participation in standards organizations and consortia. NIST also actively seeks industrial, academic, and non-profit research partners to work collaboratively on projects of mutual benefit.