Optics

The measurement of optical radiation is facing new challenges, such as replacing traditional light bulbs with LED lamps or increased use of lasers and the related safety requirements.

The Optics laboratory addresses all issues related to the measurement and evaluation of optical radiation. We are responsible for national realisation of the basic unit Candela and we guarantee with our instruments and measurement procedures for high-precision measurements traceable to a primary radiometric realisation in the whole optical wavelength range. With our calibration and measurement services which are internationally recognized we help industry and research in their quest for reliable and accurate measurement.

In order to keep up with the pace of development, we are constantly refining our measurement facilities. With this aim in mind, we conduct various research and development projects.

Calibrations
With our calibration services, we ensure that your measuring radiometric and photometric instruments are traceable to the national measurement standards.
Our calibration certificates are recognised internationally. For this purpose, we operate a quality assurance system in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025.

Photometric Laboratory, laser safety
We have a wide variety of photometric measuring equipment (i.e. goniophotometer, integrating spheres, imaging luminance measurement devices), which are available for various lighting tests, including photometry of LED lamps and luminaires, navigation lights, tunnel lighting, light immission, laser safety.

Vehicle lighting
We carry out type examination, conformity assessment and approval of lighting equipment for road vehicles according to Swiss legislation and regulations of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE).

Advice, expert's reports
If you have any questions concerning our services or need advice, we will be pleased to help. Contact us without obligation.

With the aid of research and development projects, we keep our measurement facilities and expertise at the forefront of technology. We thus ensure our ability to offer the required services and promote innovation in the years to come. In the course of this we work with other metrology institutes, universities and industry. We are involved in a number of European projects as part of the EMPIR research program.

As a research partner of Innosuisse (Swiss Innovation Agency) we cooperate in Innosuisse projects. We are interested in a collaboration with industry. Our strengths lie in surface, nano- and microtechnology.

Current Projects

22IEM05
New calibration standards and methods for radiometry and photometry after phaseout of incandescent lamps.
22NRM01 MeLiDos
Metrology for wearable light loggers and optical radiation dosimeters.
21NRM01 HiDyn
Support for the standardisation of luminance distribution measurements for assessing glare and obtrusive light using high-dynamic-range imaging systems.
SpotLight
Sustainability potential of outdoor light technology: trad off between social need and environmental impact.
xDDiff
Multidimensional optical diffusion for the measurement of appearance.