Department of Information and Communications Engineering

Metrology Research Institute

Metrology Research Institute focuses on optical radiation measurements and related activities. We do not forecast the weather!
Metrology research group, Xenon lamp. Photo by the research group

Welcome to the Metrology Research Institute

Exploring the World of Optical Radiation Measurements

Light surrounds us in the form of sunlight, artificial illumination, and signaling. From visible to infrared radiation, it powers a myriad of electrical devices for communication, sensing, and displays. Color, a defining feature in consumer products, makes these experiences rich and vibrant.

Our research institute focuses on advancing optical radiation measurements, delving into three distinct branches:

  • Radiometry: Unveiling the secrets of light sources and detectors.
  • Photometry: Understanding light as perceived by human vision.
  • Spectrophotometry: Exploring optical components and the properties of materials.

In our state-of-the-art laboratory, we've pioneered facilities that excel on a global scale—offering unparalleled accuracy, compactness, and efficiency. Our research thrives at the crossroads of electronics, modern optics, and optical radiation measurements.

A Collaborative Force in Precision

The Metrology Research Institute is a collaborative endeavor between Aalto University and MIKES. Our involvement spans numerous national and international projects. Our research predominantly aligns with the frameworks of prominent initiatives such as EURAMET (European Association for Metrology), EPM (European Partnership for Metrology, 2021-2027), EMPIR (European Metrology Programme for Innovation and Research, 2014-2020), and EMRP (European Metrology Research Programme 2009-2013).

Setting the Standards

As Finland's national standards laboratory (Designated Institute) for optical quantities, we are entrusted with upholding the highest standards and performing calibrations of optical quantities with precision. Our commitment to excellence is reaffirmed by our self-declared ISO/IEC 17025:2017 compliance through the Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) of the International Committee for Weights and Measures (CIPM). Our participation in intercomparisons of the Consultative Committee for Photometry and Radiometry (CCPR) of the Bureau International de Poids et Mesures (BIPM) is a testament to our dedication to accuracy.

Beyond Measurements: The Art of Precision

Metrology is more than just measurement science; it's the pursuit of enhancing reliability, accuracy, and understanding the uncertainties inherent in measurements.

Leading the Way: Professor Erkki Ikonen

Guided by the expertise of Professor Erkki Ikonen, our research group leads the charge in unlocking new frontiers of knowledge. Explore our detailed project descriptions to connect with specialists who spearhead each endeavor.

Embark on a Journey of Discovery

Research areas

Explore our research areas to uncover the realms we're pioneering within the Metrology Research Institute. Our pages offer insights into our latest projects, while our Annual Reports Database chronicles our past accomplishments.

Join us as we navigate the intricacies of light, delve into the nuances of measurements, and shape the future of optical research.

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Photometry

Photometry is the measurement of visible light as perceived by humans. Our current focus is on increasing the accuracy of the energy efficiency measurements of novel light sources, such as LEDs and OLEDs.

Department of Information and Communications Engineering
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Radiometry

Radiometry deals with techniques for measuring electromagnetic radiation, in the form of ultraviolet radiation, visible light, and infrared radiation.

Department of Information and Communications Engineering
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Spectrophotometry

Spectrophotometry focuses on measuring the amount of light that a sample or an object absorbs or reflects as a function of wavelength using an instrument known as a spectrophotometer.

Department of Information and Communications Engineering
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Electrical instrumentation

Off-the-shelf measurement equipment are not always available, and dedicated measurement devices are often built at Metrology Research Institute.

Department of Information and Communications Engineering

News

pionit maljakossa ARTSin promootiobrunssilla 2019

The President has appointed two new Principal university lecturers

The news tells about the appointment of two new Principal university lecturers in the spring of 2023. The Provost congratulated the PUL lecturers at the lecturers get together event on June 2, 2023.

News
Kuvassa oleva LED-standardivalonlähde kehitettiin EMPIR PhotoLED -projektissa ja siinä käytetyt valkoiset LEDit on valittu uuden valkoisen spektrin eli CIE reference spectrum L41:n mukaisesti. Kuva: Tuomas Poikonen / VTT

LEDs change laboratory measurements of light

Measurements of LED lighting become more reliable when 90-years old reference spectrum of incandescent lamps is complemented with a new reference spectrum of white LEDs.

News

Latest publications

Characterization of PillarHall test chip structures using a reflectometry technique

Aleksandr Danilenko, Masoud Rastgou, Farshid Manoocheri, Jussi Kinnunen, Virpi Korpelainen, Antti Lassila, Erkki Ikonen 2023 Measurement Science and Technology

Development of primary reference facilities and measurement comparison of standard artifacts for the bidirectional transmittance distribution function

J. Fu, T. Quast, E. Velke, M. Esslinger, M. Pastuschek, A. Schirmacher, R. Aschan, F. Manoocheri, E. Ikonen 2023 Review of Scientific Instruments

Cantilever-based photoacoustic sensor for terahertz range

Erkki Ikonen, Sucheta Sharma, Mohsen Ahmadi, Jussi Rossi, Markku Vainio, Zhipei Sun, Andreas Steiger 2023 Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering

Cantilever-Enhanced Photoacoustic Detector for Black and Brown Carbon

Juho Karhu, Joel Kuula, Tommi Mikkonen, Matthew Ward, Aki Virkkula, Erkki Ikonen, Tuomas Hieta, Hilkka Timonen, Markku Vainio 2023

Cantilever-enhanced photoacoustic measurement of HTO in water vapor

Juho Karhu, Markus Nyman, Marja Siitari-Kauppi, Tuomas Hieta 2023 Photoacoustics

Impact ionization in silicon at low charge-carrier energies

Mikhail Korpusenko, Anna Vaskuri, Farshid Manoocheri, Erkki Ikonen 2023 AIP Advances

Internal quantum efficiency of silicon photodetectors at ultraviolet wavelengths

Mikhail Korpusenko, Anna Vaskuri, Farshid Manoocheri, Erkki Ikonen 2023 Metrologia

General V(λ) mismatch index: History, current state and new ideas

U. Krüger, A. Ferrero, A. Thorseth, V. Mantela, A. Sperling 2023 Lighting Research and Technology

Spectral Mismatch Uncertainty Estimation in Solar Cell Calibration Using Monte Carlo Simulation

Kinza Maham, Petri Karha, Erkki Ikonen 2023 IEEE Journal of Photovoltaics
More information on our research in the Aalto research portal.
Research portal

More information about us

PhD theses

Recent PhD theses on Measurement Science and Technology

Suurjännitepulssien mittaamiseen käytettävä jännitteenjakaja.

Public defence in Measurement Science and Technology, M.Sc.(Tech.) Jussi Havunen

Application of Signal Processing Methods for Precision Impulse Voltage and Partial Discharge Measurements (title of the thesis)

Events
Doctoral hat floating above a speaker's podium with a microphone

Public defence in Measurement Science and Technology, M.Sc. Mikhail Korpusenko

Characterization of room-temperature primary optical standard in visible and ultraviolet spectral ranges.

Events
Doctoral hat floating above a speaker's podium with a microphone

Public defence in Measurement Science and Technology, M.Sc. Sucheta Sharma

Applications of Interferometric Measurements and Photoacoustic Detection in Optical Metrology (title of the thesis)

Events
Cover page of the Dmitri Lanevski's PhD thesis regarding measurement, reporting and applications of bidirectional reflectance distribution function.

Public defence in Measurement Science and Technology, M.Sc. Dmitri Lanevski

Measurement, reporting and applications of bidirectional reflectance distribution function

Events

Defence of doctoral thesis in the field of Measurement Science and Technology, M.Sc. Janne Askola

Title of the thesis is: "Advances in LED Photometry and Ageing Procedures of LED Luminaires"

Events

Defence of dissertation in the field of Measurement Science and Technology, M.Sc. (Tech.) Alexander Kokka

The title of thesis is “Spatial and spectral corrections for integrating sphere photometry and radiometry”

Events

Defence of dissertation in the field of Measurement Science and Technology, M.Sc. (Tech.) Anna Vaskuri

Spectral Modelling of Light-Emitting Diodes and Atmospheric Ozone Absorption

Events
Photo of Maarintie 8 from the forestal side
Metrology Research Institute resides behind a deep forest.

Visiting address: Maarintie 8, Otaniemi, Espoo

Offices 3rd floow, laboratories 1st floor (basement).

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