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Practical realization of the definition of the metre
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Summary
Practical realization of the definition of the metre
Resolutions adopted by the 22nd CGPM
Related articles
Definition of the metre
Related CGPM and CIPM decisions
Consultative Committee for Length (CCL)
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Download the CIPM list of recommended radiations
complete with source data and related transitions

– or –
These values replace those published in Metrologia, 2003, 40, 103-133.

Latest revision:
October 2003 467 nm (Yb) 532 nm (I2) 674 nm (Sr)
515 nm (I2) 543 nm (I2) 1.54 µm (C2H2)

Following a Recommendation of the CCL in 2003 (Recommendation 2c) and its approval by the CIPM in the same year (Recommendation 1 (CI-2003)), the current revised list of recommended radiations is given here. Also provided are the source data used in estimating the wavelengths, frequencies and uncertainties of the recommended radiations.

The CIPM acknowledges the considerable effort put into the preparation of this list by the Consultative Committee for Length (CCL) through its Working Group on the Mise en Pratique (WGMeP), which includes representatives of national metrology institutes and the BIPM. A significant part of the work was related to the estimation of the uncertainties of the values given in the list of recommended radiations, and the CIPM draws attention to this as an example of the importance of making proper estimates of uncertainty in reporting the results of all metrological work.

Notes:
  • In this list, the values of the frequency f and of the vacuum wavelength lambda should be related exactly by the relation lambda f = c0, with c0 = 299 792 458 m s–1, but the values of lambda are rounded.

  • The data and analysis used for the compilation of this list are set out in the associated source data for each recommended radiation.

  • It should be noted that for several of the listed radiations, few independent values are available, so the estimated uncertainties may not reflect all sources of variability.

  • Some of the listed radiations can be replaced, without degrading the accuracy, by a radiation corresponding to another component of the same transition or by another radiation, when the frequency difference is known with sufficient accuracy. Such radiations are listed in the associated tables of absolute frequency of the other transitions related to those adopted as recommended and frequency intervals between transitions and hyperfine components.

  • It should also be noted that to achieve the uncertainties given here it is not sufficient just to meet the specifications for the listed parameters. In addition, it is necessary to follow the best good practice concerning methods of stabilization as described in numerous scientific and technical publications. References to appropriate articles, illustrating accepted good practice for a particular radiation, may be obtained by application to a member laboratory of the CCL or to the BIPM.


  • Related articles

    Definition of the metre
    Related CGPM and CIPM decisions
    Consultative Committee for Length (CCL)