Physikalish-Technische Bundesanstalt
Physikalish-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) is the National Metrology Institute of Germany with scientific and technical service tasks. PTB measures with the highest accuracy and reliability – metrology as the core competence. PTB stands for progress and reliability in metrology for the benefit of society, trade and industry, and science. PTB is organisationally divided into 11 divisions (10 technical divisions Mechanics and Acoustics, Electricity, Chemical Physics and Explosion Protection, Optics, Precision Engineering, Ionizing Radiation, Temperature and Synchrotron Radiation, Medical Physics and Metrological Information Technology, Quality Infrastructure: Metrology and Digitalization, Cross-sectional Services, and one Administration Services division), in which there are altogether about 77 departments and sections.
PTB's tasks are the determination of fundamental and natural constants, the realization, maintenance and dissemination of the legal units of the SI, and safety technology – supplemented by services such as the German Calibration Service (Deutscher Kalibrierdienst, DKD) and metrology for the area regulated by law, for industry, and for technology transfer. As the basis for its tasks, PTB conducts fundamental research and development in the field of metrology in close cooperation with universities, other research institutions, and industry.