METAS strengthens neutron metrology with the Paul Scherrer Institute as designated institute
METAS has named the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI as the designated institute for the measurement of neutron fluence. With this PSI becomes part of the national measurement base and contributes to strengthening Switzerland’s quality infrastructure.
As the designated institute, PSI will assume a central role in neutron metrology in Switzerland and will be officially integrated into the Swiss national measurement base, which ensures the quality of products and services. This appointment strengthens the close collaboration between METAS and PSI that has existed for many years, as well as the international recognition of Swiss measurement expertise in the field of neutron metrology.
Significance of neutron fluence
Neutron fluence describes how many neutrons pass through a surface. It is a fundamental parameter in neutron metrology and plays a crucial role in safety-relevant applications such as radiation therapy, operation of nuclear power plants, and workplace radiation protection.
Role of collaboration with designated institutes
As the national metrology institute, METAS ensures that Switzerland has accurate measurements that are traceable to the International System of Units (SI) and are internationally recognised, thereby building trust in everyday life.
Designated institutes take on specialised supplementary tasks in specific measurement areas outside the scope of METAS's activities. The close collaboration between METAS and its designated institutes ensures the quality of Swiss metrology.
Neutron metrology at PSI
PSI is an internationally recognised research institute and has the only accredited Calibration Laboratory for neutron metrology in Switzerland (SCS 0075), which is integrated into its Radiation Safety and Security Department.
With its specialised facilities, PSI ensures the traceability of all neutron-related measurements to international primary standards.
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About PSI
The Paul Scherrer Institute PSI develops, builds and operates large, complex research facilities and makes them available to the national and international research community. The institute's own key research priorities are in the fields of future technologies, energy and climate, health innovation and fundamentals of nature. PSI is committed to the training of future generations. Therefore about one quarter of our staff are post-docs, post-graduates or apprentices. Altogether PSI employs 2300 people, thus being the largest research institute in Switzerland. The annual budget amounts to approximately CHF 450 million. PSI is part of the ETH Domain, with the other members being the two Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology, ETH Zurich and EPFL Lausanne, as well as Eawag (Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology), Empa (Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology) and WSL (Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research). (Last updated in June 2026)
