World Radiation Center Switzerland

The “Physikalisch-Meteorologisches Observatorium Davos und Weltstrahlungszentrum” (PMOD/WRC), is a designated institute by METAS for solar irradiance and is a participant of the CIPM-MRA.

The World Radiation Center (WRC) is composed of four sections which are responsible for maintaining and operating reference instruments in order to provide traceability and homogenisation on a global scale: The Solar Radiometry Section, The Infrared Radiometry Section, The World Optical Depth Research and Calibration Center, and the World Calibration Center for UV.The WRC has the following terms of reference:

• Guarantee world-wide homogeneity of solar radiation measurements by maintaining the World Standard Group (WSG) which is used to establish the World Radiometric Reference and maintain a set of reference irradiance standards and ensure their traceability to the SI units through purchase and intercomparison of transfer standards traceable to primary irradiance standards held at National Metrological Institutes.
• Maintain the global infrared radiation reference and defining the longwave infrared scale to which all longwave infrared radiation measurements should be traced .
• Characterize, calibrate and validate solar spectral and broadband radiation instruments.
• Research and development in radiometry and methods of observation of atmospheric radiation parameters.
• Develop instruments and calibration procedures for absolute total and spectral solar and long-wave radiometry;
• Participate in solar energy related applications
• Train solar radiation specialists.
• Maintain a Quality Management System following ISO 17025.