Infrasound calibrations: LNE, the world’s first laboratory to achieve COFRAC accreditation

The Frequency Range Covered

Thanks to this accreditation, LNE now offers the first traceable and internationally recognised calibration service for low-frequency sensors, addressing a long-standing gap in the global metrology infrastructure.

The accredited infrasound calibration services cover a frequency range from 10 mHz to 20 Hz, using a specially developed laser pistonphone [1] for the absolute calibration of infrasound sensors.

Infrasound sensors concerned

• Microphones – commonly used in precision acoustics.
• Microbarometers – widely deployed in atmospheric monitoring and global infrasound detection networks.
• Static pressure sensors – although primarily designed to measure static pressure, these sensors are particularly effective for measuring dynamic pressure at very low frequencies, making them valuable for detecting infrasound phenomena in environmental and industrial contexts

The calibration procedure complies with IEC TR 61094-10:2022, which defines the primary calibration methodology for infrasound sensors.

Fields of application

These services are essential for environmental monitoring, industrial processes, and scientific research, where accurate and traceable low-frequency pressure measurements are critical.

Infrasound sensors are used in several specialised fields requiring the detection of very low-frequency acoustic waves (below 20 Hz).

They are notably applied in the following areas:

• Geophysical monitoring, for example in the surveillance of volcanic activity
• Defence and military monitoring, for detecting nuclear explosions, missile launches, or heavy weapons fire
• Meteorology, for the study of specific climatic phenomena
• Aerospace, to detect turbulence-related phenomena
• Environmental noise monitoring, especially around wind turbines and industrial facilities

The benefits of COFRAC accreditation

COFRAC Calibration Accreditation n° 2-28* enables LNE to ensure that its calibration services meet the highest international standards for technical competence and quality management. Our clients benefit from calibrations that are fully traceable to the International System of Units (SI), thereby ensuring the accuracy, repeatability, and reliability of their infrasound sensor measurements.

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*List of sites and scopes available at cofrac.fr

^[1] Publication : DOI : 10.1088/1681-7575/aca0f3