Dr W.R. (Bill) Blevin 1929–2022
B. D. Inglis
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Abstract
William Roderick (Bill) Blevin graduated from the University of New England (UNE) with First Class Honours in science in 1950, completed a Diploma of Education in 1951 and a Master of Science degree in 1952. He joined the CSIRO Division of Physics in 1953 as a research scientist and became the leader of the Optical Radiometry and Pyrometry Group. In 1972, he was awarded a DSc from the University of New England and in 1976 became a chief research scientist within CSIRO. In 1988, he was appointed chief of the CSIRO Division of Applied Physics. For much of his distinguished research career his focus was on improving measurement standards for optical radiometry and photometric measurement. Among his many achievements was an independent experimental determination of the Stefan–Boltzmann constant which advanced the accuracy of agreement with theoretical determinations by more than an order of magnitude. His work on the Stefan–Boltzmann constant and his determination in the face of international opposition eventually led to the redefinition of the candela, the SI (International System) unit for light intensity, in terms of the unit for power. His work was widely recognised internationally and brought great credit to CSIRO as well as gaining great respect for metrology in Australia. Bill served as president of the International Consultative Committee for Photometry and Radiometry (CCPR) for some twelve years and served as a member, secretary and vice-president of the International Committee for Weights and Measures (CIPM). He received many awards and honours throughout his illustrious career, including recognition as a Member of the Order of Australia.
Keywords: candela, light, measurement, photometry, physics, radiometry, SI units, Stefan–Boltzmann.
References
Blevin, W. R. (1970) Diffraction losses in radiometry and photometry, Metrologia, 6, 39-44.
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Blevin, W. R. (1998) Blevin Report, National and International Needs Relating to Metrology: International Collaborations and the Role of BIPM. Report of the Comité International des Poids et Mesures (CIPM) to the 21st Conférence Générale des Poids et Mesures (CGPM), Intergovernmental Organization of the Convention of the Metre, Saint-Cloud, France.
Blevin, W. R., and Brown, W. J. (1966) Black coatings for absolute radiometers, Metrologia, 2, 139-143.
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Blevin, W. R., and Brown, W. J. (1971) A precise measurement of the Stefan-Boltzmann constant, Metrologia, 7, 15.
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Blevin, W. R., and Steiner, B. (1975) Redefinition of the Candela and the Lumen, Metrologia, 11, 97-104.
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Blevin, W. R., and Wootton, I. D. P. (1964) Iron content of cyanmethæmoglobin, Bibliotheca Haematologica, 18, 73.
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Giovanelli, R. G., Blevin, W. R., and Wright, K. A. (1962) Floodlighting of pedestrian crossings, Lighting Research and Technology, 27, 139-142.
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Stanton, K., and Davies, P. (1998) Laboratory Accreditation in Australia – From Concept to Reality, National Association of Testing Authorities, NATA, Canberra. https://www.nata.com.au/images/pdf_files/Laboratory-accreditation-in-Australia.pdf
Wootton, I. D. P., and Blevin, W. R. (1964) The extinction coefficient of cyanmethæmoglobin, The Lancet, 284, 434-436.
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Wright, K. A., and Blevin, W. R. (1965) The night time luminance of white roadlines, Australian Road Research, 2, 3-11.
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