Implementation of a generalized least-squares method for determining calibration curves from data with general uncertainty structures

Abstract

The determination of a best-fit calibration curve that describes the response of a measuring system to the value of a standard is one of the most widely used procedures in metrology. The mathematical basis for a generalized least-squares solution to this problem is reviewed. Examples of the application of a software implementation of the method are presented to illustrate the treatment of calibration problems with different uncertainty structures for the calibration data, including correlated data. The examples concern the calibration of analysers to measure the composition of natural gas and the calibration of a gas flow dilutor.