NIST Technicalendar November 23 to November 27, 2009 The NIST Technicalendar is issued each Friday. All items MUST be submitted electronically from this web page by 12:00 NOON each Wednesday unless otherwise stated in the NIST Technicalendar. The address for online weekly editions of the NIST Technicalendar and NIST Administrative Calendar is: http://www.nist.gov/tcal.

In this Issue: Meetings at NIST Meetings Elsewhere Announcements Talks by NIST Personnel NIST Web Site Announcements NIST Administrative Calendar (current)   NIST Vacancy Announcements (current)

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No Scheduled Events

10:30 AM - Self-assembled Quantum Dots as Nanoscale Probes of Mechanical Motion
10:30 AM - Proteins and Interfaces: Stability and Function
10:45 AM - 3He Spin-Filter Optically Pumped by Metastability-Exchange Method in High-Flux Neutron Beam

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11/23 -- MONDAY

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11/24 -- TUESDAY

10:30 AM - ATOMIC PHYSICS DIVISION SEMINAR: Self-assembled Quantum Dots as Nanoscale Probes of Mechanical Motion
Mechanical oscillators with characteristic dimensions on the nanoscale offer the possibility of observing quantum mechanical phenomena in a fabricated mesoscopic system. Conventional optical techniques fail to adequately probe the motion of such systems because of limitations imposed by the wavelength of light. An alternative approach is to employ an embedded quantum dot in a nanomechanical oscillator, so that the stress associated with motion manifests itself in the fluorescence spectrum of the quantum dot. Such a coupled optomechanical system is in theory able to be optically cooled into its mechanical quantum ground state. We have been exploring this idea by "shaking" quantum dots in a controlled manner with a surface acoustic wave, and we have developed spectroscopic techniques to see the optical signature of the motion. We have demonstrated clearly resolved motional sidebands in the fluorescence spectrum. I will discuss the motional sensitivity we achieve, the difficulties associated with embedding quantum dots in nanoscale cantilevers, and our plans for fabricating and actuating these devices.
John Lawall , Physicist, Atomic Physics Division, NIST.
221 Bldg, Rm. B145. (NIST Contact: Gail Newrock, 301-975-3200, gail.newrock@nist.gov)

10:30 AM - PROCESS MEASUREMENTS DIVISION SEMINAR: Proteins and Interfaces: Stability and Function
Proteins and Interfaces: Stability and Function Proteins are exposed to a multitude of different surfaces and chemistries in vivo and yet, they must retain their stability in order to function. However, conversion of soluble native proteins into beta-sheet-rich structured aggregates, such as amyloid and prion deposits can occur at interfaces. Protein stability and activity is also essential for use in various medical and analytical devices, such as biosensors, biocatalytic chips, biomaterials for implants, drug delivery vehicles, tissue engineering, and bioseparations (affinity adsorption). Although a vast experimental literature exists on the adsorption of specific proteins to various solid substrates under defined conditions, difficulties in determining the underlying reasons for the loss of stability and function remain. Many researchers have addressed particular aspects of protein behavior at interfaces through experiment, theory and molecular simulation. Here, we review recent results on protein stability and activity on solid heterogeneous and homogeneous substrates including nano-particles, demonstrate the effect of surface chemistry and roughness on protein aggregation, and describe a novel method to probe unfolding of a monolayer of tethered proteins. We also mention the use of single molecule force spectroscopy to determine molecular interactions in the nuclear pore complex (NPC). Tethered fibril-like proteins that contain intrinsically disordered domains interact with carrier proteins that determine selectivity. Finally, we introduce a new high-throughput method for identifying protein resistant surfaces.
Georges Belfort , Russell Sage Professor, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY.
221 Bldg, Rm. A366. (NIST Contact: Mike Tarlov, 301-975-2058, michael.tarlov@nist.gov)

10:45 AM - NIST CENTER FOR NEUTRON RESEARCH SEMINAR: 3He Spin-Filter Optically Pumped by Metastability-Exchange Method in High-Flux Neutron Beam
High pressure 3He gas polarized with metastability-exchange optical pumping (MEOP) has successful applications in many material science and fundamental neutron physics experiments as a neutron spin filter (NSF). For moderate neutron flux, this type of NSF does not show any dependence of its properties on neutron flux. In this paper experiments will be presented with high pressure (~1 bar) MEOP polarized 3He exposed to a high flux density neutron beam (thermal capture flux Fn ~2.3 x 109 n cm-2 s-1) performed at the ILL. The experiment shows strong neutron-induced depolarization of the 3He. The rate of depolarization was found to be linearly proportional to the neutron flux density and strongly dependent on the 3He purity. It ranges from ~1 hour-1 for .pure. 3He up to a few thousand hours-1 for cells with ~0.1% of impurities. Both observations are found to be in qualitative agreement with theory [1,2] of spin-polarized 3He relaxation due to hyperfine coupling in 3He+ atomic ions and due to spin-rotation coupling in 3He2+ molecular ions. However, for low impurity concentrations theory predicts about two order of magnitude weaker depolarization than was observed in the experiment. They will argue that this discrepancy can be significantly reduced by extending the theory [1, 2] to include collisions with metastable 3He2m molecules. Finally, they conclude that both types of neutron-induced molecules can be easy quenched by adding a small amount of impurities (few 1 mbar of N2) which essentially eliminates neutron beam induced 3He relaxation. 1.K. D. Bonin, T. G. Walker, and W. Happer, Phys. Rev. A 37, 3270 (1988). 2.K. D. Bonin, D. P. Saltzberg, and W. Happer, Phys. Rev. A 38, 4483(1988).
A.K. Petukhov , Institut Laue-Langevin.
235 Bldg, Rm. E100. (NIST Contact: Thomas Gentile, 301-975-5431, thomas.gentile@nist.gov)


11/25 -- WEDNESDAY

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11/26 -- THURSDAY

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11/27 -- FRIDAY

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ADVANCE NOTICE

12/3/09 10:30 AM - ATOMIC PHYSICS DIVISION SEMINAR: 1/f Noise and Dephasing from Surface Magnetic States in Superconducting Circuits
Superconducting qubits are a leading candidate for scalable quantum information processing. In order to realize the full potential of these circuits, it is necessary to develop a more complete understanding of the microscopic physics that governs dissipation and dephasing of the quantum state. In the case of the Josephson phase and flux qubits, the dominant dephasing mechanism is an apparent low-frequency magnetic flux noise with a 1/f power spectrum. The origin of this excess noise has been an open question for more than 20 years. Here we describe studies of flux noise and temperature-dependent magnetization in Superconducting QUantum Interference Devices (SQUIDs) cooled to millikelvin temperatures. We observe that the flux threading the SQUIDs increases as 1/T as temperature is lowered; moreover, the flux change is proportional to the density of trapped vortices. The data are compatible with the thermal polarization of unpaired surface spins in the trapped fields of the vortices, and suggest a microscopic origin for the 1/f flux noise. In addition we have performed measurements of the temperature- and frequency-dependent complex inductance of dc SQUID circuits. The SQUID inductance displays rich, history-dependent structure as a function of temperature. At a fixed temperature, the SQUID inductance fluctuates with a 1/f power spectrum; the inductance noise is highly correlated with the conventional 1/f flux noise. The data is interpreted in terms of the reconfiguration of clusters of surface spins, w ith correlated fluctuations of effective magnetic moments and relaxation times.
Robert McDermott , Department of Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Metrology Building, Room B365. (NIST Contact: Neil Zimmerman, 301-975-5887, neil.zimmerman@nist.gov)

12/3/09 1:30 PM - CNST ELECTRON PHYSICS GROUP SEMINAR: NOTE DATE CHANGE***Stability in a Turbulent (FERMI) Sea: The Ever More Remarkable High Temperature Superconductors
For over two decades high temperature superconductivity has captured the attention of scientists the world round. However, rather than finding a simple explanation for the properties of these materials, as was done for their low temperature cousins half a century ago, intensive research has instead led to an increasingly complex picture of materials characterized by an intricate phase diagram, full of competing or coexisting states, yet still dominated by a superconducting state which persists, at least in some materials, almost half way to room temperature. In this talk I will describe nanoscale investigations of the electronic structure of high temperature superconductors using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). We have recently found that a still not understood high temperature phase in these materials, the pseudogap, is characterized by strong charge inhomogeneity. Surprisingly, although this disorder persists into the superconducting state, it does not seem to perturb coexisting homogeneous superconductivity. The resolution of this apparent contradiction gives new insight into the onset of superconductivity and its relationship with the pseudogap phase.
Eric Hudson , Professor/Department of Physics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Bldg. 217, Rm. H107. (NIST Contact: Joseph Stroscio, 301-975-3716, joseph.stroscio@nist.gov)

12/4/09 10:30 AM - NIST COLLOQUIUM SERIES (JOINT WITH STANDARDS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION): Quenching the Dragon: A Century of Fire Science at NBS/NIST
Humankind's awe of fire predates civilization itself. Over the ensuing millions of years, the fires of concern, the combustibles, and the concepts of acceptable loss have evolved. However, the overarching societal striving for fire safety has persisted. For the last 105 years, the prime responsibility in the United States for the fire science to mitigate fire hazards has rested with the National Bureau of Standards, now the National Institute of Standards and Technology. This presentation reviews the history of fire and key roles played by NBS/NIST staff in reducing fire losses in the 20th and 21st centuries, concluding with a look to the challenges ahead.
Richard Gann , Fire Research Division, NIST Building and Fire Research Laboratory.
Administration Building, Green Auditorium. (NIST Contact: Kum Ham, 301-975-4203, kham@nist.gov)
Special Assistance Available

12/9/09 10:30 AM - ELECTRONICS AND ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING LABORATORY SEMINAR: Judge Harry T. Edwards and Professor Constantine Gatsonis – Co-chairs of the National Academies Committee Investigating Forensic Science in the United States – to Present Findings and Recommendations
Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2009, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Green Auditorium - The National Academies published its report in February, 2009 entitled "Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States – A Path Forward." Judge Edwards, of the United States Circuit Court of Appeals, DC District, and Professor Gatsonis, Director of the Center for Statistical Science at Brown University, will address NIST staff about this historic report and discuss the findings and recommendations to improve forensic science in the US. The findings are hard-hitting and the recommendations for improvement potentially involve a number of core strengths of NIST, including validation of forensic science disciplines, statistical determination of uncertainty in forensic analyses, interoperability of AFIS systems, mandatory laboratory accreditation and forensic science practitioner certification. Judge Edwards and Professor Gatsonis will each give 25-30 minute presentations, followed by a 30-minute period for discussion. Please join us – Sherlock Holmes would have wanted to be there.
Judge Harry T. Edwards , Co-Chair, National Academies Committee Investigating Forensic Science in the United States. Professor Constantine Gatsonis , Co-Chair, National Academies Committee Investigating Forensic Science in the United States.
Administration Building, Green Auditorium. (NIST Contact: Cindy Stanley, 301-975-2756, stanleyc@nist.gov) http://www.ncjrs.gov/App/Publications/alphaList.aspx?alpha=N

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MEETINGS ELSEWHERE


11/23 -- MONDAY

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11/24 -- TUESDAY

No Scheduled Events

11/25 -- WEDNESDAY

No Scheduled Events

11/26 -- THURSDAY

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11/27 -- FRIDAY

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ADVANCE NOTICE

No Scheduled Events

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TALKS BY NIST PERSONNEL

CURRY, J. : SPECTROSCOPIC RESEARCH PROJECTS AT NIST ON THE LIGHT ELEMENTS.
Coordinated Research Project on the Light Elements: Atom, Molecule and Radical Behaviour in the Divertor and Edge Plasma Regions, Vienna, Austria, 11/18.

MATHEY, L. : SUPERCRITICAL SUPERFLUID AND VORTEX UNBINDING FOLLOWING A QUANTUM QUENCH.
UMD, CMT Seminar, Physics Building of UMD, Room 2202, 11/20.

HUDSON, S. : INTERFACIAL RHEOLOGY.
5th Mid-Atlantic Soft Matter Workshop, Johns Hopkins University, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Levering Hall, Baltimore, MD, 11/20.

DELONGCHAMP, D. : SOLAR CELL MATERIALS CHARACTERIZATION.
Materials Research Society Fall Meeting, Boston, MA, 11/29.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

ISO/IEC 24727 TUTORIAL WORKSHOP
The purpose of the 3-day workshop is to provide a high-level tutorial of the six part standard, ISO/IEC 24727 - Identification cards – Integrated circuit card programming interfaces, a multi-part standard for interoperable identification, authentication, and signature services for credentials and applications. The workshop will also provide sessions on the use of ISO/IEC 24727 to include an overview of NIST IR 7611, Use of ISO/IEC 24727 -- Service Access Layer Interface for Identity (SALII): Support for Development and use of Interoperable Identity Credentials, which describes ISO/IEC 24727 from the perspective of the Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) 201 – Personal Identity Verification (PIV) of Federal Employees and Contractors. The general agenda for the three day workshop is as follows: Day 1: ISO/IEC 24727 concepts and technical parts Day 2: ISO/IEC 24727 technical parts Day 3: ISO/IEC 24727 technical parts, NISTIR 7611 The workshop is open to the public but registration is required. The registration fee will be $90.00 (includes breakfast and refreshments). DATES: The meeting will be held on December 1 – 3, 2009. ADDRESS: The three day workshop will be held at the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Board Room/Conference Center, located at 429 L'Enfant Plaza, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20024.
NIST Contact: Annie Sokol, 301-975-2006, asokol@nist.gov

VISITOR REGISTRATION FOR NIST EVENTS
Because of heightened security at the NIST Gaithersburg site, members of the public who wish to attend meetings, seminars, lectures, etc. must first register in advance. For more information please call or e-mail the "NIST Contact" for the particular event you would like to attend.
NIST Contact: . ., ., .

17TH ANNUAL SIGMA XI POSTDOCTORAL POSTER PRESENTATION: CALL FOR POSTERS
The NIST Chapter of Sigma Xi invites all Postdoctoral Fellows to present a poster on their scientific research to their NIST coworkers and friends. Guest Researchers who have received their advanced degree in the last five years are also welcome. There will be two sessions – Session I (from 9 am until noon) and Session II (from 1 pm until 4 pm). Both sessions will take place on February 24, 2010 in Lecture Rooms A and B and the adjoining hallway in the Administration Building and will be accompanied by refreshments. All participants will be invited to a special reception the following week, for the announcement of the most outstanding poster award in each category. There are two required steps to participate in this event: 1. Register. Please register online according to the directions on the NIST Chapter of Sigma Xi web page (www.nist.gov/sigmaxi). The registration fee is $10 for Sigma Xi members and $20 for non-Sigma Xi members. 2. Submit an Abstract. Please send a one page abstract of your poster to Doug Meier (douglas.meier@nist.gov). See online instructions on how to format your abstract on the Sigma Xi web site. All abstracts must be formatted in MS Word and contain the requested information – all submissions that are not properly formatted will be returned. Sigma Xi PPP abstracts from previous years can be seen at www.nist.gov/sigmaxi. Please note that the poster can be about your doctoral research if you have not been at NIST long enough to have performed sufficient research. THE DEADLINE FOR ABSTRACTS IS JANUARY 15, 2010. Posters in each session will be numbered according to the time of their receipt. Space is limited, so please sign up early. For more information, please contact PPP 2010 Chairman Dr. Barbara Levin at barbara.levin5@verizon.net.
NIST Contact: Barbara Levin, 301-975-8643, barbara.levin5@verizon.net

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NIST WEB SITE ANNOUNCEMENTS

No Web Site announcements this week.

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For more information, contact Ms. Sharon Hallman, Editor, Stop 2500, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg MD 20899-2500; Telephone: 301-975-TCAL (3570); Fax: 301-926-4431; or Email: tcal@nist.gov.

All lectures and meetings are open unless otherwise stated.

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