NIST Technicalendar May 7 to May 11, 2007 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/.
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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

10:00 AM - Are We Heading Towards Performance-Based MEMS Standards?

No Scheduled Events

9:15 AM - The Advisory Committee on Earthquake Hazards Reduction (ACEHR)
10:30 AM - THz Spinplasmonics: A New Direction for Active Plasmonics
10:45 AM - Phonon anomalies induced by polar nano-regions in a relaxor Ferroelectric
1:30 PM - New and Renewed Technologies for Characterizing Biopharmaceuticals

10:45 AM - High pressure hydrogen clathrate research using inelastic neutron scattering and x-ray diffraction

5/7 -- MONDAY

No Scheduled Events

5/8 -- TUESDAY

10:00 AM - SEMICONDUCTOR ELECTRONICS DIVISION SEMINAR: Are We Heading Towards Performance-Based MEMS Standards?
Research at the micro/nano-scale poses new challenges for metrology and technological advancement. This talk begins with an overview of several of these challenges. Then an interesting metrology technique will be presented, which may be used to help with such challenges. The talk will conclude with a discussion of a few benefits and applications of this new methodology. Advancements in micro/nano-scale materials, sensors, actuators, typically depend on precise measurements of new phenomena, and accurate characterizations of performances through modeling. To verify analytical and numerical models of such phenomena, it is necessary that the performance of the models match the performance of the actual devices. To accomplish this, the model and device must share the same geometric and material parameters. These parameters should be measured for each device because parameters vary across and within fabrication runs. To address this challenge, EMM is being developed to exploit the strong coupling between micro/nano-mechanical parameters and precise micro-electronic measurands. That is, it deduces many geometric, dynamic, and material properties by electronic probing. Since EMM is performance-based, it retains a clear meaning to manufacturers and users; and it applies to a wide variety of micro/nano-devices. Preliminary results show that EMM is several orders of magnitude more precise than convention.
Jason Clark , Assistant Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and of Mechanical Engineering, at Purdue, West Lafayette, IN, jvclark@purdue.edu.
Technology Building, Rm A362. (NIST Contact: Janet Marshall, 301-975-2049, janet.marshall@nist.gov)


5/9 -- WEDNESDAY

No Scheduled Events

5/10 -- THURSDAY

9:15 AM - BUILDING AND FIRE RESEARCH LABORATORY SEMINAR: The Advisory Committee on Earthquake Hazards Reduction (ACEHR)
National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP) Advisory Committee on Earthquake Hazards Reduction (ACEHR) MEETING The Advisory Committee on Earthquake Hazards Reduction (ACEHR) will meet for the first time at NIST on May 10-11, 2007. As published in the federal register notice, the meeting will be open to the public and the primary purpose of this meeting is to discuss NEHRP activities. Please visit the agenda for additional information. The agenda may change to accommodate Committee business. Dr. Jack Hayes, NEHRP Director, NIST Employee Lounge, Administration Building both days NIST Contact: Tina Faecke, 301-975-5911, tina.faecke@nist.gov http://nehrp.gov/
Jack Hayes , NEHRP Director, Gaithersburg, MD, jack.hayes@nist.gov.
Administration Bldg, Employees Lounge. (NIST Contact: Tina Faecke, 301-975-5911, tina.faecke@nist.gov) http://nehrp.gov/

10:30 AM - ELECTRON PHYSICS GROUP SEMINAR SERIES: THz Spinplasmonics: A New Direction for Active Plasmonics
Surface plasmon (SP) waves have been studied on a wide range of geometries and at frequencies spanning from the visible down to the radio spectral range. In particular in the terahertz (THz) spectral range, SP waves confined on metallic surfaces have been widely investigated for their potential applications in THz photonics. In this talk, I will discuss near-field interaction of THz radiation with dense random metallic media. Such media exhibit electromagnetic properties that significantly differ from those of continuous metallic structures or surfaces. In particular, I show that THz radiation can be transmitted through ensembles of sub-wavelength-size metallic particles over distances several orders of magnitude greater than the radiation bulk absorption depth. In the second portion of this talk, I will demonstrate several new routes towards realizing active control of THz plasmons via influencing SP nanometer and quantum transport. By exploiting the quantum state of the electron (i.e its spin of electron), I will present a novel method for generating spin-polarized plasmons where active control of the spinplasmonic state is achieved by magnetic field. I envision the realization of a multitude of next generation actively-controlled spinplasmonic devices.
Abdulhakem Elezzabi , Professor, Ultrafast and Nanophotonics Laboratory, University of Alberta, Edmonton, elezzabi@ece.ualberta.ca.
217 Bldg, Rm. H107. (NIST Contact: Alexander Liddle, 301-975-6050, alex.liddle@nist.gov)

10:45 AM - ,. SEMINAR: Phonon anomalies induced by polar nano-regions in a relaxor Ferroelectric
Inelastic neutron scattering was used to measure both acoustic and optic phonons polarized along <110> (T2 mode) in the relaxor ferroelectric compound PZN-4.5PT. In the low temperature rhombohedral phase, a single domain state was achieved by cooling the single crystal sample under an external electric field of 2 kV/cm along the [111] direction. Phonon measurements were performed near the (2,2,0) and (2,-2,0) Bragg peaks, which are equivalent in the high temperature cubic phase, but not so any more when the symmetry is lowered with the ferroelectric phase transition. We have found that the TA2 phonon couples closely to the diffuse scattering, which arises from polar nano-regions in the system. With the redistribution of diffuse scattering under the external field (see Ref. 1), a clear hardening of TA2 mode was observed near the (2,2,0) Bragg peak, while the TA2 mode near (2,-2,0) Bragg peak softens significantly and becomes over-damped. On the other hand, the TO2 mode was not significantly affected. Our results indicate local inhomogeneities such as the PNR can have direct and significant effects on the lattice dynamics and stability of the whole system in a macroscopic manner. Ref. 1: ``Electric-field-induced redistribution of polar nano-regions in a relaxor ferroelectric', Guangyong Xu, Z. Zhong, Y. Bing, Z.-G. Ye, and G. Shirane, Nature Materials 5, 134, (2006).
Guangyong Xu , BNL, New York.
Bldg. 235, E100 (Large Conf. room). (NIST Contact: Peter Gehring, 301-975-3946, peter.gehring@nist.gov)

1:30 PM - PROCESS MEASUREMENTS DIVISION SEMINAR: New and Renewed Technologies for Characterizing Biopharmaceuticals
Several new analytical technologies have become available over the last few years which enable more efficient characterization of biopharmaceutical products. These new or renewed analytical tools have led to a greater understanding of the structure-function relationships between the protein product and its disease target. Considerable progress has been made in utilizing new or existing tools for characterizing the 3-dimensional structure of proteins such as EM tomography, X-ray crystallography, and computer modeling. Other biophysical characterization techniques are also re-emerging to better characterize protein particles (visible and subvisible) including laser light scattering, nephelometry, analytical ultracentrifugation, microchemistry, light microscopy, and FTIR microscopy. The ability to better characterize biopharmaceuticals earlier in development enables better product and process understanding and can help accelerate progress through the pipeline.
Dr. Mark Schenerman , Vice President of Analytical Biochemistry, MedImmune, Gaithersburg, MD.
227 Bldg, Rm. A202. (NIST Contact: Mike Tarlov, 301-975-2058, mtarlov@nist.gov)


5/11 -- FRIDAY

10:45 AM - ,. SEMINAR: High pressure hydrogen clathrate research using inelastic neutron scattering and x-ray diffraction
Clathrate hydrates have been investigated as a potential hydrogen storage medium. Inelastic neutron scattering provides a powerful tool for identifying the hydrogen motions involving the interior cage clathrate environment. Use of high pressure in the preparation and during the measurement of the clathrates provides access to increased information through the different structural forms and packing arrangements that can be seen. I will present recent neutron scattering results in addition to x-ray diffraction and Raman light scattering measurements that illustrate the interconnectivity of these techniques. I will also talk about the current advances in high pressure research and new avenues for future research involving neutron scattering.
Tim Jenkins , Carnegie Institution, Washington D.C..
Bldg. 235, E100 (Large Conf. room). (NIST Contact: John Copley, 301-975-5133, john.copley@nist.gov)


ADVANCE NOTICE

5/17/07 10:30 AM - QUANTUM ELECTRICAL METROLOGY DIVISION SEMINAR: Two-Level Systems in Superconducting Circuit Resonators
For use in quantum computers, superconducting qubits currently suffer from short coherence times. A couple of years ago wiring dielectrics used in the circuit fabrication of superconducting phase qubits were a suspect in limiting decoherence times. To uncover this, microwave resonators were used to measure the dissipation in amorphous dielectrics at stored resonator energies down to a single photon. It was found that the nonlinear loss tangent of the dielectric was consistent with a continuum of parasitic two-level systems. Phase qubits also exhibit splittings due to the interaction of the qubit with discrete two-level systems. To study these splittings further, we have recently fabricated a high-Q Josephson junction resonator that allows us to tune the resonance frequency. We measure the Josephson junction resonator down to the single photon limit and observe discrete two-level systems, similar to those in the qubit, that are attributed to defects in the Josephson junction. At higher photon numbers the resonator non-linearity becomes apparent and a bifurcation of dynamic states occurs, which has further applications in superconducting quantum computing.****Bio: Kevin Osborn received his doctorate in physics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2001 under the advisement of Professor Dale Van Harlingen, with a thesis on critical fluctuations of the superfluid density in high-temperature superconducting films. He then went to the National Institute of Standards and Technology in Boulder, Colorado and completed two postdoctoral projects. In the first project he measured individual electrons tunneling onto InGaAs quantum dots using Al single-electron transistors. Then in 2004 he received a National Research Council Postdoctoral Award and stayed at NIST-Boulder to investigate decoherence mechanisms caused by two-level systems in superconducting phase qubits with microwave resonators. In January of 2007, Kevin came to the Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the University of Maryland to lead research on superconducting circuit resonators for quantum computing.
Kevin Osborn , Laboratory for Physical Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, MD.
Metrology Building, Room B365. (NIST Contact: Neil Zimmerman, 301-975-5887, neil.zimmerman@nist.gov)

5/18/07 10:30 AM - NIST COLLOQUIUM SERIES : The Fragile Edge: The Fate of the Ocean
Assaulted by pollution, overfishing, climate change, trash, and noise, our oceans are approaching a point of no return. The health of the world they feed and protect won't be far behind. A master diver and filmmaker on the mystery, fragility – and heart stopping adventure – of underwater life, Whitty will describe some of her experiences exploring the South Pacific ocean world and some of the latest ways in which science extends our understanding of unfathomable waters, including the sonar tracking of a huge, unknown loner with a voice louder than that of any known species.
Julia Whitty , Naturalist and Documentary Writer, Hardy Jones/Julia Whitty Productions.
Administration Building, Red Auditorium. (NIST Contact: Kum Ham, 301-975-4203, kham@nist.gov)
Special Assistance Available

6/25/07 9:00 AM - METALLURGY DIVISION SEMINAR: IEEE Magnetism in Nanotechnology & Electronics Conference
The IEEE Magnetics Society Chapter of the Northern Virginia/Washington DC is organizing the IMAGINE Conference 2007 to provide an occasion for the magnetism researchers in this region and nearby to meet, interact, and exchange ideas. In addition, this is a good opportunity for postdoc/junior researchers and graduate students to present their research and gain exposure in the magnetism community.
IEEE IMAGINE , CONFERENCE.
Administration Bldg, Red Auditorium. (NIST Contact: Wing Tat Pong, 301-975-8876, ppong@nist.gov) http://ewh.ieee.org/r2/wash_nova/mags/ieeeimagine/

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MEETINGS ELSEWHERE


5/7 -- MONDAY

No Scheduled Events

5/8 -- TUESDAY

No Scheduled Events

5/9 -- WEDNESDAY

No Scheduled Events

5/10 -- THURSDAY

No Scheduled Events

5/11 -- FRIDAY

No Scheduled Events

ADVANCE NOTICE

No Scheduled Events

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TALKS BY NIST PERSONNEL

SZAKAL, C. : FUNDAMENTALS AND APPLICATIONS OF CLUSTER SIMS.
European Microbeam Analysis Society - EMAS 2007 - 10th European Workshop on Modern Developments and Applications in Microbeam Analysis, Antwerp, Belgium, 5/7.

PRABHU, V. : POLYELECTROLYTE EFFECTS IN POLYMERS FOR TOP DOWN LITHOGRAPHY.
Gordon Research Conference on "Supramolecules and Assemblies, Chemistry of", Lucca, Italy, 5/7.

DOUGLAS, J. : THE ENTROPY THEORY OF GLASS-FORMATION-COMPARISON TO RECENT SIMULATIONS OF GLASS-FORMING POLYMERIC LIQUIDS".
ANTEC 2007, Cincinnati, OH, 5/8.

STANLEY, S. : DIRECTING ADSORPTION OF POLYELECTROLYTES ON SURFACES VIA IMAGE FORCES.
Gordon Research Conference "Supramolecules and Assemblies, Chemistry of", Lucca, Italy, 5/8.

KOPANSKI, J. (Co-Author: W.Jiang , contractor, Gaithersburg, MD, weirong.jiang@nist.gov) : APPLICATION OF SCANNING KELVIN FORCE MICROSCOPY TO SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES.
International Workshop on INSIGHT in Semiconductor Device Fabrication, Metrology, and Modeling (INSIGHT-2007), Embassy Suites, Napa Valley, CA, 5/9.

DELONGCHAMP, D. : THE MICROSTRUCTURE FOUNDATION OF HIGH CARRIER MOBILITY IN SEMICONDUCTING POLYMERS.
University of Binghamton, Binghamton, NY, 5/11.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND NANODAY
Friday, May11, 2007. University of Maryland NanoDay. This year's NanoDay is centered around partnerships. We will be showcasing the many talents and new facilities the NanoCenter has to offer potential partners in research and development. NanoDay is open to the public and is free of charge. Information and directions can be found online at:
NIST Contact: Daniel T. Pierce, 301-975-3711, daniel.pierce@nist.gov

NIST-NRC POSTDOC PROGRAM
On Thursday, May 17, 2007, the National Research Council Postdoctoral Research Associateship Programs Staff will be visiting NIST Gaithersburg to discuss the NIST-NRC Postdoc Program. The visit will take place in the Administration Building, Lecture Room B at 11:00 a.m. The NRC Staff welcomes a discussion with NIST Postdoc Advisors, Supervisors, Managers and other interested parties. Please pass this information on to all interested parties in your OU. This is NIST's opportunity to ask about the NIST/NRC Postdoctoral Research Associateship Program and we encourage broad participation in the 11:00 a.m. session. NRC Participants include: Dr. Ray Gamble, Program Director, Postdoctoral Research Associateship Programs Ms. Suzanne White, Program Coordinator, Postdoctoral Research Associateship Programs PLEASE NOTE: For Boulder Staff, there will be a separate session in Boulder on June 6, 2007. For further information, please contact Susan Heller-Zeisler, (301) 975-3111 or szeisler@nist.gov
NIST Contact: Susan Heller-Zeisler, 301-975-3111, szeisler@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: . ., ., .

2007 WORLD STANDARDS DAY PAPER COMPETITION
The U.S. standards community will celebrate World Standards Day on Thursday, October 18, 2007, at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, DC. This year’s theme, “Standards and the Global Village” recognizes the global consensus-building capacity of standards developing organizations. Along with this event, the 2007 World Standards Day sponsors, including NIST, will hold the annual paper competition. Papers are invited that show, using specific examples, ways that standards developing organizations have encouraged and created global consensus for the economic and social benefit of the global village. Paper competition winners will be announced and given their awards at the U.S. celebration of World Standards Day. Cash prizes are awarded by the Standards Engineering Society (SES) and the World Standards Day Planning Committee. The first place winner will receive a plaque and $2,500. Second and third place winners will receive $1,000 and $500, respectively, along with a certificate. In addition, the winning papers will be published in SES’s journal, Standards Engineering. ELIGIBILITY: The competition is open to all U.S. individuals in the private sector or at government facilities. Papers may be co-authored. RULES: Entries must be original and not previously published. NIST papers must be processed through WERB or BERB. All paper contest submissions must be received with an official entry form by midnight August 31, 2007, by the SES Executive Director, 13340 SW 96th Avenue, Miami, Florida, 33176. Complete details and entry forms are available on the SES website www.ses-standards.org (follow the link for “2007 WSD Paper Competition.”) For additional information about the U.S. Celebration of World Standards Day, or to register for the event, please visit www.wsd-us.org.
NIST Contact: Mary Donaldson, 301-975-6197, mary.donaldson@nist.gov

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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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