NIST Technicalendar September 24 to September 28, 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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10:30 AM - Nonlinear Exploratory Latent Structure Analysis

10:30 AM - Spectral Data for Fusion Energy: From W to W
3:00 PM - Predicting the service lives of nanostructured polymeric materials

8:30 AM - 3rd NASA-NIST Workshop on Nanotube Measurements
10:30 AM - Fracture and Toughening of Polymer-Based Nanocomposites

10:30 AM - Studying a single Kondo atom in a precisely known anisotropic environment
2:00 PM - A Realistic Tight-Binding Methodology

3:00 PM - LaTeXML: Converting LaTeX to XML and MathML

9/24 -- MONDAY

10:30 AM - STATISTICAL ENGINEERING DIVISION SEMINAR: Nonlinear Exploratory Latent Structure Analysis
In this talk we discuss the use of a recent dimension reduction technique called Locally Linear Embedding, introduced by Roweis and Saul, for performing an exploratory latent structure analysis. The coordinate variables from the locally linear embedding, describing the manifold on which the data reside, serve as the latent variable scores. We propose the use of semi-parametric penalized spline methods for reconstruction of the manifold equations that approximate the data space. We also discuss a cross-validation strategy that can guide in selecting an appropriate number of latent variables. Synthetic as well as real data sets are used to illustrate the proposed approach. A nonlinear latent structure representation of a dataset also serves as a data visualization tool. This is joint work with Hari Iyer.
Haonan Wang , Department of Statistics, Colorado State University.
Building 222, Rm. A264. (NIST Contact: Antonio Possolo, 301-975-2853, antonio.possolo.nist.gov)


9/25 -- TUESDAY

10:30 AM - ATOMIC PHYSICS DIVISION SEMINAR: Spectral Data for Fusion Energy: From W to W
Experimental and theoretical techniques to produce spectral data for fusion energy have evolved greatly since the mid-1970's. Light sources have progressed from energetic sparks and laser-produced plasmas to electron beam ion traps (EBIT's) and tokamaks themselves. Theory has advanced from non-relativistic Hartree-Fock to fully relativistic Dirac-Fock calculations and detailed collisional-radiative modeling of plasmas with codes generating large numbers of cross sections and other atomic data. I will focus on work for tungsten, which although originally thought to be not usable for high-temperature machines, has now been selected to play an important role in ITER, the international tokamak reactor to be built in France. Plans for ITER and recent results for highly-ionized W from the NIST EBIT will be discussed.
Joseph Reader , Atomic Physics Division, N.I.S.T..
Physics Building (221), Rm. B145. (NIST Contact: Ako Chijioke, 301-975-5977, achijiok@nist.gov)

3:00 PM - POLYMERS DIVISION SEMINAR: Predicting the service lives of nanostructured polymeric materials
The primary focus of the Polymeric Materials Group of BFRL has been in developing multiscale metrologies, validating methodologies, and verifying models for predicting the service life of polymeric materials used in the building and construction industry. These same metrologies, methodologies and models have direct application to predicting the service lives of polymeric materials used in other industry sectors such as automotive, aerospace, energy and protective materials/systems. With the advent of the nanotechnology era, we are emphasizing the development of measurement protocols to characterize the contributions that nanostructured materials make to the service life of polymeric products. This presentation will provide an overview of on-going and the future research within the Polymeric Materials Group, with the aim of promoting collaboration with MSEL and other research groups.
Joannie Chin , Building and Fire Research Laboratory, NIST.
224 Bldg, Rm. A312 CR. (NIST Contact: Jan Obrzut, 301-975-6845, jano@nist.gov)


9/26 -- WEDNESDAY

8:30 AM - POLYMERS DIVISION SEMINAR: 3rd NASA-NIST Workshop on Nanotube Measurements
The goal of the NASA-NIST Workshop Series devoted to Single Wall Carbon Nanotubes is to focus the community’s attention on the issues of nanotube quality and characterization. Leading experts convene to discuss forefront efforts in the areas of dispersion, purity, and characterization. The output of the second meeting was a Recommended Practice Guide, which formed the basis for the current ISO documentary standards activities in single wall carbon nanotubes. The goal for this third meeting is to capture and disseminate rapid advances in the development of purification methods to produce high quality and in the increasingly sophisticated methods to characterize them. We will discuss emerging nanotube applications and environmental, health and safety concerns which are driving the need for high quality, well characterized nanotubes. We will seek community feedback on efforts to develop both documentary standards and standard reference materials that are based on these advances. The Workshop will feature Plenary Lectures, invited technical presentations, two breakout sessions and a poster session.
Feature Plenary Lecturers, Invited Technical Presentations , Co-organized by: NASA and NIST, Gaithersburg, MD, http://polymers.nist.gov/Nanotube3/Workshop3.htm.
Administration Bldg 101, Red Auditorium. (NIST Contact: Kalman Migler, 301-975-4876, kalman.migler@nist.gov)

10:30 AM - POLYMERS DIVISION SEMINAR: Fracture and Toughening of Polymer-Based Nanocomposites
Over the past two decades a significant amount of interest has been generated by the developments of polymer-based nanocomposites. These materials, when properly prepared, exhibit remarkable gains in modulus when a few weight percent of nanometric inorganic materials are added. At the same time there are also significant gains in barrier properties as well as flame resistance. These impressive improvements are, however, offset by decreases in toughness if the neat polymer is tough to begin with. In this talk we will discuss two materials that we have studied in detail: Polyamide 6 and an epoxy containing a few percent of well-exfoliated Montmorillonite clay. PA-6/clay exhibits monotonic decrease in toughness while epoxy/clay exhibits a maximum in toughness, a phenomenon commonly observed. The fracture and toughening mechanisms were investigated by microscopy as well as small angle x-ray scattering. More recent work on the role of the interphase in nanocomposites as well as efforts to toughen embrittled nanocomposites will be briefly discussed.
Albert Lee , University of California, Irvine.
224 Bldg, Rm. A312. (NIST Contact: Christopher Soles, 301-975-8087, christopher.soles@nist.gov)


9/27 -- THURSDAY

10:30 AM - CENTER FOR NANOSCALE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY SEMINAR: Studying a single Kondo atom in a precisely known anisotropic environment
Using a 3He STM, we employ a new technique called Spin Excitation Spectroscopy to study the magnetic properties of single d-metal atoms – Mn, Fe and Co – on a thin insulating copper nitride layer. This surface provides a well defined anisotropic environment that partly breaks the degeneracy of the spin states even in the absence of an external magnetic field. For Co this results in an effective S = ˝ system that exhibits Kondo behavior. We show that the splitting of the Kondo peak, though in itself a multi-body effect, is dictated by the quantum mechanics of the single spin. By performing atom manipulation we can let a Kondo spin interact with other spins and tune their coupling strength, opening the way to building Kondo chains and lattices.
Sander Otte , Leiden Institute of Physics, Leiden University, otte@Physics.LeidenUniv.nl.
Bldg. 217, Rm. H107. (NIST Contact: Joseph A. Stroscio, 301-975-3716, joseph.stroscio@nist.gov)

2:00 PM - PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES DIVISION SEMINAR: A Realistic Tight-Binding Methodology
Dimitris Papaconstantopoulos , Professor/George Mason University.
Physics (221) Bldg, Rm. A366. (NIST Contact: Orkid Coskuner, 301-975-2974, orkid.coskuner@nist.gov)


9/28 -- FRIDAY

3:00 PM - MATHEMATICAL AND COMPUTATIONAL SCIENCES DIVISION SEMINAR: LaTeXML: Converting LaTeX to XML and MathML
Bruce Miller , Mathematical and Computational Sciences Division.
Administration Bldg, Lecture Rm. C. (NIST Contact: Bert Rust, 301-975-3811, bwr@nist.gov) http://math.nist.gov/mcsd/Seminars/2007/2007-09-28-miller.html


ADVANCE NOTICE

10/2/07 10:30 AM - ATOMIC PHYSICS DIVISION SEMINAR: Highlights in Quantum-Atom Optics in Australia
The ARC Centre for quantum-atom optics (ACQAO) combines the talent and resources of several teams across Australia. Recently we have made good progress with our experiments and theory in both the generation and use of laser beams with strong nonclassical properties and the control of matter waves, such as atom lasers. This talk will summarize some of the new results . Particular emphasis will be given to experiments on spatial multimode fields which allow novel tests of quantum mechanics as well as technology for spatial sensing and spatial quantum encoding beyond the conventional quantum noise limit.
Hans Bachor , Director ACQAO, Canberra, Australia, hans.bachor@anu.edu.au.
Physics Bldg. 221, Rm. B145. (NIST Contact: William Phillips, 301-975-6554, william.phillips@nist.gov)

10/12/07 1:00 PM - NIST COLLOQUIUM SERIES : This is Your Brain on Music
NOTE: DIFFERENT TIME (VTC from Boulder) What do we know about music and the brain? Are the brains of musicians different from the brains of non-musicians? Why do some people become experts and others -- with the same amount of practice -- do not? Why do we like the music we like? What are the neural similarities between language and music? By the age of 5 we have all learned, implicitly, the rules of what notes go together and which don’t. How is the brain able to do this? How does music affect our emotions? Music triggers the reward centers in our brains so that we are hardwired for music. Is music more fundamental to our species than language?
Dan Levitin , Department of Psychology, McGill University.
Administration Building, Red Auditorium. (NIST Contact: Kum Ham, 301-975-4203, kham@nist.gov)
Special Assistance Available

10/26/07 1:30 PM - CENTER FOR NANOSCALE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY SEMINAR: Biological macromolecules as scaffolding for precisely engineered nanostructures
We are currently developing a system for using biological macromolecules as scaffolding for the construction of nanostructures comprising multiple inorganic nanoparticles. The system utilizes the geometry of the macromolecules to define the three-dimensional arrangement of inorganic particles in the structure. A massively parallel assembly process will be used to provide for the mass production of identical nanostructures. We envision applications to include, for example, (i) construction of small assemblies of metallic nanoparticles to form nanolenses capable of focusing surface plasmons and (ii) the construction of magnetic cellular automata.
Lee Makowski , Biosciences Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, IL, lmakowski@anl.gov.
Building 215, Room C103-C106. (NIST Contact: James Alexander Liddle, 301-975-6050, liddle@nist.gov)

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MEETINGS ELSEWHERE


9/24 -- MONDAY

No Scheduled Events

9/25 -- TUESDAY

No Scheduled Events

9/26 -- WEDNESDAY

No Scheduled Events

9/27 -- THURSDAY

No Scheduled Events

9/28 -- FRIDAY

No Scheduled Events

ADVANCE NOTICE

10/4/07 10:00 AM - NIST/DARPA WORKSHOP ON COMPACT X-RAY SOURCES BASED ON INVERSE COMPTON SCATTERING
Ronald Ruth , President and Chief Scientist, Lyncean Technologies, Inc.. David Moncton , Director, MIT Nuclear Reactor Laboratory. W.J. Brown, MIT Lincoln Laboratory, F.E. Carroll Jr, CEO & Chief Medical Officer, MXISystems, Inc., M. Richter, Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt PTB, M.Bech, Swiss Light Source, PSI
Bldg, Rm. .
The Executive Conference Center (ECC), 3601 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 600, Arlington, Virginia 22201 . (NIST Contact: Uwe Arp, 301-975-3233, uwe.arp@nist.gov) http://physics.nist.gov/Divisions/Div841/Gp2/darpaWorkshop.html

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TALKS BY NIST PERSONNEL

BEVERSLUIS, M. : NANO-OPTICS FOR CHEMICAL AND MATERIALS CHARACTERIZATION.
American Ceramics Society Annual Meeting, COBO Center, Detroit Michigan, 9/18.

WALLACE, W. : REACTIVE MALDI: APPLICATION TO POLYETHYLENE.
Advances in Polyolefins 2007, Santa Rosa, CA, 9/24.

SMALL, J. : ANALYTICAL CHALLENGES IN NANOTECHNOLOGY: A STANDARDS AND METROLOGY PERSPECTIVE.
SIM General Assembly Meeting, Ottawa, Canada, 9/26.

CONNY, J. : A COMPREHENSIVE TEMPERATURE PROTOCOL FOR THERMAL-OPTICAL TRANSMISSION ANALYSIS OPTIMIZED FOR ATMOSPHERIC BLACK CARBON.
American Association for Aerosol Research 2007 Annual Conference, Reno, Nevada, 9/27.

CONNY, J. : THE EFFECT OF FILTER-INDUCED ABSORPTION ENHANCEMENT IN THE THERMAL-OPTICAL TRANSMISSION INSTRUMENT FOR MEASURING PARTICULATE BLACK CARBON.
American Association for Aerosol Research 2007 Annual Conference, Reno, Nevada, 9/27.

SIMMON, E. (Co-Author: K.Botsford , 5-Trees) : ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE ATTITUDES IN NORTH AMERICA.
IPC Midwest, Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel & Convention Center Schaumberg, IL USA, 9/28.

BEVERSLUIS, M. : NANO-OPTICS FOR CHEMICAL AND MATERIALS CHARACTERIZATION.
3M Corporation, St Paul, MN, 9/28.

SIMMON, E. (Co-Author: J.Messina , Computer Scientist, Gaithersburg, MD, john.messina@nist.gov) : ENVIRONMENTAL ATTITUDES IN NORTH AMERICA.
IPC Midwest, Schaumburg, IL, USA, 9/28.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

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: . ., ., .

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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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