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October 13 to October 17, 2008

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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AT A GLANCE - MEETINGS AT NIST

MONDAY - 10/13
No Scheduled Events
TUESDAY - 10/14
1:30 PM - Optical Nuclear Physics Step 1: Trapping Th3+
WEDNESDAY - 10/15
10:30 AM - A Novel Instrumental Approach Combining Simultaneous Morphological and Spectroscopic Measurements: Applications to the Characterization of Complex Materials
1:30 PM - Automated Approach of Development and Verification of Reduced Reaction Models for Reacting Flow Simulations
THURSDAY - 10/16
10:30 AM - ELECTRON DIFFRACTION AND INTERFEROMETRY WITH NANO-GRATINGS
10:30 AM - Tagging Video for Geo-referenced Search
11:15 AM - Continuous k-NN Trigger Mechanism with Zero False-dismissal
FRIDAY - 10/17
10:30 AM - Digital Forensics

MEETINGS AT NIST

10/13 -- MONDAY

No Scheduled Events

10/14 -- TUESDAY

1:30 PM - CNST ELECTRON PHYSICS GROUP SEMINAR: Optical Nuclear Physics Step 1: Trapping Th3+
The nucleus of the 229-Th isotope is unique in that it possesses a very low energy (7.5 eV) nuclear isomer. It may be possible to someday drive this transition coherently, opening the way for a new kind of optical clocks and more precise measurements of fundamental constants. The Th3+ ion is an ideal candidate for such work because of its simplified level structure and potentially long trap lifetime. I will present the recent progress towards the realization of an optical nuclear frequency standard, namely the trapping and observation of 232-Th3+ ions, by the Chapman and Kuzmich research groups at Georgia Tech.
Adam Steele , Ph.D. Candidate, Georgia Institute of Technology.
Bldg. 217, Rm. H107. (NIST Contact: Jabez McClelland, 301-975-3721, jabez.mcclelland@nist.gov)



10/15 -- WEDNESDAY

10:30 AM - PROCESS MEASUREMENTS DIVISION SEMINAR: A Novel Instrumental Approach Combining Simultaneous Morphological and Spectroscopic Measurements: Applications to the Characterization of Complex Materials
A Novel Instrumental Approach Combining Simultaneous Morphological and Spectroscopic Measurements: Applications to the Characterization of Complex Materials In most cases measuring the chemical and physical properties of materials is accomplished by separate analytical methods but there is an increasing recognition that hybrid instrumentation that can measure both these properties simultaneously is extremely valuable, particularly for understanding their inter-relationship, and overall impact on the functionality of finished manufactured products or biological materials. In summary these approaches enable characterization of structure/function relationships. The pharmaceutical industry in particularly sees the benefit of these approaches as the complexity of finished products continues to increase and the mechanisms that drive product performance becomes less well understood. We will present data derived from a hybrid analytical technology that combines spectroscopic data with morphological information to derive improved measurement efficiency, and new insight into complex manufactured products and biological materials. In addition, data analysis methods that attempt to seamlessly integrate and correlate chemical, physical and morphological heterogeneity to determine their impact on product performance will be discussed.
E. Neil Lewis , Malvern Instruments.
Physics Building, Room A366. (NIST Contact: Michael Tarlov, 301-975-2058, mtarlov@nist.gov)


1:30 PM - PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES DIVISION SEMINAR: Automated Approach of Development and Verification of Reduced Reaction Models for Reacting Flow Simulations
H.K. Chelliah , CSTL.
Physics Bldg, Rm. A366. (NIST Contact: Harsha Chelliah, 301-975-5023, harsha.chelliah@nist.gov)



10/16 -- THURSDAY

10:30 AM - CNST ELECTRON PHYSICS GROUP SEMINAR: ELECTRON DIFFRACTION AND INTERFEROMETRY WITH NANO-GRATINGS
We used nano-manufactured gratings to diffract and interfere low energy (0.3-5keV) electron matter waves. This demonstrates that nanostructures can be used for coherent electron optics, despite the keen sensitivity of low energy electrons to weak electromagnetic interactions. We use this sensitivity to probe the self-induced 'image charge' potential between moving electrons and the surfaces of the grating, which are less than 25nm away. We have observed several interference phenomena using electron beams with very different spatial coherence properties, and we have developed a theoretical framework based on Gaussian Schell-model beams that can efficiently model all types of interferometers that use diffraction gratings and partially coherent beams. I will discuss these experiments, their simulations, and the custom microscope we built for the research. I will also present ideas for future research directions afforded by electron interferometry.
Benjamin McMorran , Ph.D. Candidate, University of Arizona.
Bldg. 217, Rm. H107. (NIST Contact: John Unguris, 301-975-3712, john.unguris@nist.gov)


10:30 AM - ITL SEMINAR SERIES: Tagging Video for Geo-referenced Search
More and more video clips are being collected and stored using various devices for many purposes such as surveillance, monitoring, filming, reporting, and, of course, just for fun. Some types of video data naturally tie with their locations and trajectories in geographic space-time. For example, video data for air surveillance or monitoring may not have any meaning without its space-time coordinated locations or trajectories. Combining video data and its trajectories in geographic space-time shall open up a new domain of video applications, requiring an efficient way of indexing and searching a scalable amount of video data in the geo-reference frame of motion. One challenging aspect of this research is how to tag the collected geo-reference data (i.e., GPS or trajectory and compass directions) to video. Considering various types of video standards and collecting devices, a standard for the trajectory metadata and a standard way of tagging the metadata pose an important research challenge. This is even more complicated when we consider video editing. This research will investigate on the standardization of embedding geo-reference data into video standards such as MPEG at varying granularity levels of video (frame, scene, segment, and clip level). Researchers: Dr. Seon Ho Kim (http://csit.udc.edu/~skim) is currently an associate professor in the computer science and information technology department at the University of the District of Columbia. His primary research interests include design and implementation of multimedia systems, databases, spatiotemporal databases, and GIS. He has been an active researcher in the field of multimedia and database for the past decades with lots of scientific publications. He has served as a program committee member or reviewer for many professional conferences, journals, and federal agency such as NSF. He received his Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Southern California in 1999. Dr. Byunggu Yu (http://www.cs.uwyo.edu/~yu) joined the Department of Computer Science and Information Technology at the University of the District of Columbia as a new Chairperson, after serving at the University of Wyoming for several years as a full-time professor. His research in spatiotemporal and high-dimensional informatics has been sponsored/supported by Sun Microsystems, DC Government, Wyoming EPSCoR, NSF, and WRRI. He has many years of academic education and research experience and actively works with colleagues at other institutions in the areas of spatial and temporal informatics and high-dimensional data management and analysis. He has over thirty full journal and series papers published at internationally renowned forums, in addition to many more peer reviewed conference papers. His expertise in informatics theory and practice shall drive the project's informatics research.
Seon Ho Kim , Associate Professor, University of the District of Columbia.
Administration Bldg, Lecture Rm. D. (NIST Contact: Larry Reeker, 301-975-5147, larry.reeker@nist.gov)


11:15 AM - ITL SEMINAR SERIES: Continuous k-NN Trigger Mechanism with Zero False-dismissal
This research investigates the following problem: PROBLEM Data: Continuously Moving Objects (CMOs) in an information space-time continuum Trigger Condition: based on a function F of the "current" k-nearest neighbors Requirement: Continuously evaluate F on the "current" locations of the CMOs Example: Give an alert as soon as the MAX distance dM between X and its k-NN (k nearest neighbors) enters [m, M]. TECHNOLOGY BARRIER Discrete Computing No Continuous k-NN search has been proposed Periodic running of k-NN based on snapshots does not work, since ? Critical events can be missed or the results can be obsolete RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS It is possible to support Continuous k-NN Triggers in real-time w/o missing any trigger conditions (zero false-dismissal). ? Scalability HIGH-REWARD IMPACT Break the Barrier ? Computing & Communication Theory & Practice Open-up new possibilities in Security, Patrol, Surveillance, Environmental Engineering, Sensor Applications, etc. Researchers Dr. Byunggu Yu (http://www.cs.uwyo.edu/~yu) joined the Department of Computer Science and Information Technology at the University of the District of Columbia as a new Chairperson, after serving at the University of Wyoming for several years as a full-time professor. His research in spatiotemporal and high-dimensional informatics has been sponsored/supported by Sun Microsystems, DC Government, Wyoming EPSCoR, NSF, and WRRI. He has many years of academic education and research experience and actively works with colleagues at other institutions in the areas of spatial and temporal informatics and high-dimensional data management and analysis. He has over thirty full journal and series papers published at internationally renowned forums, in addition to many more peer reviewed conference papers. His expertise in informatics theory and practice shall drive the project's informatics research. Dr. Seon Ho Kim (http://csit.udc.edu/~skim) is currently an associate professor in the computer science and information technology department at the University of the District of Columbia. His primary research interests include design and implementation of multimedia systems, databases, spatiotemporal databases, and GIS. He has been an active researcher in the field of multimedia and database for the past decades with lots of scientific publications. He has served as a program committee member or reviewer for many professional conferences, journals, and federal agency such as NSF. He received his Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Southern California in 1999. Dr. Sherali Zeadally (http://www.udc.edu/prof/zeadally) is currently an associate professor of the Department of Computer Science and Information Technology. In March 1996, Sherali Zeadally joined the department of Electrical Engineering at the University of Southern California where he was an Assistant Professor until August 1999. He joined the Department of Computer Science at Wayne State University in August 1999 where he was an Assistant Professor until January 2006. In February 2006, Sherali Zeadally joined the Department of Computer Science and Information Technology at the University of the District of Columbia where he is an Associate Professor.
Sherali Zeadally , Associate Professor, University of the District of Columbia.
Administration Building, Lecture Room D. (NIST Contact: Larry Reeker, 301-975-5147, larry.reeker@nist.gov)



10/17 -- FRIDAY

10:30 AM - NIST COLLOQUIUM SERIES: Digital Forensics
Photography lost its innocence many years ago. Shortly after the first commercially available camera was introduced, photographs were being manipulated and altered. With the advent of digital cameras, powerful personal computers, and sophisticated photo-editing software, the manipulation of digital images is becoming much more common. We are seeing the impact of these technologies in nearly every corner of our lives. I will describe computational techniques that we have developed to detect tampering in digital media. Operating in the absence of digital watermarks or signatures, these techniques detect statistical correlations that result from specific forms of digital tampering.
Hany Farid , Department of Computer Science and Institute for Security Technology Studies, Dartmouth College.
Administration Building, Green Auditorium. (NIST Contact: Kum Ham, 301-975-4203, kham@nist.gov)
Special Assistance Available



ADVANCE NOTICE

10/20/08 8:00 AM - CHEMICAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY LABORATORY OFFICE SEMINAR: "Accelerating Innovation in 21st Century Biosciences: Identifying the Measurement Standards and Technological Challenges"
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute (UMBI) are planning to co-host an October 20-24, 2008 Conference (Symposium and Workshop) focused on identifying and prioritizing measurement, standards, and technology needs that represent barriers to innovation, and impediments to achieving maximal societal and economic benefits of new discoveries in the biosciences.
Invited Speakers , Various Organizations.
Administration Bldg, Red Auditorium. (NIST Contact: Willie May, 301-975-8300, wem@nist.gov) http://www.cstl.nist.gov/Biosciences.html
Special Assistance Available


10/20/08 10:30 AM - NANOFABRICATION RESEARCH GROUP SEMINAR: In-situ Studies of Nanoscale Phenomena: Are the Challenges Worth Taking?
High-resolution microscopy is more of a necessity than luxury in investigating nanoscale materials. In this talk, we elucidate this by discussing in-situ SEM/TEM (scanning/transmission electron microscopy) testing of mechanical behavior of materials. This approach provides unprecedented experimental capabilities such as simultaneously quantitative (strain-strain) and qualitative (deformation, dislocation, crack visualization) materials characterization, with the added benefit of monitoring 'cleanliness' of the experiments. Unfortunately, these environments (for example, the TEM) have serious space restrictions and pose challenges with equal proportion because of the drastic miniaturization required for the lab-on-a-chip type capabilities. We address the challenges using nanofabrication techniques and discuss several examples of micro/nanotechnology enabled experimental setups. While the focus of this talk remains on mechanical testing of nanoscale thin films or one dimensional materials, we present some new directions for the research in nanoscale materials for pressing applications such as energy conversion, sensors and actuators and micro-electronic devices. Particularly, we visit the multi-domain (thermal, electrical, mechanical etc) coupling phenomena, which can be predicted to be stronger than what we observe at the macro or even micro scales. An ongoing research on experimental multi-physics lab-on-a-chip will be presented.
Aman Haque , Pennsylvania State University.
Bldg. 217, Rm. H107. (NIST Contact: Vladimir Aksyuk, 301-975-2867, vladimir.aksyuk@nist.gov)


10/30/08 10:30 AM - METALLURGY DIVISION SEMINAR: Magnetization Behavior in Exchange-Biased Patterned Nanostructures
Magnetization processes in patterned magnetic heterostructures are of fundamental scientific interest and have important applications in information storage such as in non-volatile magnetoresistive random access memories (MRAM). Continuous miniaturization causes materials defects to play an increasingly important role in the magnetization switching behavior of these devices. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is the technique of choice for high spatial resolution characterization of non-ideal magnetic behavior and its relationship with nanoscale structure. In combination with novel phase retrieval techniques, Lorentz TEM has the potential of becoming an in situ quantitative technique for mapping magnetization reversal processes. We have used a combination of Lorentz TEM, magneto-optical Kerr magnetometry and micromagnetic simulations to characterize the behavior of micron-size exchange-biased magnetic nanostructures exhibiting vortex magnetization and imprinted with circular exchange bias. Circular exchange bias promotes a reversible vortex behavior and it controls the chirality of the vortex during reversal. It also stabilizes the vortex structure as a low energy state, acting against magnetocrystalline anisotropy which favors the formation of domain walls. Exchange bias suppresses stochastic processes due to thermal activation and cause the magnetization reversal to be reproducible over time, an important feature in applications. Phase imaging based on the Transport–of-Intensity Equation (TIE) is emerging as a novel method for mapping magnetization phenomena in situ in the TEM. The phase shift of the electrons containing the magnetic information is obtained from the intensity of the wave and its derivative along the optical axis alone, and does not require a reference beam as conventional interferometry techniques do. Examples of application of TIE to patterned magnetic heterostructures will be shown and the requirements for becoming a quantitative technique as well as its limitations will be described. TIE-based phase retrieval has potential applications in novel systems such as multilayered magnetic and multiferroic heterostructures for data storage and logic applications. Furthermore, TIE is not limited to magnetic systems, as it offers opportunities in mapping electric fields and charge transport processes at the nanoscale.
Mihaela Tanase , Materials Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, IL.
Materials Building, MSEL Conference Room B307. (NIST Contact: June Lau, 301-975-5711, june.lau@nist.gov)


10/31/08 10:30 AM - NIST COLLOQUIUM SERIES: What are the Laws of Physics?
For 300 years the orthodox view of the laws of physics is that they are immutable, universal, infinitely-precise mathematical relationships that were somehow imprinted on the universe at its birth. The hidden assumptions that underpin this view can be traced to cultural factors at the time that physics was first formulated as a discipline. In recent years, some have begun to question these assumptions. In my talk I shall focus on the infinitely-precise quality, arguing that it is an unjustified extrapolation, especially in cosmological models that place a fundamental information bound on the observable universe. The existence of such a bound forces us to confront the nature of the laws of physics in certain experimentally-realizable situations, e.g., entangled states of more than 400 particles. Paul Davies is a prolific author of popularized science books. Some of his more recent books will be available for review and purchase before and after the lecture.
Paul Davies , Director, BEYOND: Center for Fundamental Concepts in Science, Arizona State University.
Administration Building, Green Auditorium. (NIST Contact: Kum Ham, 301-975-4203, kham@nist.gov)
Special Assistance Available


10/31/08 1:30 PM - PHYSICS LABORATORY COLLOQUIUM: Quantum Weak Measurements: A Generalization of the Exponential Decay Law
Quantum mechanical measurements are normally discussed in terms of projective von Neumann-type irreversible processes, but recently a new class of measurements has been proposed and experimentally tested. These are weak measurements carried out on identically-prepared ensembles. Weak measurements offer a new opportunity to test quantum mechanics when they are augmented with post-selection, i.e., retaining the measurement results for only sub-ensembles that satisfy a specified final condition. This generalization, which has been developed by Yakir Aharonov and his co-workers, remains within the framework of conventional quantum mechanics, yet permits interesting generalizations. I will consider how the familiar exponential decay law of unstable quantum systems is merely the strong measurement limit of a broader class of "decay laws" that permit the observer to select a sub-ensemble of systems that have decayed by a specified final time. I derive the generalized decay law, which is open to experimental test.
Paul Davies , Director, BEYOND: Center for Fundamental Concepts in Science, Arizona State University.
221 Bldg, Rm. B145. (NIST Contact: Kum Ham, 301-975-4203, kham@nist.gov)



MEETINGS ELSEWHERE



10/13 -- MONDAY

No Scheduled Events

10/14 -- TUESDAY

11:00 AM - CARNEGIE INSTITUTION OF WASHINGTON/GEOPHYSICAL LAB. SEMINAR: NEUTRON DIFFRACTION STUDIES OF HYDROGEN STORAGE MATERIALS
M. Yousufuddin , NIST, Gaithersburg, MD.
Bldg, Rm..
Greenewalt Bldg., GL-DTM Grounds, Carnegie Institution of Washington, DC. (NIST Contact: Rus Hemley, 202-478-8900, seminar@lists.ciw.edu)




10/15 -- WEDNESDAY

No Scheduled Events

10/16 -- THURSDAY

No Scheduled Events

10/17 -- FRIDAY

No Scheduled Events

ADVANCE NOTICE

No Scheduled Events

TALKS BY NIST PERSONNEL


MARSHALL, J. : STATUS OF THE MEMS STANDARDIZATION PROJECT AT NIST: OCTOBER 2008.
SEMI Fall MEMS Meetings, San Jose, CA USA, 10/13.

KARIM, A. : GUIDED SELF ASSEMBLY OF BLOCK COPOLYMER THIN FILMS.
SPE Meeting, Wilmington, DE, 10/13.

YOON, H. : SPECTRORADIOMETRIC CHARACTERIZATION OF THE NIST PULSED SOLAR SIMULATOR..
Newrad 2008 Confernce, Daejeon, Republic Korea, 10/13.

SHIRLEY, E. : FIRST-PRINCIPLES OPTICAL PROPERTIES ACROSS THE SPECTRUM: ONE PRESENT PARADIGM.
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley,CA, 10/14.

BROWN, S. : HYPERSPECTRAL IMAGER CHARACTERIZATION AND CALIBRATION.
NEWRAD 2008 KOREA, Daejeon International Convention Center, Daejeon, Korea, 10/14.

SHAW, P. : MEASURING UV INDUCED FLUORESCENCE FROM INTEGRATING SPHERES.
NEWRAD2008 KOREA, Daejeon International Convention Center, Daejeon, Korea, 10/14.

SMITH, A. : ABSOLUTE FLUX OF STANDARD STARS.
NEWRAD 2008 KOREA, Daejeon International Convention Center, Daejeon, Korea, 10/14.

EPPELDAUER, G. : ABSOLUTE RESPONSIVITY CALIBRATIONS FROM 950 NM TO 1700 NM WITH 0.05 % (K=2) UNCERTAINTY.
NEWRAD 2008 KOREA, Daejeon International Convention Center, Daejeon, Korea, 10/15.

JONES, R. : DIMENSIONAL METROLOGY OF SELF-ASSEMBLED NANOSTRUCTURED FILMS.
University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, 10/15.

KLINE, J. : MEASUREMENTS TO ENABLE PLASTIC ELECTRONICS.
SSRL User Conference, Stanford University, 10/16.

SOBOLEWSKI, M. : ORIGIN OF ELECTRICAL CHANGES AT PLASMA ETCHING ENDPOINTS.
Gaseous Electronics Conference, Dallas, TX, USA, 10/17.

FEDCHAK, J. : DIRECT CONDUCTANCE MEASUREMENTS OF SMALL LEAKS WITH SIMPLE GEOMETRIES.
American Vacuum Society (AVS), Boston, MA, USA, 10/19.

HENDRICKS, J. : NIST EXPERIENCE WITH NEW NON-ROTATING FORCE BALANCED PISTON GAUGES FOR LOW PRESSURE METROLOGY.
American Vacuum Society (AVS), Boston, MA, 10/19.



ANNOUNCEMENTS


STEM TALENT 2008: A SYMPOSIUM AND CAREER FAIR FOR POSTDOCS IN THE CAPITAL REGION
On October 16, 2008, the Post Doc Conference: "S.T.E.M. Talent 2008: A Symposium and Career Fair for Postdocs in the Capital Region" will be held at the Natcher Center at NIH. The purpose of the conference is to provide Federal laboratory and university postdocs information on industry, "non-traditional", and entrepreneurial employment opportunities in the greater Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. NIH is hosting the event this year for approximately 500-700 Washington-Baltimore area post docs, and approximately 50 organizations with hiring opportunities. The event will run from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, and will include a plenary session, breakout sessions on several types of possible career tracks, as well as the Career Expo. The conference will include state, local, and regional government organizations, federal agencies, AAAS, the National Research Council, the Kaufman Foundation, and corporations. Planning has also involved a consortium of federal laboratories, economic and workforce development organizations and trade associations interested in keeping the valuable resources and talent of the Washington D.C. area post docs in the region. For more information please go to: http://techcouncilmd.com/postdoc or http://www.postdoc.com Please note that pre-registration is required.
NIST Contact: Susan Heller-Zeisler, 301-975-3111, szeisler@nist.gov


HOW CAN YOUR LAB LIAISON HELP YOU?
Watch this new video podcast and learn what NIST Labs are saying about ISD's Lab Liaisons. (4+ minutes) http://nvl-i.nist.gov/index.cfm?videos/ISD_liaisons/
NIST Contact: Information Desk, 301-975-3052, library@nist.gov


INTERACTIVE LIBRARY AND PUBLISHING NEWS
We've revamped our library and publishing newsletter to include *your thoughts, *your ideas. We're taking our news and your comments to a new interactive level where we'll be conversing and exchanging information. ISD NewsCenter will release new articles or announcements twice a week. We hope you'll bookmark the site and return to it frequently or sign up to receive alerts. http://nvl-i.nist.gov/index.cfm?isdnewscenter/
NIST Contact: Nancy Allmang, 301-975-4189, nancy.allmang@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: . ., ., .




NIST WEB SITE ANNOUNCEMENTS


No Web Site announcements this week.

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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