NIST Technicalendar June 22 to June 26, 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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9:00 AM - "Scientific Research with neutrons"
9:45 AM - "The Fundamental Properties of the Neutron"
10:30 AM - Circuit Architectures for Beyond CMOS Electronic Devices: Learning From Biological Systems to Create Robust Electron Systems
10:30 AM - CATALYTIC CVD GROWTH OF CARBON NANOTUBES AND THEIR APPLICATION AS CHEMICAL SENSORS
2:00 PM - ir single photon technologies challenge: from sources to detection systems

10:30 AM - Metrology and computation with small quantum systems

1:00 PM - Physics Laboratory and NCNR Outreach Series

3:30 PM - Creating a Competitive Application for the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship

11:00 AM - NANOSCALE TEMPERATURE RISE AND MELTING AT A RUBBING INTERFACE

6/22 -- MONDAY

9:00 AM - NIST CENTER FOR NEUTRON RESEARCH SEMINAR: "Scientific Research with neutrons"
Neutrons are an ideal particle for studying the structure and dynamics of materials. In this presentation, I will discuss the important properties of the neutron and how we make use of them in inelastic neutron scattering experiments. This will be done using a variety of examples taken from work done at the NIST Center for Neutron Research.
Dan Neumann , NCNR.
Administration Bldg, Red Auditorium. (NIST Contact: Yamali Hernandez, 301-975-5295, yamali@nist.gov)

9:45 AM - NIST CENTER FOR NEUTRON RESEARCH SEMINAR: "The Fundamental Properties of the Neutron"
The neutron exhibits much of the richness of nuclear physics, but is vastly simpler, and thus more interpretable, than nuclei. It can be used to probe Strong, Weak, EM and Gravitational phenomena as well as serving as a probe for new interactions. This talk will paint a picture of the neutron through descriptions of some of the most important experiments that have been carried out using neutrons. Scott Dewey, Physics Laboratory
Scott Dewey , NIST, Physics Laboratory.
Administration Bldg, Red Auditorium. (NIST Contact: Yamali Hernandez, 301-975-5295, yamali@nist.gov)

10:30 AM - ATOMIC PHYSICS DIVISION SEMINAR: Circuit Architectures for Beyond CMOS Electronic Devices: Learning From Biological Systems to Create Robust Electron Systems
Nano-electronic devices are viewed as promising building blocks for the next generation of so-called Beyond CMOS LSIs. The Beyond CMOS devices include single-electron devices, which operate by regulating the flow of single or a few electrons and are viewed as promising devices for ultra-low power electronic systems. In spite of these inherent advantages, however, single-electron devices suffer from high fabrication mismatches (i.e. variance in physical parameters of fabricated devices), and also have low tolerance to internal and external noises. This research is focused on establishing ways to utilize (and not eradicate) the above setbacks toward creating new circuit architectures for nano-electronic devices.
Andrew Kikombo, PhD Student , Hokkaido University & Research Fellow of Japan Society for the Promotion of Science.
Physics Building, Room B145. (NIST Contact: Neil Zimmerman, 301-975-5887, neil.zimmerman@nist.gov)

10:30 AM - CNST ELECTRON PHYSICS GROUP SEMINAR: CATALYTIC CVD GROWTH OF CARBON NANOTUBES AND THEIR APPLICATION AS CHEMICAL SENSORS
Carbon based materials come in a variety of different forms that depend on how their atoms link together, such as zero-dimensional fullerenes, one-dimensional nanotubes, two-dimensional (2-D) graphene and three-dimensional (3-D) graphite. The properties of these carbon based materials can be tailored by irradiation and chemical functionalization to use them for various applications. In recent years, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been a subject of increased interest especially because of their exceptional thermal, electrical and mechanical properties which far exceed those of most bulk materials. However inspite of considerable progress in the synthesis of CNTs there still exist significant challenges like production of nanotube materials with controlled diameter, length, orientation, location and microstructure. Thus there is a need to understand the growth mechanisms of both multiwalled and singlewalled carbon nanotubes in order to synthesize them in a controlled manner. The high electrical conductivity and surface area of CNTs is motivating their application as chemical sensors. We present here a systematic study of molecular adsorption on SWNTs by measurements of the conductivity response of single walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) arrays to trace vapors for a range of linear chain and aromatic molecules. Ab initio calculations were performed with density functional theory methods to investigate the molecular adsorption of these molecules on SWNTs. Both conductance measurements and Ab initio calculations show that the adsorption energies of linear alkane, alcohol and ketone molecules increase linearly with the length of the molecule. These results indicate that the initial adsorption and conductivity response occurs with molecules predominantly lying flat on the defect-free nanotube side walls and the long time response is dominated by adsorption at defects. The difference in the conductivity responses for polar and non polar adsorbates is attributed to changes in scattering due to adsorbates. Further experiments with random arrays of carbon nanotubes reveal a strong conductivity response after exposure to aromatic molecules containing nitro functional groups, such as nitrobenzene and trinitrotoluene. Ab initio calculations also show a strong increase in adsorption energy with the addition of each nitro group to a molecule (around 100 meV) and a gradual increase with nanotube size, in agreement with preliminary experimental results. Finally, these calculations are compared with results for the adsorption at oxidation defects.
Navdeep Bajwa , Postdoctoral Fellow, The US Naval Research Laboratory.
Bldg.217, Rm.H107. (NIST Contact: Rachel Cannara, 301-975-4258, rachel.cannara@nist.gov)

2:00 PM - OPTICAL TECHNOLOGY DIVISION SEMINAR: ir single photon technologies challenge: from sources to detection systems
Valentina Schettini , Student, Istituto Nazionale di Ricerca Metrologica.
Radiation Physics Bldg, Rm. B145. (NIST Contact: Alan Migdall, 301-975-2331, alan.migdall@nist.gov)


6/23 -- TUESDAY

10:30 AM - ATOMIC PHYSICS DIVISION SEMINAR: Metrology and computation with small quantum systems
Experimental approaches to implementing ideas from quantum information science focus on developing well-understood physical systems that have only a few quantum bits. I will discuss advances in building such devices and explore potential applications of such small quantum systems, ranging from high-resolution magnetic field sensing to simulating many-body interactions in condensed matter systems.
Jacob Taylor , Atomic Physics Division, NIST and NIST/UMD Joint Quantum Institute.
Physics Building, Room B145. (NIST Contact: Gail Newrock, 301-975-3200, gail.newrock@nist.gov)


6/24 -- WEDNESDAY

1:00 PM - NIST CENTER FOR NEUTRON RESEARCH SEMINAR: Physics Laboratory and NCNR Outreach Series
The participants of the Fundamental Neutron Physics Summer School and the NCNR Spectroscopy Summer School will be participating in a poster session after lunch on Wednesday, June 24. These graduate students are from universities in the United States and abroad. This is a unique opportunity to learn about the scientific research conducted by these students and/or by the research group to which they belong. Their research covers various topics in magnetism, materials science, complex fluids, polymer science, and biological systems. Their research covers various topics in magnetism, materials science, complex fluids, polymer science, and biological systems. In fundamental physics, the topics include studies of neutron beta decay, hadronic parity violation, gravity, the neutron electric dipole moment, and physics beyond the Standard Model. This is a fantastic way to talk to future post docs and collaborators.
2009 NCNR & Physics summer school students , from various universities.
101 Bldg, Rm. Poster Hallway. (NIST Contact: Yamali Hernandez, 301-975-5295, yamali@nist.gov)


6/25 -- THURSDAY

3:30 PM - SURF SUMMER SEMINAR SERIES: Creating a Competitive Application for the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship
Using the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program (NSF-GRFP) as the working example, this presentation will introduce attendees to the program and ways they can be more competitive when applying. The strategy can be applied to other various award programs, graduate school applications, and employment positions. The National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program offers up to 3 years of graduate school support worth over $120,000 to each awardee -- this year 1,236 awards were offered. Benefits include a $30,000 stipend, a $10,500 annual cost of education allowance, a one time $1,000 international travel allowance, and access to TeraGrid supercomputing facilities. U.S. citizens, nationals, and permanent residents at or near the beginning of their graduate study seeking research-based Master's and/or PhD degrees in NSF-supported science (including social science and psychology) and engineering disciplines are eligible to apply. The NSF welcomes applications from all qualified students and strongly encourages women in engineering and computer science, under-represented minorities, and persons with disabilities to apply for this fellowship. For more information, please visit www.nsfgrfp.org or www.nsf.gov/grfp.
Dr. Tom Juliano , Outreach Team Leader, American Society for Engineering Education, Washington, DC.
Administration Bldg, Red Auditorium. (NIST Contact: Anita Sweigert, 301-975-4201, anita.sweigert@nist.gov)
Special Assistance; Contact A. Sweigert a week in advance.


6/26 -- FRIDAY

11:00 AM - CNST ELECTRON PHYSICS GROUP SEMINAR: NANOSCALE TEMPERATURE RISE AND MELTING AT A RUBBING INTERFACE
Temperature rise, and the associated effects of softening and/or melting, of a sliding asperity contact impacts a broad range of fundamental and applied topics--from nano- and micro-electromechanical systems to frictional behavior at geological faults. Despite great importance, however, a fundamental understanding of the interfacial and chemical processes that occur in such contacts is lacking. By utilizing the unique capabilities of a combined scanning tunneling microscope and quartz crystal microbalance, the velocity dependent morphology of a single asperity contact is able to be probed. The results give intriguing evidence for a velocity dependent transition from a solid interface to a liquid-like interface, the first such observation for a sliding asperity contact.
Benjamin Dawson , Ph.D. Candidate, North Carolina State University.
Bldg.217, Rm.H107. (NIST Contact: Rachel Cannara, 301-975-4258, rachel.cannara@nist.gov)


ADVANCE NOTICE

7/15/09 10:30 AM - CNST ELECTRON PHYSICS GROUP SEMINAR: ENABLERS FOR PROBE-BASED NANOMANUFACTURING AND NANOMETROLOGY
Of all the nanomechanical systems used, probes are perhaps the simplest, yet most indispensable tools used in the nanoscale research and development world today. At the nanoscale, quick and easy characterization tools are urgently needed to be able to deliver many technologies from their languid presence in the basement to the real world. Probe-based techniques are gaining prominence because they can be used to effectively probe both the surface, as well as the electrical characteristics at the nanoscale. In addition the same probe can be used to manipulate structures, and then re-image the manipulated region. Thus, any nanomanufacturing scheme will have to use probe-technologies at some level. In this talk, I will give an overview of my work within IBM in tackling some of these interesting issues. A brief introduction to probe-based data storage will be given, since this application embodies many of the challenges facing probe-based technologies. Some of my work on platinum silicide tips and "encapsulated" tips for conduction-mode probe-based technologies will also be presented. The performance of the encapsulated conducting tips in sliding is shown to be several times better than commercial conducting probes. Both these technologies have enabled us to perform effective nanoscale phase transformations in chalcogenide-based phase change materials - a proof of concept that probe-based nanometrology can be robust.
Harish Bhaskaran , Postdoctoral Fellow/ IBM Zurich Research Laboratory,.
Bldg.217, Rm.H107. (NIST Contact: Rachel Cannara, 301-975-4258, rachel.cannara@nist.gov)

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MEETINGS ELSEWHERE


6/22 -- MONDAY

No Scheduled Events

6/23 -- TUESDAY

No Scheduled Events

6/24 -- WEDNESDAY

No Scheduled Events

6/25 -- THURSDAY

No Scheduled Events

6/26 -- FRIDAY

No Scheduled Events

ADVANCE NOTICE

No Scheduled Events

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TALKS BY NIST PERSONNEL

GAITAN, M. : USA MICRO NANO TECHNOLOGY COUNTRY REPORT.
15th World Micromachine Summit, Edmonton, Canada, 5/5.

MOUNTAIN, R. : ERGODIC CONVERGENCE TIMES FOR MOLECULAR LIQUIDS.
Seventeenth Symposium on Thermophysical Properties/NIST, Boulder, Colorado, USA, 6/23.

SNYDER, C. : CALORIMETRIC INVESTIGATIONS OF ORGANIC PHOTOVOLTAIC MATERIALS.
17th Symposium on Thermophysical Properties, Boulder, CO, 6/23.

HOLBROOK, D. : BEHAVIOR OF ENGINEERED NANOPARTICLES IN AQUATIC SYSTEMS.
Food and Drug Administration - Center for Veterinary Medicine, 7529 Standish Place, Rockville, MD, 6/24.

LI-BABOUD, Y. : FEDERATED IDENTITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS.
Symposium on Avoiding, Detecting, and Preventing Counterfeit Electronic Parts, Lyngby, Denmark, 6/25.

WU, W. : COMPOSITIONAL HETEROGENEITY AT DIFFUSION-REACTION FRONT IN PHOTORESISTS.
IBM Yorktown Heights, Yorktown Heights, NY, 6/26.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

S.T.E.M. TALENT 2009: CONFERENCE AND CAREER FAIR FOR POSTDOCS IN THE CAPITAL REGION
NIST is once again a sponsoring organization of this year's Postdoctoral event, "S.T.E.M. Talent 2009: Conference and Career Fair for Postdocs in the Capital Region". The event will take place on Wednesday, July 22, 2009, from 8:30 am – 3:30pm at the Montgomery County Conference Center, 5701 Marinelli Drive, Bethesda. The goals of the event are to: - connect qualified postdoctoral fellows with companies and organizations that have appropriate openings - provide postdocs with the advice and resources needed to secure a non-academic position - support Washington area businesses by building awareness of the postdoctoral resource - provide a benefit to participating organizations that they can cite in recruiting postdocs - provide a model of inter-organization collaboration - develop long-term relationships between federal laboratories and Washington area businesses and organizations We expect 400 – 500 job-seeking postdocs to participate in this year's career fair along with 30-40 hiring organizations. For additional information, please visit the web site at http://postdoc-conference.ncet2backoffice.org/ The Office of Technology Partnerships and the Office of International and Academic Affairs will be hosting a NIST booth in the Career Fair portion of the event. This is an excellent opportunity to provide information on your laboratory and position openings over the next six months to the best scientific talent in the area. Please contact Susan Heller-Zeisler (szeisler@nist.gov) or Terry Lynch (terry.lynch@nist.gov) with any information or position descriptions you would like to have disseminated. Of course, this is also a great opportunity for NIST post docs to meet with top employers in the area and we would appreciate you making them aware of the event and providing an opportunity to attend.
NIST Contact: Susan Heller-Zeisler, 301-975-3111, szeisler@nist.gov

NIST MERCURY REDUCTION CAMPAIGN
The goal of the NIST Mercury Reduction Campaign is to remove all unneeded mercury from NIST facilities. We would like to minimize the potential for mercury spills, exposure to mercury, and releases to the environment. The toxicity of Mercury is well documented, particularly when exposure is by inhalation or absorption through the skin. A small amount of mercury can generate a significant airborne concentration, and mercury spills are fairly common at NIST - often due to broken thermometers or barometers. If a spill of mercury does occur, please contact the Safety, Health and Environment Division at x5818 or Fire Protection Services at x2222 for the proper clean up and disposal of the mercury. Please turn in any unneeded mercury or mercury-containing equipment for disposal/recycling to the Safety, Health and Environment Division. A pick up request can be prepared and submitted at: http://www-i.nist.gov/admin/ohsd/chemwast.htm. Call Mike Blackmon at x5822 with any questions. For information on mercury-free thermometers, please contact Dawn Cross in the Process Measurements Division at x4822.
NIST Contact: Mike Blackmon, 301-975-5822, blackmon@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: . ., ., .

PUBLICATIONS PRINTING DEADLINE AUGUST 14, 2009
August 14 is the last day in FY 2009 to submit materials using FY 2009 funds to the Electronic Information and Publications Group (EIPG) for printing at the Department of Commerce or Government Printing Office. To assure timely processing, bring your Editorial Review Board-approved document or administrative printing job and appropriate paperwork to the EIPG office by close of business on Friday, August 14, 2009. The office is located on the mezzanine floor of the NIST Research Library in the Administration Building, Room E220. Questions? Ilse Putman, x2780 or Barbara Silcox, x2146.
NIST Contact: Ilse Putman, 301-975-2780, ilse.putman@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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