NIST Technicalendar January 21 to January 25, 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/.

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 - Homodyne Detection of Domain Wall Oscillations
10:30 AM - Metrology and QI applications of SET devices
1:30 PM - Cell migration - Integrating Biochemical Signals with Mechanics

10:00 AM - DEPTHX and ENDURANCE Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) Update
10:30 AM - Semiconductor Nanowires: from Materials Science to Device Physics

1:30 AM - NANOFAB USERS INFORMATION MEETING

10:30 AM - DNA: Not Merely the Secret of Life

1/21 -- MONDAY

No Scheduled Events

1/22 -- TUESDAY

10:30 AM - CNST ELECTRON PHYSICS GROUP SEMINAR: Homodyne Detection of Domain Wall Oscillations
Laterally confined magnetic domain walls behave like quasiparticles moving in an external potential well created by a geometrical constriction or a pinning defect. Spin torque effects allow to displace the domain wall quasiparticle electrically, by injecting an ac current the domain wall can be excited to resonate inside the potential well. As the domain wall oscillates, the resistance of the magnetic structure is modulated due to the anisotropic magnetoresistance in phase with the domain wall position. If the quasiparticle happens to be excited at the resonance frequency, the varying resistance will rectify the injected high frequency current and a DC voltage is developed across the structure. Using this technique we determined the resonance frequency of the domain wall. At resonance we observed a reduction of the depinning field of the domain wall for currents as low as $2\times10^{10}$ A/m$^2$, allowing us to determine the resonance frequency by a second independent method. The domain wall resonance frequency was measured for different external magnetic fields and was found to be proportional to the external field. By measuring the mean value of the resistance during excitation we identified the oscillation of the domain wall to be confined close to the potential minimum without any large-scale displacement.
Daniel Bedau , Dipl.-Phys, Scientist - University of Konstanz,.
Bldg. 217, Rm. H107. (NIST Contact: John Unguris, 301-975-3712, john.unguris@nist.gov)

10:30 AM - ATOMIC PHYSICS DIVISION SEMINAR: Metrology and QI applications of SET devices
This talk will be comprised of three parts: 1) I will introduce the basic concept of the Coulomb blockade, and how we can use this to form single-electron tunneling (SET) devices that can sense or control the motion of single electrons. 2) I will discuss the results of a recent metrology result, which answers the question: Is the charge quantum moved by an SET pump identical to a free electron in vacuum? In particular, is the charge of the SET quantum identical to 1 e? 3) I will briefly describe some applications of our recent work relevant for quantum information, and describe our (somewhat inchoate) thoughts on our future direction in the next couple of years.
Neil Zimmerman , Atomic Physics Division.
221 Bldg, Rm. B145. (NIST Contact: Mary Talbot, 301-975-3206, mary.talbot@nist.gov)

1:30 PM - POLYMERS DIVISION SEMINAR: Cell migration - Integrating Biochemical Signals with Mechanics
Cell motion is crucial for many biological processes, from wound healing to organ formation. To move, cells must first determine a preferred direction, and then mechanically move in that direction. Thus the signaling pathway inherently involves coupling of biochemical and mechanical signals. However, most cellular signaling pathways are studied with a focus on biochemical reactions. We adapt tools from nonlinear dynamics and materials science to develop novel models and experimental assays of coupled mechanical and biochemical dynamical systems. In particular we propose experimental tests to distinguish between models of gradient sensing, and demonstrate initial experimental studies that highlight how surface sensing couples into gradient sensing in motile cells.
Wolfgang Losert , University of Maryland, Department of Physics, IPST, and IREAP, College Park, MD.
224 Bldg, Rm. A312. (NIST Contact: Jack Douglas, 301-975-6779, jack.douglas@nist.gov)


1/23 -- WEDNESDAY

10:00 AM - MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION RESEARCH DIVISION SEMINAR: DEPTHX and ENDURANCE Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) Update
Bill Stone , CEO, Stone Aerospace,Senior Scientist, Construction Metrology and Automation Group,NIST, Gaithersburg, MD.
224 Bldg, Rm. B245. (NIST Contact: Karen Miller, 301-975-6056, karen.miller@nist.gov)

10:30 AM - CNST NANOTECHNOLOGY SEMINAR SERIES: Semiconductor Nanowires: from Materials Science to Device Physics
In this talk I will give examples of the rapid development in the areas of growth, processing and applications of semiconductor nanowires. The approach is based on the combination of top-down patterning and self-organized growth, as guided self-assembly. Axial and radial heterostructures, also of non lattice-matched combinations, can be formed with abruptness on the atomic level, thus allowing great freedom in design of electronic and opto-electronic devices. I will describe the state-of-the-art in materials properties, in control of dimensions and positions as well as give examples of the use of semiconductor nanowires in different quantum device applications.
Lars Samuelson , Lund University, Solid State Physics / the Nanometer Structure Consortium, lars.samuelson@ftf.lth.se.
BLDG. 215, Room C103. (NIST Contact: Alex Liddle, 301-975-6050, liddle@nist.gov)


1/24 -- THURSDAY

1:30 AM - CENTER FOR NANOSCALE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY SEMINAR: NANOFAB USERS INFORMATION MEETING
Plasma deep Si etching has been widely used to produce high aspect-ratio features of Si in the fabrication of microelectromechanical and other micro-structures. In this meeting, we will introduce the "Bosch" deep Si etcher used in the Nanofab and our process development around it. The "Bosch" process consists of sequential, alternating etching and deposition steps using SF6 and C4F8 plasmas. In this talk, our baseline work on the process stability control, the dependence of the etching results on the sample structures (etch area, feature size and mask material) and our new process development on the reduction of sidewall ripples to etch nano-scale structures will be introduced. The Nanofab Users Information meetings provide an opportunity for users to present work and comments to the Nanofab staff. If you have an idea about a topic you would like to hear more about or if you are interested in presenting to the group please contact. Alexander Liddle, at: alex.liddle@nist.gov Ext. 6050
Lei Chen , CNST Nanofab Process Engineer.
Bldg 217, Rm. H107. (NIST Contact: Alexander Liddle, 301-975-6050, alex.liddle@nist.gov)


1/25 -- FRIDAY

10:30 AM - NIST COLLOQUIUM SERIES: DNA: Not Merely the Secret of Life
We are all aware that DNA is the genetic material of living organisms. However, the same properties that make it such a good molecule for that purpose can be exploited to form structures on the nanometer scale. This effort utilizes synthetic DNA molecules with sequences designed to produce branched, rather than linear species. These branched species have been organized into objects, lattices, and nanomechanical devices. This research is aimed at control over the structure of matter: We are seeking to self-assemble macromolecular crystals that can act as hosts for macromolecular guests and enable crystallographic studies, as well as the organizing of nanoelectronic components.
Nadrian Seeman , Department of Chemistry, New York University.
Administration Building, Red Auditorium. (NIST Contact: Kum Ham, 301-975-4203, kham@nist.gov)
Special Assistance Available


ADVANCE NOTICE

2/1/08 10:30 AM - NIST COLLOQUIUM SERIES: LIGO: At the forefront of optical materials research
The Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) is now operational and seeks to improve its sensitivity for gravity-wave detection by a factor of ten during its next phase, Advanced LIGO. In order to achieve this goal it is necessary to design and fabricate test mass mirrors that help minimize the noise in the interferometers and in doing so maximize gravity-wave detection capability. Following a brief update of the LIGO experiment, our program of research in optical materials for use as test masses in advanced versions of the interferometers will be described. Current emphasis is placed on investigations of chemical and structural features of the dielectric multilayer mirror coatings.
Stephen McGuire , Chairman, Department of Physics, Southern University and A&M College.
Administration Building, Red Auditorium. (NIST Contact: Kum Ham, 301-975-4203, kham@nist.gov)
Special Assistance Available

2/7/08 10:30 AM - CNST NANOTECHNOLOGY SEMINAR SERIES: Understanding the surfaces of quasi-1D Metal Oxides: from spectromicroscopy of single wires to prototype chemical sensors.
The growing amount of exiting demonstration of photovoltaic, (photo-) catalytic and sensor devices based on quasi 1D and 2D metal oxide nanostructures requires the fundamental understanding of their surfaces affecting the transport and the optical properties. In conjunction with transport measurements, we have applied a range of spectroscopic and imaging techniques to individual metal oxide nanostructure to address the chemical and photochemical processes taking place on its surface. In particular, we use an array of scanning probe, electron, and synchrotron radiation based photoelectron emission spectro-microscopies to investigate in situ the evolution of structural, electronic and chemical particularities in an operating nanodevice under wide range of the experimental conditions such as temperature, chemical environments (including liquids) electrostatic field, sensitization with catalyst particles, radiation etc,. Benefiting from the gained knowledge, we develop the real world prototypes for nanowire based (photo-) catalytic and chemical sensor platforms.
Prof. Andrei Kolmakov , Physics Department, SIUC, Carbondale, IL, , akolmakov@physics.siu.edu.
Bldg. 215, Rm. C103-C106. (NIST Contact: Nikolai Zhitenev, 301-975-6039, nikolai.zhitenev@nist.gov)

2/21/08 8:30 AM - TECHNOLOGY SERVICES SEMINAR: Global Perspectives and Strategies for Education about Standardization Workshop
This workshop is to promote and support awareness of education about standardization worldwide. The two-day workshop will consist of an overview of activities and programs from standards professionals around the world as well as a discussion of key issues, needs and challenges facing those who are involved in standards education.
John Hill , Sun Microsystems. Additional speakers will be Dr. Richard Forselius, United Technologies; Mr. James Olshefsky, Director, External Relations and many more panelists
101 Bldg, Red Auditorium. (NIST Contact: Erik Puskar, 301-975-8619, erik.puskar@nist.gov) http://ts.nist.gov/Standards/ices-workshop.cfm
Special Assistance Available

2/25/08 1:30 PM - CNST ELECTRON PHYSICS GROUP SEMINAR: Block-copolymer lithography for patterning perpendicular magnetic nano-islands
Templated block copolymer lithography is a powerful method of fabricating nanostructures which draws on the combined strengths of both top-down and bottom-up methods. This talk will discuss the fabrication and magnetic properties of ordered and disordered perpendicular CoCrPt magnetic islands in a range of sizes (5-15nm thick, 20-30nm diameter) fabricated by this method. Disordered patterns were obtained by annealing a thin spin-coated film of polystyrene-polyferrocenyldimethylsilane (PS-PFS) block copolymer. Ordered arrays were fabricated by a similar method, except the polymer was first templated using a removable topographic template. While topographical templates have previously been used to impose long-range order on block copolymer systems, their use results in residual surface relief on the substrate and therefore in the finished device, which is generally undesirable. To avoid this, a removable template may be used. The pattern can then be transferred into functional materials such as silica, W or magnetic films to make long-range-ordered dot arrays over planar substrates. In particular, magnetic islands fabricated by this method maintain their perpendicular magnetic anisotropy but show increased coercivity (800-1650 Oe) as compared to the unpatterned film (150 Oe). Since the islands are uniaxial and non-interacting (calculated nearest neighbor fields are 50 Oe, Hc), time-scale-dependent magnetic properties could be characterized using Sharrock's approach. The measurements show switching volumes (V*) on the order of the physical volume of the dots (~5000 nm3) suggesting that the dots switch their magnetization coherently and independently of each other. The advantages of this technique will be discussed for large-area self-assembled nanoscale pattern formation, and how it can be applied to the fabrication of various structures including patterned magnetic media, DNA sorting and detection devices or plasmon waveguides.
FILIP ILIEVSKI , RESEARCH ASSISTANT, MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY.
Bldg. 217, Rm. H107. (NIST Contact: Robert McMichael, 301-975-5121, robert.mcmichael@nist.gov)

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MEETINGS ELSEWHERE


1/21 -- MONDAY

No Scheduled Events

1/22 -- TUESDAY

11:00 AM - CARNEGIE INSTITUTION OF WASHINGTON/GEOPHYSICAL LAB. SEMINAR: CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS UNDER EXTREME CONDITIONS: CHARACTERIZATION OF KNOWN AND NOVL SYSTEMS, ELASTICITY OF METALS AND MINERALS, SHOCK-LOADING COMBINED WITH PRECOMPRESSION
J. Crowhurst , Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, CA.
Bldg, Rm..
Greenewalt Bldg., GL-DTM Grounds, Carnegie Institution of Washington, DC. (NIST Contact: . ., 202-478-8900, seminar@lists.ciw.edu)



1/23 -- WEDNESDAY

No Scheduled Events

1/24 -- THURSDAY

1:00 PM - NANOSCIENCE @ LUND UNIVERSITY
Several speakers , from Lund University in Sweden and collaborating organizations in the US.
Bldg, Rm..
LOCATION: House of Sweden, 2900 K Street, NW, Washington, DC 20007, TIME: 1:00PM - 5:00PM. (NIST Contact: Britt-Marie Forslund, 202-467-2671, britt-marie.forslund@foreign.ministry.se) http://www.swedenabroad.com/CalendarView____12860.aspx?slaveid=69275



1/25 -- FRIDAY

No Scheduled Events

ADVANCE NOTICE

No Scheduled Events

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TALKS BY NIST PERSONNEL

CLARKE, M. : THERMAL PROPERTIES OF GOLD NANOSHELLS IN LIPID VESICLES AND CELL MEMBRANES BY SINGLE PARTICLE TRACKING AND RATIOMETRIC FLUORESCENCE MEASUREMENT.
SPIE Photonics West 2008, San Jose McEnery Convention Center, San Jose, CA, 1/21.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

CALL FOR 2008 NOMINATIONS TO NIST PORTRAIT GALLERY
The NIST Portrait Gallery of Distinguished Scientists, Engineers and Administrators honors NBS/NIST alumni for outstanding career contributions to the work of NBS/NIST. Portraits and biographies of those selected are displayed in the corridor of the NIST cafeteria at Gaithersburg. Portraits of at most ten additional persons will be added to the Portrait Gallery in 2008. Any current or former NIST staff member may make a nomination. Nominations of alumni administrators of both programmatic and support units are welcome. Nominations are encouraged of distinguished women and minorities alumni, as well as of outstanding NBS staff members who retired before 1963. For the latter, it is understood that some requested data may no longer be available. For persons who were nominated last year, but not selected, a new nomination may be submitted. If a nominee is not selected after two successive years of nomination, the nominee will not be considered in the following year. Nomination instructions are available from the Standards Alumni Association, Room A-42 Admin, Mail Stop 0952, NIST, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-0952; telephone 301-975-2486; by email: alumni@nist.gov; or from the SAA website: www.nist.gov/director/saa. Nominations shall be received by the Standards Alumni Association on or before February 15, 2008, by mail or by email to the above addresses. No exceptions will be made to this deadline. December 2007
NIST Contact: Anneke Sengers, 301-975-2463, alumni@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: . ., ., .

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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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