NIST creates a new test protocol and performance measure for evaluating 3D imaging systems, including indoor, artifact-based facilities and outdoor ranging capabilities. The standards will provide objective comparisons of different devices, reduce confusion, and increase user confidence.
The NIST quantum key distribution system has achieved a record speed of 4 million bits per second (bps) over 1 kilometer of optical fiber, twice the previous record. The system uses single photons and operates at an error rate of only 3.6 percent, enabling highly secure key exchange.
Researchers developed a microfluidic instrument to measure interfacial tension between two fluids. The device tracks changes over time as drops move through the channel, producing a measurement in approximately 1 second.
Researchers have developed a new technology that uses a bioactive cement scaffold to improve bone grafts. The scaffold is seeded with patient cells and formed with a calcium phosphate material strengthened by adding chitosan, which enhances cell attachment and reduces the risk of rejection.
Physicists simulated gases in optical lattices to study the behavior of electrons in materials. They found that electron blocking occurs even when the lattice would normally be a good conductor, and interference effects form natural fractal patterns.
Researchers developed a novel capacitor design to measure breakdown voltage in air at the micrometer scale, providing insights into electrical behavior. The device enables accurate measurements of arc formation and can be used to optimize microelectro-mechanical systems (MEMS) and larger electrical systems for automobiles.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has issued new quality standards for testing herbal products, focusing on the analysis of ephedra and potentially toxic heavy metals. These standards will aid in ensuring the accuracy of laboratory analyses and maintaining product safety.
A new method for identifying bacteria uses genetically engineered phages that infect target bacteria, releasing biotin-capped phage progeny attached to quantum dots. The resulting phage-quantum dot complexes can be detected and counted using microscopy or spectroscopy, allowing for rapid identification of bacteria.
Researchers at NIST are developing a system using RFID tags to help track first responders' locations within buildings. The system uses inertial sensors to correct navigation errors, providing more accurate location and local information. By leveraging this technology, first responders can navigate complex environments more efficiently.
Researchers at NIST have achieved a new record in quantum calculation precision, simulating the hydrogen molecule to an unprecedented level of accuracy. By merging two earlier algorithms and utilizing parallel processing, they were able to reach an accuracy of 1 part in 100 billion, outperforming previous experimental values.
The MINEX test demonstrated that minutia templates can be used to match fingerprints accurately, especially when using two index fingers. Systems with images and multiple fingerprint pairs achieved the highest accuracy rates, exceeding 99% in some cases.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is building a library of well-characterized RNA sequences for use as external controls in gene expression assays. The sequences will be released to the public domain to ensure broad participation.
Researchers measured key properties of liquids using immersion lithography, including refractive index and molecular size. The NIST report provides useful trends and data to help identify suitable liquids or calibrate measurements.
Physicists at JILA have developed a highly sensitive tool for real-time analysis of atoms and molecules, offering unprecedented capabilities in chemistry laboratories, environmental monitoring, security, and medical offices. The technology uses an ultrafast laser-based frequency comb to precisely measure light absorption signatures, en...
Scientists at NIST have developed a highly accurate gamma ray detector, capable of pinpointing emissions signatures of specific atoms with 10 times the precision of conventional sensors. This technology may aid in verifying inventories of nuclear materials and detecting radioactive contamination in the environment.
Scientists at NIST have developed an experimental atomic clock using ytterbium 'pancakes' that could be more stable and accurate than current time standards. The new design holds thousands of atoms in a lattice made of intersecting laser beams, which is also applicable to other atoms with even-numbered atomic masses.
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has adopted a new federal standard for mattresses, setting a maximum heat release rate to reduce the risk of flashover. The standard is expected to save an estimated 270 lives and prevent 1,330 injuries annually.
The NIST Structural Database has been upgraded to improve the quality of its crystal structure data, ensuring accurate results for materials analysis. The database now includes standardized data and additional fields for enhanced analysis capabilities.
Researchers at JILA use a novel laser technique to study semiconductor materials, revealing correlated oscillations that can aid in predicting emission frequencies. The approach, developed for probing molecular structure, offers new insights into electronic properties of semiconductors.
Researchers have created the first silicon transistors powered by single electrons, opening up potential applications in low-power nanoelectronics and next-generation integrated circuits. The devices feature tunable barriers that allow for finer control over electron flow, enabling flexible on/off switching.
The new standard offers greater uniformity in design, operation and arrangement of fire panels, as well as equipment specifications concerning wireless and remote applications. The standardization effort aims to make real-time information clearly and quickly available for processing, planning and response.
Scientists at NIST have created polymer nanotubes that are unusually long and stable, with potential applications in biotechnology. The team developed processes to extend the shelf life of these nanotubes, enabling their use as channels for tiny volumes of chemicals or as ultra-small hypodermic needles.
Scientists at NIST have developed an improved LIDAR system using a frequency comb to measure distance and vibration with high precision. The system resolves common problems with signal noise and dispersion, enabling accurate measurements of up to 1 kilometer away.
NIST develops a simulation program to analyze and optimize supply chain performance for small firms. The model identifies potential bottlenecks and enables data-driven decision-making to mitigate risks and reduce costs.
A NIST simulation program demonstrates that electron scattering from surfaces and grain boundaries becomes interdependent at critical nanoscale dimensions, affecting circuit speed and electrical measurements. This finding has significant implications for the development of thin, narrow metal lines in nanodevices.
The NIST Special Publication 800-21-1 provides guidelines for implementing cryptography in the federal government. The publication aims to improve IT security and facilitate FISMA compliance among federal agencies, ensuring protection of sensitive information and systems.
A laboratory method has revealed new data on a mysterious 'floppy' molecule, helping explain its properties and overcoming a decades-old challenge in chemistry. The study combined experiments with theoretical predictions and enabled the analysis of cold, concentrated samples of the molecule.
Researchers at NIST discovered that acetaminophen, a widely used pain reliever, transforms into 11 new toxic compounds when exposed to chlorine disinfection in wastewater. The study highlights the need for environmental scientists to consider downstream reaction products when assessing pharmaceutical impacts on the environment.
Researchers at NIST have submitted recommendations for standardized performance guidelines for thermal imagers used in six critical emergency situations, including locating victims and pinpointing fire sources. The proposed evaluation methods will improve the selection process for life-saving devices costing $10,000 each.
Researchers discover that the narwhal's tusk, measuring up to 9 feet long, contains up to 10 million nerve pathways, allowing it to detect changes in temperature and pressure. The unique structure of the tusk, with softer outer layers, may serve as a shock absorber to prevent breaks.
The NIST Mass Spectra Library has been upgraded with approximately 20,000 new spectra, increasing the total number of compounds to over 163,000. The new library includes gas-phase retention index data for volatile organic compounds and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) spectra.
Scientists conducted precise tests of Einstein's famous formula, confirming the relationship between energy and mass. The experiments used instruments like GAMS4 to measure gamma rays diffracted by crystals, achieving accuracy of four-tenths of 1 part in 1 million.
A new laser-based method for measuring millimeter distances has been developed and demonstrated by a physicist at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The technique measures frequency rather than wavelength, achieving an uncertainty of 10 picometers.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has designed preliminary test procedures to measure the performance of the Integrated Vehicle-Based Safety System (IVBSS). The IVBSS aims to detect and warn drivers of potential crashes at different speeds and in various driving situations. NIST will observe contractor tests and...
NIST researchers discovered that metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) can store up to 10% of their weight in hydrogen at low temperatures. The nano-cage structure offers a promising approach for storing and releasing hydrogen, which could potentially replace fossil fuels in future automobiles.
The US-China Standards Portal aims to facilitate US companies' entry into the Chinese market by providing translations of key national standards and information on standards systems. The portal's enhancements will support the development of timetables and actions to make the US more competitive in international standards.
Researchers at NIST and UPenn found that jammed networks formed by carbon nanotubes or nanofibers can create a continuous, heat-shield layer on top of polymer matrices, suppressing vigorous bubbling and improving flammability resistance. Optimal gel concentrations for single- and multi-walled carbon nanotubes were 0.5% and 1%, respecti...
Researchers at NIST successfully entangle six ions to exhibit superposition of spin states, extending the domain of Schrödinger cat states. The achievement has implications for quantum computing, encryption, and precision instruments.
Researchers at NIST have developed a method to improve the efficiency of water chillers in large commercial buildings. By adding small amounts of oil additives to refrigerants, they claim to increase cooling capacity similar to a heat pump.
Researchers at National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have developed a new design for X-ray sensors that can measure energies with an uncertainty of only 2.4 electron volts (eV), nearly doubling the resolution of experimental X-ray sensors. The improved design is expected to enable precise identification of the X-ray 'fi...
Researchers identify columnar grain boundaries as cause of whisker and hillock formation. Alternative electroplating method aims to disrupt these structures, reducing environmental hazards and improving component reliability.
Researchers at NIST are working on 'intelligent' building systems that provide real-time data to firefighters and police, enhancing their response to emergencies. These systems will send information such as floor plans and sensor data directly to dispatchers, enabling more accurate assessments and mitigation of emergencies.
A new NIST device, called a goniospectrometer, automatically measures the color of light reflected from a surface as well as its dependence on the directions of illumination and observation. This comprehensive tool provides more complete data on reflection of light from a color surface.
The Health Care Standards Landscape (HCSL) is a comprehensive source of information on health care standards, providing real and sample data to demonstrate its capabilities. Organizations such as the Agency for Health Research and Quality are collaborating with NIST on this project.
A recent NIST paper explains that actual fuel tank capacity can vary from the rated capacity rating due to design characteristics, manufacturing process, and physics. Drivers are cautioned against using the 'half full' reading on the fuel gauge to determine exact fuel tank capacity.
Researchers at JILA use laser pulses to take snapshots of atom collisions, revealing how atoms briefly lose form and energy when colliding. The results provide new insights into atomic dynamics and the laws of physics.
Researchers at NIST have successfully assembled and disassembled long chains of magnetic nanoparticles, offering potential applications in medical imaging and information storage. The chains are formed using a weak magnetic field, which induces alignment of the nanoparticles and allows for controlled manipulation.
Researchers simulated conditions of three building types in six cities and found that improved air tightness would result in energy savings ranging from 9-37%. The study suggests that increased airtightness can lead to smaller but still significant cost savings in warmer climates.
Researchers from UMD and NIST developed a new analytical tool based on thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS) to study seasonal changes in sulfur particulate composition. The technique requires much smaller snow samples than standard analysis techniques, allowing for more precise measurements of sulfur isotopes.
The project aims to develop comprehensive US&R standards for rescue robots, including performance requirements and tests for certification. Over 13 different robot types and over 100 individual performance requirements have been identified.