A statistical method developed by NIST makes analyzing satellite-borne time signals faster and easier, enabling accurate location and distance measurements. The method also accelerates the evaluation of clocks during satellite construction, improving GPS reliability and accuracy.
Jan Hall, a scientist emeritus at NIST and JILA fellow, was awarded the 2005 Nobel Prize in Physics alongside Theodor W. Hänsch for their contributions to laser-based precision spectroscopy. Their work enabled precise control of light frequencies, leading to breakthroughs in science, technology, and navigation.
The NIST-F1 clock has been improved to measure time and frequency with unprecedented accuracy, recording an uncertainty of 0.53 × 10-15 seconds per measurement. This achievement is attributed to advancements in laser technology, atomic vapor management, and magnetic field control.
Scientists at NIST have successfully synchronized the signals emitted by multiple nanoscale oscillators, amplifying their output power and stabilizing their signal pattern. This breakthrough could lead to smaller, cheaper wireless communications components.
Scientists at NIST confirm improved accuracy of 'watt balance' method, reducing measurement uncertainty by about 40 percent, moving closer to redefining the kilogram in terms of basic properties of nature.
Researchers from NIST and UC Berkeley use NEXAFS spectroscopy to track chemical reactions, molecular reordering, and defect formation in organic electronic devices. The study reveals the importance of film structure and composition on charge carrier movement, offering a new tool for improving device performance.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has provided critical shielding data to NASA, enabling the resumption of space shuttle flights. The NIST system measures electromagnetic shielding characteristics in key locations, allowing NASA to set safe power levels on radar systems.
Researchers find nickel gallium sulfide material exhibits disordered magnetic spin arrangement, characteristic of a liquid magnetic state. The team used neutron experiments to study the material's structure and properties, shedding light on its unique magnetic behavior.
The ERCC proposes developing consistent, well-characterized RNA samples to validate gene expression assays. These external RNA controls will help ensure comparable results across microarray and QRT-PCR systems.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has developed a program to facilitate the development and sharing of security configuration checklists. The program provides guidelines for creating more effective checklists and includes an easy-to-use repository of existing checklists.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has developed innovative authentication mechanisms for handheld devices, including proximity beacons and mobile device authentication. These mechanisms use location-based authentication to secure sensitive information on these devices.
Researchers create lab method to detect active anthrax proteins in blood samples with extremely low levels of concentration. The new system produces unambiguous results in about an hour, significantly faster than current methods.
Researchers found that acetaldehyde reacts with polyamines to produce crotonaldehyde, which then forms a mutagenic compound that can cause cancer. The reactions occur at concentrations of acetaldehyde found in human saliva and gastrointestinal tissues after drinking alcohol.
NIST demonstrates improved quantum memory capabilities, enabling qubits to maintain superpositions over 1 million times longer. This advance significantly reduces the computing resources needed to correct memory errors in fault-tolerant quantum computers.
The National Vulnerability Database (NVD) provides detailed information on over 12,000 computer vulnerabilities. Users can search and research vulnerabilities by various characteristics, including severity and impact, to enhance their cybersecurity efforts.
Physicists at NIST have used the natural oscillations of two different types of charged atoms to produce the 'ticks' that may power a future atomic clock. By transferring information between two ions, they were able to determine the aluminum's resonant frequency extremely accurately.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has released a draft federal IT security standard, FIPS Publication 200, to aid in FISMA compliance. The document provides guidelines for minimum security requirements and a risk-based approach for selecting security controls.
The NIST Guide for the Selection of Biological Agent Detection Equipment for Emergency First Responders provides a comprehensive resource for selecting biological agent detection equipment. The guide cites 19 performance parameters to consider, including sensitivity and ease-of-use, to help first responders make informed decisions.
Researchers at NIST and university partners find that carbon nanotubes can be sorted by length during mixing, which could lead to more affordable high-quality polymer nanocomposites. The study reveals that shorter tubes tend to congregate near the walls of mixing equipment.
Researchers at NIST developed a compact, vertically mounted cavity that eliminates vibrations, allowing for stable laser light with minimal environmental disturbances. The new design outperforms previous systems in size and cost, enabling widespread adoption of precise optical technologies.
Researchers at NIST have developed an improved experimental X-ray detector that can detect X-rays across a broad range of energies with pinpoint energy resolution. The new detector uses quantum-level, transition edge sensors and improved temperature control systems, eliminating the need for constant recalibrations.
Researchers at NIST found a significant difference between white light interferometric microscopes and phase shifting interferometers in measuring surface roughness, with discrepancies peaking at 100 nanometers. The study evaluated five instruments from three vendors and compared them to stylus profiling instruments.
Scientists at JILA developed a method to study RNA dynamics, revealing the 'stickiness' between specific loops and sequences that stabilize folding. This information is crucial for understanding RNA structure and its effects on function.
Researchers found that increasing water vapor levels caused less damage to mirrors, possibly due to increased ambient hydrocarbon levels. Introducing methanol mitigates water-induced damage, paving the way for accelerated testing and broader illumination capabilities.
A new NIST-developed instrument uses infrared laser light to accurately measure silicon wafer thickness, enabling precise nanoscale dimension measurements. The Improved Infrared Interferometer can produce detailed spatial maps of differences in thickness with high repeatability.
Majkrzak's work on neutron reflectometry has significantly improved the field's ability to analyze atomic and magnetic structures. His research findings have numerous applications in biology, particularly in the study of materials at the molecular level.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology has issued a report calling for strengthened codes to prevent similar nightclub fires. The recommendations aim to enhance occupant safety by implementing measures such as sprinkler systems, flammable material restrictions, and emergency preparedness practices.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has released a report with 30 recommendations to improve the safety of tall buildings, their occupants, and first responders. The recommendations aim to enhance fire resistance, prevent progressive collapse, and design buildings for efficient evacuations.
The NIST design uses a simplified type of contact between the nanowire channel and electrodes, allowing more electrical current to flow. The results suggest that nanowire transistors can improve performance in nanoscale electronics while retaining industry's existing silicon technology infrastructure.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is establishing a program to accredit voting system test labs, which will be part of the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP). NVLAP accreditation is a prerequisite for laboratories to be considered as Voting System Test and Certification Authorities (VSTC...
Researchers at NIST have developed a new DNA sequencing chip that detects mtDNA changes associated with early cancer. The chip promises faster, easier interpretation, and higher throughput than current methods, potentially revolutionizing early clinical cancer diagnosis.
Researchers at NIST and SEMATECH developed a method to determine nanoscale 'linewidth roughness' with improved accuracy, reducing exaggeration of true values by 40%. The new technique corrects for measurement noise and bias, enabling more precise quality control in semiconductor fabrication.
The NIST method corrects stray light errors in spectrometers, enabling accurate measurements of low-power radiation components and large dynamic intensity ranges. The new method has been implemented and validated using a commercial spectrograph, allowing real-time corrections without significant speed reduction.
The NIST-developed Cost Effectiveness Tool for Capital Asset Protection (CET) Version 1.0 aids in creating a cost-effective risk mitigation plan by assessing damage scenarios, identifying potential strategies and evaluating life-cycle costs.
A new measurement method developed by NIST researchers uses the shadow cast by a small glass probe to infer the dimensions of tiny, microscale holes. The technique provides an improved quality control method for precision-engineered products, such as fuel nozzles and biomedical stents.
The Common Message Authentication Code (CMAC) is a new authentication mechanism that uses block ciphers to verify the integrity of digital data. Developed by Japanese scientists Tetsu Iwata and Kaoru Kurosawa, CMAC is part of NIST's ongoing effort to update block cipher-based algorithms.
Physicists at NIST have demonstrated single photon detectors with an 88% efficiency, a significant improvement over previous designs. The detectors use a tungsten film chilled to near-absolute zero and are expected to enable reliable quantum communications systems.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has released Standard Reference Material (SRM) 1d for Indiana limestone, which is a critical component in various industries. The SRM will support the production of cement, concrete, and iron steel.
A new NIST method corrects time distortions in oscilloscopes, improving signal accuracy and reducing noise interference. The free software package can be applied to a wide range of equipment and signals.
Researchers have created a high-resolution ultraviolet light source that enables precise energy level measurements of specific atoms, timing of chemical reactions, and nanometer-scale object dimensions.
Physicists at NIST demonstrated a crucial step in using quantum computers to break today's most commonly used encryption codes. The team used three ions as qubits to represent 1s or 0s and identified repeating patterns in quantum information. This work paves the way for building large-scale quantum computers.
The study found that classification of research and development in the services sector has become increasingly difficult due to blurring lines between manufacturing and services. The researchers make recommendations for improved definitions and revised wording of questions to improve accuracy.
The course 'Fire Dynamics and Fire Modeling' provides a comprehensive review of tools for developing technical analyses of fire incidents. It features virtual reality reconstructions using NIST Fire Dynamics Simulator and Smokeview software, as well as case studies on actual fire incidents to demonstrate capabilities and limitations.
Researchers at NIST have developed chip-scale refrigerators capable of reaching temperatures as low as 100 milliKelvin, enabling cooling of bulk objects. The solid-state refrigerators have applications in semiconductor defect analysis and astronomical research.
NIST's special test arena is used to train bomb and drug sniffing dogs as well as robotic rescue systems. The arenas provide a challenging environment for dogs to find hidden explosives or narcotics, while robotics experts observe police techniques.
Scientists at NIST report that flow properties of alternative solvents called ionic liquids are extremely sensitive to tiny amounts of water. The finding could help design new industrial processes that are more efficient and environmentally friendly.
Researchers at NIST developed an X-ray technique to analyze high-intensity gas discharge lamps, revealing the spatial distribution of mercury atoms. This understanding improves lamp design and energy efficiency, saving $10 billion annually in U.S. electricity consumption.
Recent tests by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) found that portable radiation detectors perform well enough to meet new consensus standards, but produce inaccurate readings for low-energy X-rays. The results highlight the need for manufacturers to better design and characterize their instruments.
Researchers find nanomagnets exhibit 'upturn' in magnetization due to Bose-Einstein condensation, challenging Bloch's temperature law. This new understanding can predict high rate of saturation magnetization in ferromagnetic nanocomposites.
Scientists at NIST and Johns Hopkins University have developed a new optical method that can image subsurface structures under skin using polarized light. The method minimizes unwanted light scattering and may eventually be used to produce more detailed images of deeper layers of skin for diagnosing various types of skin cancers.