Researchers at NIST have found a way to link measurements made by a device integral to microchip fabrication directly to the recently redefined International System of Units (SI), increasing users' confidence in their measurements. The device, a quartz crystal microbalance, is critically important to industries that rely on precision c...
A study by the National Institute of Standards and Technology found that used cigarette butts emit toxic chemicals, including nicotine and triacetin, into the air. These emissions can persist for several days, posing health risks to people in close proximity.
Researchers created and imaged a novel pair of coupled quantum dots, which could serve as robust quantum bits for a quantum computer. The patterns of electric charge in the islands cannot be fully explained by current models of quantum physics, offering an opportunity to investigate new physical phenomena.
The NIST study suggests a new definition for the optical watt based on radiation force and speed, offering a more precise, less expensive and more portable method for measuring light power. The proposed approach also simplifies calculations of mass and force, making it simpler as a primary standard.
Researchers at NIST have developed methods to measure the efficiency of five single-photon detectors, which are used in various applications such as optical communications and astrophysics. The study provides a tool for verifying future detection standards and aims to improve accuracy and reliability in these devices.
Physicists at NIST have achieved a major new feat by creating a bizarre quantum interference between two photons of markedly different colors, originating from different buildings. This experiment is an important step towards future quantum communications and computing.
Researchers at NIST have created a high-resolution camera with over 1,000 sensors to detect chemical signs of life on other planets and dark matter. The camera's success is crucial for future space-based telescopes and NASA's Origins Space Telescope project.
A new optical switch developed by the NIST team can route light at speeds of 20 billionths of a second, making it ideal for quantum computing and high-performance computing. The device uses a miniature racetrack to redirect light signals with low signal loss.
Scientists at NIST have developed a single-step method to dissolve hair proteins, allowing for quantitative analysis and comparison of protein molecules from two hairs. This new technique removes the major obstacle of working with durable hair, making it a valuable tool for forensic investigation.
The JILA team has demonstrated a highly accurate timekeeping signal by combining data from multiple atomic clocks. The system outperforms existing hubs and offers the possibility of providing more accurate time to millions of customers worldwide.
Researchers at NIST have created an optical system that can measure the flow of extremely small amounts of liquids with high accuracy. The technique relies on a laser interacting with light-sensitive molecules in a liquid flowing through a microchannel, allowing for precise control of flow rates as low as 2 nanoliters per minute.
A new technique allows police to analyze exterior packaging of suspected drug bags for safe handling, reducing accidental exposure to fentanyl. The method involves swiping the outside of a baggie and analyzing it for drugs using DART-MS.
The new clock platform combines near-continuous operation with strong signals and high stability, featuring unique possibilities for enhancing clock performance. Preliminary data suggest the design is promising, with the tweezer clock providing self-verifying performance 96% of the time.
Researchers developed a portable PLOT-cryo device to screen cargo for hazardous materials. The instrument can detect low concentrations of chemicals and requires minimal sniffing time, making it suitable for busy port inspections.
The NIST team used cesium atoms to receive digital bits in phase shifting format, receiving up to 5 megabits of data per second. The atom-based system showed decent accuracy with an error vector magnitude (EVM) below 10 percent.
Scientists have discovered a superconductor that can resist quantum decoherence, allowing for longer qubit lifetimes and more efficient quantum logic circuits. The material, uranium ditelluride (UTe2), has unique properties that make it attractive for building quantum computers.
Physicists at NIST developed a method to control ion motion and display exact quantities of quantum-level motion, up to 100 packets of energy. The technique enabled the creation of superpositions, allowing for more precise measurements and characterizing frequency.
NIST's quantum logic clock has reclaimed its title as the world's most precise atomic clock, with a systematic uncertainty of 9.4×10^-19, outperforming both NIST's ytterbium and strontium lattice clocks. However, it lags behind in stability, measuring 1.2×10^15 for a 1-second measurement.
The NIST team has upgraded their compact atomic gyroscope to enable simultaneous measurement of rotation, rotation angle and acceleration with a single source of atoms. The instrument's sensitivities for the magnitude and direction of the rotation measurements are approaching those achieved by other research groups using larger atom in...
Researchers at NIST have designed new probes for sensing emission flow rates and developed a measurement method that could potentially improve the accuracy and speed of smokestack emissions audits. The fieldwork results were promising, showing reasonable agreement with laboratory findings.
Physicists at NIST have developed a technique to amplify and measure the tiny motions of a magnesium ion, enhancing sensing of weak electric fields. The method could speed up quantum computing operations and detect minute changes in light absorption.
Researchers at NIST developed a method to measure magnetic properties of nanoparticles by rapidly enlarging magnetic bubbles, revealing the orientation of individual nanoparticle poles. This technique enables fast and economical measurement of magnetic stability for various medical and environmental applications.
Researchers at NIST have created a compact apparatus that rapidly measures the entire infrared band of light to detect biological, chemical, and physical properties of matter. The system successfully detects signature vibrations of amide bands in a monoclonal antibody reference material, providing insights into protein structure.
Researchers at NIST have demonstrated the teleportation of a complete quantum logic operation using ions, a crucial step towards building large-scale quantum computers. The experiment involved transmitting data from one ion to another over a distance of over 340 micrometers without physical interaction.
A NIST study identified 22 chemical blends that could serve as alternative refrigerants with lower global warming potential and reduced risk of fire, compared to the current standard R-134a. The blends combine R-134a with other commercial refrigerants and offer a reduction in GWP of up to 99%.
A new study by NIST evaluates the power usage and environmental impact of gas versus electric HVAC systems in low-energy residential dwellings. The study suggests that natural gas is currently more economical overall than electric for a code-compliant Maryland home.
Physicists at NIST have demonstrated a compact, high-stability chip-scale atomic clock using rubidium atoms and frequency combs. The clock requires minimal power and has the potential to replace traditional oscillators in navigation systems and telecommunications networks.
Scientists have developed a technique to directly observe an isolated quantum system, such as a gas of atoms, with unprecedented spatial resolution. This allows them to obtain details on a scale of tens of nanometers, enabling the calculation of wave function information and its effects.
Researchers at NIST have developed a portable, stable standards-quality radiation thermometer capable of measuring temperatures to a precision of within a few thousandths of a degree Celsius. The instrument is suitable for applications such as clinical medicine, satellite measurement, and food processing.
Scientists create ultrathin device with silicon nanopillars to shape ultrafast light pulses, enabling controlled compression, splitting, and distortion. This technique has potential for high-speed communication and studying ultrafast phenomena.
Researchers at NIST have collected accurate and comprehensive data on the fundamental aspects of laser welding, enabling better computer simulations. This improved understanding could give industries more control over laser welding processes, leading to faster production times and reduced energy consumption.
Researchers at JILA have developed a fast and gentle method to prepare DNA samples for imaging in liquid, revealing detailed structures of protein-DNA complexes. The process, which takes just five minutes, preserves the mechanical properties of DNA and produces high-resolution images of DNA's iconic double helix structure.
Researchers at NIST boost ultraviolet light-emitting diodes (LEDs) by up to five times using a special shell design, enhancing applications in polymer curing, water purification and medical disinfection. The new LEDs utilize p-i-n core-shell nanowire heterostructures with added aluminum, improving electroluminescence efficiency.
A new measurement approach could create the first CT measurement standards connected to the International System of Units (SI), allowing for more precise calibration and comparison among scanners. This could lead to improved communication among doctors, more efficient diagnosis, and less costly treatment.
Researchers at NIST have developed a new imaging technique that can observe the effects of strain at the single-molecule level, allowing for better design of composite materials. The technique uses super-resolution optical microscopy to track the alignment of molecules in response to applied force.
Researchers created quantum-correlated pairs made up of one visible and one near-infrared photon, combining the best of both worlds. This breakthrough promises to boost light-based circuits' ability to securely transmit information over long distances.
JILA researchers have made a long-lived, record-cold gas of molecules that follow the wave patterns of quantum mechanics. The creation of this gas boosts the odds for advances in fields such as designer chemistry and quantum computing.
Physicists at NIST have cooled a flat crystal of 150 beryllium ions to near-ground state, enabling more realistic quantum simulations and improved sensitivity for sensing weak electric fields and detecting dark matter. This achievement marks a significant advance over previous demonstrations of ion cooling.
NIST researchers demonstrate deep learning algorithms outperform traditional methods for detecting offshore radars, improving spectrum sharing. The new approach provides occupancy statistics for the 3.5 GHz band, enabling commercial users to determine when to yield to naval operations.
The NIST Astrocomb allows the detection of Earth-mass planets orbiting M dwarf stars, which comprise 70% of stars in the galaxy. The precision provided by the comb enables astronomers to find habitable planets around the most ubiquitous stars near Earth.
Researchers measured hundreds of individual quantum energy levels in the buckyball, revealing its intricate structure and enabling new insights into extreme quantum complexity. The findings have potential applications in quantum computing and astrophysics.
Researchers used the NIST Dragon to simulate ember attacks on thatched-roof buildings, revealing ignition occurred within 90 seconds and flames penetrated completely through the roofing assembly. The study's findings will help Japanese fire services develop effective counter measures and mitigate damage from large outdoor fires.
Researchers at NIST developed a measurement-based method for evaluating optimal antenna designs, reducing signal interference and delays. The method allows designers to select the best beamwidths for real environments, increasing network capacity and reliability.
Researchers at NIST made measurements of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) a hundred times faster than before, resolving fine details of transient motions. This breakthrough allows for quicker repetitive testing and assessment of durability in miniature mechanical systems.
The new NIST clock records set three important measures: systematic uncertainty, stability, and reproducibility. The clocks' total error drops below our general ability to account for gravity's effect on time here on Earth. This achievement enables the detection of faint signals from the early universe and perhaps dark matter.
Researchers at NIST discovered that oxide-coated silicon photonic devices can withstand up to 1 million gray of radiation exposure, making them suitable for measuring radiation dose in medical and industrial applications. This breakthrough could lead to the development of precise radiation sensors for medical imaging and therapy.
Researchers at NIST have conducted simulations suggesting that graphene can be stretched to create a tunable ion filter, increasing ion flow by up to 1,000 percent. This could have applications in nanoscale mechanical sensors, drug delivery, water purification and sieves for ion mixtures.
Researchers have isolated groups of a few atoms and precisely measured their multi-particle interactions within an atomic clock. The study reveals unexpected results when three or more atoms are together, including nonlinear shifts in the clock's frequency and long-lived entangled states.
Researchers at NIST have developed a novel metal-organic framework (MOF) that can separate ethylene from a mixture of hydrocarbons using far less energy than traditional methods. This breakthrough could reduce the environmental cost of plastic manufacturing and make it more sustainable.
A new portable vacuum gauge, developed by NIST scientists, tracks changes in the number of cold lithium atoms trapped by laser and magnetic fields to measure pressure. This innovation uses ultracold trapped lithium atoms, which have an exceptionally low vapor pressure at room temperature.