COOPERATIVE RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES AT NBS

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP90-00530R000501260010-2
• Release Decision: RIFPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 55
• Document Creation Date: December 27, 2016
• Document Release Date: January 23, 2013
• Sequence Number: 10
• Publication Date: December 1, 1986
• Content Type: MISC

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Cooperative Research Opportunities at NBS
NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS ? U. S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
D
D
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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Malcolm Baldrige, Secretary
National Bureau of Standards
Ernest Ambler, Director
National Bureau of Standards
Gaithersburg, MD 20899
301/975-2000
National Bureau of Standards
Boulder, CO 80303
3031497-3000
Library of Congress
Catalog Card Number:
86-600570
CODEN:XNBSAV
Any mention of commercial products
is for information only; it does not
imply recommendation or endorsement
by the National Bureau of Standards
nor does it imply that the products
mentioned are necessarily the best
available for the purpose.
For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402
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Contents
Message from the Director 3
Cooperative Research at NBS 4
Research Opportunities 8
25
29
31
33
Neutron Scattering and Diffraction 43
Nondestructive Evaluation 44
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Message from the Director
Our primary goal as the nation's physical
sciences and engineering measurement
laboratory is to serve industry and
science-to make sure our research is
helping the.nation solve its measurement
problems. By doing so, we help industry ex-
ploit the nation's science and technology in
its quest to compete successfully in the in-
ternational marketplace.
At the National Bureau of Standards, we
found long ago that one of the most effec-
tive ways to accomplish this is through
cooperative research. Each year more than
'900 people from industry, universities, and
other government agencies work side-by-
side with NBS scientists and engineers on
a wide range of research projects including
automated manufacturing, biotechnology,
computer networking, and mechanical
failure of materials.
Because I firmly believe we will best
meet today's economic and technological
challenges by working together, we are in-
creasing the opportunities for cooperative
research here at the National Bureau of
Standards. Let me mention just briefly the
advantages, as I see them, of collaborative
research to both NBS and the cooperating
organization.
Researchers from industry, universities,
and other government agencies get an op-
portunity to work with NBS specialists,
many of whom are renowned experts in
their fields, and to use the Bureau's
premier research and testing facilities. They
take newly developed technology back to
their organizations to be incorporated im-
mediately into new ideas, new processes,
and new products. NBS researchers, in
turn, learn firsthand the views and needs of
Bureau clients and, as a result, we are bet-
ter able to direct our research to meet
these needs.
One of our longest running cooperative
projects has been a remarkably successful
collaboration with the American Dental
Association. Started in 1928, the alliance
has resulted in the panoramic x-ray
machine, composite restorative materials,
and the high-speed turbine handpiece, for
example, as well as major contributions to
dozens of standards for dental materials
and hundreds of scientific papers.
The scope, duration, and structure of our
cooperative projects are tailored to the prob-
lem to be solved. They can last for a few
weeks or a few years and involve one,
several, or even hundreds of organizations.
Our goal is to solve the problem at hand
quickly, efficiently, and effectively.
I invite you to review the research oppor-
tunities described in this brochure, and
then to call us to discuss the possibilities for
collaborative research in an area that is of
concern to both of us. By working together,
we can facilitate technology transfer, help
improve industrial productivity, and
strengthen this nation's ability to compete in
international markets.
Ernest Ambler
Director
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l
NBS chemist Howard Kingston and Lois Jassie, a chemist from CEM Corporation, have designed microwave techniques that can be
used to dissolve chemical samples more safely and efficiently than traditional methods.
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Cooperative Research at NBS
Numerous opportunities exist for scientists
and engineers from industrial, professional,
trade, and other organizations to collab-
orate in research at the National Bureau
of Standards on projects of mutual interest.
To accomplish its objective of supplying the
measurement foundation for industry,
science, and technology, NBS conducts
research in many areas, including ad-
vanced ceramics, automated manufactur-
ing, optoelectronics, and biotechnology.
Operated on an annual budget of about
$210 million, the Bureau employs a highly
skilled staff of some 2,700 at its head-
quarters in Gaithersburg, Md., and its site
in Boulder, Colo. NBS also has extensive
research and testing facilities that are
available for use in cooperative research,
such as a 20-megawatt research reactor,
an electron accelerator, a synchrotron
ultraviolet radiation facility, a supercom-
puter, a large-scale structures testing facili-
ty, a metals-processing laboratory, a fire
research facility, and a computer network
protocol testing and evaluation laboratory.
NBS will work with a company, trade
association, university, or other government
agency to solve problems of mutual con-
cern. One of the most popular ways NBS
research and facilities are made accessible
to U.S. industry is through the Bureau's In-
dustrial Research Associate Program.
Under this program, companies, trade
associations, and technical societies pay
their scientists and engineers to work in
NBS laboratories with NBS researchers on
a specific project.
In another type of cooperative venture,
companies subscribe to a consortium that
provides resources to have NBS solve a
specific measurement problem facing the
industry. This arrangement has advantages
when a complex problem confronts a parti-
cular industry and the research is too costly
or not possible for individual companies to
undertake.
Companies also loan or donate equip-
ment or software to the Bureau when NBS
researchers are working on a project that
could ultimately improve their products or
the way they do business. In such situa-
tions, these firms actively consult or advise
NBS researchers on the needs and con-
cerns of the industry. In other cases, NBS
makes its facilities available to companies
for proprietary research on a cost-recovery
basis, when equal or superior facilities are
not otherwise available.
Described below are a few brief ex-
amples of different types of cooperative
projects and the results they have pro-
duced so far.
Manufacturing Research Facility
The NBS Automated Manufacturing
Research Facility (AMRF), a research
center for studying fundamental questions
affecting factory automation, is one of the
largest cooperative programs at the
Bureau. Since 1982, 35 companies-large
and small-have paid more than 50 of their
researchers to work in the AMRF, and
about $4.6 million worth of equipment and
software has been loaned or donated to
NBS by industry for this project. The Navy
Manufacturing Technology Program is a
major partner in the facility, and the Air
Force Intelligent Task Automation Project
and other government agencies also have
sponsored specific parts of the AMRF ef-
fort. In addition, a number of universities
have contributed to the project by loaning
guest researchers.
Together these researchers are ex-
perimenting with methods for getting
robots, computers, and machine tools from
different manufacturers to communicate
and work together in an integrated system
through standardized interfaces. Their other
primary goal is to find a means for control-
ling quality in a fully automated factory en-
vironment by improving the measurement
process.
All of this will give companies, in parti-
cular small firms with less than 50
employees, the flexibility to buy equipment
from different manufacturers at different
times with the assurance that the machines
they buy can be made to work together
without expensive, custom-designed inter-
faces. Concepts developed at the AMRF
are now being adopted by hardware
manufacturers and the U.S. Navy.
According to a study by the Manage-
ment Collaborative Group of Chapel Hill,
N.C., the contribution of the AMRF to the
increased use of numerical-control
machine tools in U.S. industry will pro-
duce a savings to the metalworking in-
dustry of between $250 and $760 million
per year by 1990.
Chemical Engineering Consortia
NBS recently completed a 4-year re-
search project on the properties of super-
critical fluids which was sponsored by a
consortium of 14 private companies and
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the Department of Energy. The goal of
this research was to develop accurate
predictive models for supercritical fluid
mixtures and accurate experimental data
that can be used to test and further de-
velop the predictive models. Among the
results of this effort is a state-of-the-art com-
puter code to be used in the custody
transfer of supercritical fluid mixtures.
Meetings of the consortium participants
were held twice a year where research
results were disseminated and direction of
the project discussed. This effort was judg-
ed so successful by the participants that
two new consortia were formed from it.
NBS researchers are working on two
other consortium-sponsored projects in
chemical engineering. One consortium,
which is studying the measurement prob-
lems that result when a meter is installed
too close to a pipe elbow or valve, has 10
firms and the Department of Energy as
members. The other consortium has a
roster that includes nine companies and the
National Aeronautics and Space Admini-
stration, all of which are interested in im-
proving the performance of vortex-shedding
flow meters.
Collaborative Research in Microwave
Technology
To refine techniques for rapidly dissolving
samples in closed vessels within a
microwave chamber, CEM Corporation, a
producer of microwave equipment for
research purposes, sent one of its chemists
to NBS to work as an industrial research
associate with Bureau researchers. As a
result of this cooperative project, microwave
technology can now be used to dissolve
samples-everything from biological spec-
imens such as human bone and bovine
livers to botanical, geological, metallic, and
glassy samples-more safely and efficiently
than traditional methods.
By combining the microwave technique's
ability to heat materials quickly with the
superior dissolving properties of closed
containers under pressure, the NBS/CEM
research team has designed a method for
breaking down samples that takes less
than 10 minutes. Traditionally, using hot
plates and open-vented beakers, scientists
could expect dissolving times of anywhere
from 4 hours to 4 days, depending on the
complexity of the sample.
The researchers have produced a
database of information that will allow in-
dustrial chemists to tailor their own
microwave devices for desired results. They
are also helping others apply their techni-
ques: So far they have given information
and advice to more than 250 researchers
from companies, universities, and research
laboratories.
Biotechnology Center
In a first-of-its-kind agreement for NBS, the
Bureau, The University of Maryland, and
Montgomery County, Md., are establishing
a Center for Advanced Research in
Biotechnology (CARB) to provide a forum
for collaborative research among academic,
government, and industrial scientists. When
the new CARB building is completed in
December 1987, it is expected to house
state-of-the-art facilities and 100 researchers
from NBS, The University of Maryland, in-
dustry, and other government agencies
and universities.
The goal of the center is to radically
reduce the time and effort required to de-
termine the atomic structure of proteins and
to model and predict their properties. This
research will help build the foundation for
the rapidly emerging fields of protein en-
gineering and rational drug design.
Phase Diagram Center
ASM International has raised $4 million as
industry's portion of a cooperative
ASM/NBS program that will give scientists
and engineers more reliable data, in the
form of alloy phase diagrams, for designing
new and better metal alloys and products
in which metal alloys are used. Fifty com-
panies, organizations, institutes and agen-
cies, and hundreds of individuals made
contributions to ASM.
Researchers from NBS and industry
work in the Alloy Phase Diagram Center,
which is located at NBS. ASM and NBS
also support individual data evaluation pro-
grams in other laboratories. The critically
evaluated phase diagrams, which are
graphic representations of what happens
when two or more elements are com-
bined at various temperatures and
pressures, are published by ASM as part
of the collaborative effort. Data from the
ASM/NBS program are expected to save
U.S. firms hundreds of millions of dollars.
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Computer Networking Workshops
For the past several years, NBS has been
working with industry and standards
groups to make it easier for those using
computer systems or equipment to com-
municate with each other through com-
puter networks regardless of who
manufactures the individual pieces. NBS
has cooperated with the standards
groups to develop the needed standards
and with industry to implement and test
the standards in commercial products for
the office and factory.
As part of this project, NBS sponsors a
series of workshops for vendors and
users to discuss the implementation of the
Open Systems Interconnection (OSI)
Reference Model. To date, over 200
companies, including most major computer
manufacturers, communications carriers,
semiconductor companies, factory control
system companies, and word processing
manufacturers, as well as government
agencies have participated in the work-
shops.
Two successful demonstrations-one at
the 1984 National Computer Conference,
the other at AUTOFACT '85-of standards
for the OSI reference model have resulted.
These cooperative activities have now led
to the use of new computer network proto-
cols by several hundred companies for
manufacturing and office automation.
How to Participate
These examples illustrate the range of
cooperative programs that it is possible to
establish-from a small, very focused proj-
ect with limited resources to those in which
numerous organizations are contributing to
research that will affect an entire industry. If
you are interested in working with NBS on
a project, large or small, write or call one of
the offices listed below or one of the con-
tacts given in the Research Opportunities
section of this brochure.
? Industrial Research Associate Program
Under this program, which NBS has run
since the 1920's, scientists and engineers
from industry, trade associations, technical
societies, and other organizations work
side-by-side with NBS researchers. With
their salaries paid by their employers, the
associates work at NBS, usually for 1 to 3
years, on a wide range of research includ-
ing robotics, computer science, advanced
ceramics, and nondestructive analysis. For
further information, contact the NBS Office
of Research .and Technology Applications,
301/975-3087.
? Proprietary Facilities
While most NBS facilities are available for
cooperative research, the Bureau recently
opened up selected facilities for proprietary
research. NBS makes these facilities
available under certain conditions to sup-
port U.S. industry in its development of
new competitive products and processes.
For additional information, contact the NBS
Program Office, 301/975-2657.
? Other Arrangements
To inquire about other types of cooperative
research programs with NBS, such as a
consortium or research center, contact the
appropriate institute or laboratory.
^ Institute for Materials Science and
Engineering, 301/975-5658: Provides stan-
dards, measurement methods, data, and
quantitative understanding to aid in improv-
ing the processing and performance of
metals, polymers, ceramics, composites,
and glasses.
^ National Measurement Laboratory,
301/975-4500: Provides the nation with
state-of-the-art measurement services in
thermodynamics, transport properties,
chemical kinetics, surface science, molec-
ular spectroscopy, and chemical analysis.
Conducts research to .improve realization of
basic physical quantities.
^ Institute for Computer Sciences and
Technology, 301/975-2819: Provides the
standards, specifications, measurement and
test methods, and technical guidance
needed by government and industry to
make better use of computer hardware,
software, networks, and security.
^ National Engineering Laboratory,
301/975-2301: Conducts research in en-
gineering and applied science. Studies prob-
lems in electronics, manufacturing
automation, chemical engineering, the be-
havior (and prevention) of fires, and the
design and construction of buildings.
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Research Opportunities
NBS welcomes collaboration with scientists
and engineers from industry, universities,
and other government agencies on most of
its projects. To give those interested in
cooperative research an idea of the wide
range of NBS programs, a sampling of
specific Bureau research projects is de-
scribed on the following pages.
To discuss the possibility of setting up a
cooperative research project in one of
these areas, write or call the contact listed.
(Unless otherwise specified, all contacts are
at the National Bureau of Standards,
Gaithersburg, MD 20899.) For general
information on cooperative research at
NBS, write or call one of the offices listed
on page 7.
At the horizontal workstation in the NBS Automated Manufacturing Research Facility, physicists Christopher Stevenson (left) of
White-Sundstrand and Howard Harary of NBS discuss the next generation of machine tools.
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Analytical Chemistry
Atomic Atomic spectroscopy methods are prob-
Spectroscopy ably the most widely used analytical tech-
niques in industry today. Considerable
research is required, however, to keep
up with the changing needs of industry.
NBS research in atomic spectrometry is
focused on several different studies. For
example, researchers are working to
improve the analytical capabilities of the
direct current plasma (DCP) and the
inductively coupled plasma (ICP), as well
as experimenting with the glow discharge
as an atom reservoir. Additional research
concerns the use of spark sampling for
the direct analysis of solids, the
continued development of laser-
enhanced ionization (LEI) in flames, and
the evaluation of various types of
coupled chromatographic-spectrometric
systems for improving the accuracy of
spectroscopic measurements.
NBS scientists also are developing a
series of neutral density filters that can be
issued as Standard Reference Materials
for verifying the accuracy of the transmit-
tance and absorbance scales of
ultraviolet, visible, and near infrared
absorption spectrophotometers.
Contact: Robert L. Watters, B222
Chemistry Bldg., 301/975-4122.
Analytical Mass Analytical mass spectrometry has played
Spectrometry a key role in assisting industries, such as
the semiconductor industry, which
require accurate measurements of trace
elements in their raw materials, products,
and product containers. Bureau research
in inorganic mass spectrometry is
concerned with developing analytical
capabilities for the highly accurate deter-
mination of trace inorganics by stable
isotope dilution, the highly precise meas-
urement of isotopic compositions, and
the highly accurate measurement of
absolute isotopic compositions for the
redetermination of atomic weights. This
research involves development of
instrumentation in spark source, thermal
source, inductively coupled plasma
source, and laser source mass spectrom-
etry and research in chemical separa-
tions at the trace level using ion
chromatography and other techniques.
Contact: John D. Fassett, A21 Physics
Bldg., 301/975-4109.
Recently, electroanalytical chemistry has Inorganic
had a key role in the development of Electroanalytical
methods and materials for environmental Research
and clinical determinations, in particular,
pH and conductance. While Bureau
research interests and activities include
most areas of electroanalytical and clas-
sical chemistry, current emphasis is on
electrochemical detector development,
voltammetric and ion chromatographic
measurement methods, high-purity assay
by coulometric titration, potentiometric
measurements in biological fluids, and
fundamental studies and measurements
in pH and aqueous electrolytic conduc-
tance. NBS scientists are giving special
attention to the development of novel
electroanalytical instrumentation, including
computer interfacing. For all these
projects, instrumentation is available for
accurate pH, potentiometric, coulometric,
conductometric, voltammetric, and ion-
chromatographic measurements.
Contact: William F. Koch, A225
Chemistry Bldg., 301/975-4132.
More than 50 billion chemical analyses Activation
are performed annually in the United Analysis
States. The Bureau helps to ensure the
accuracy of these analyses by
developing new analytical procedures
and improving the reliability and
accuracy of present methods. One tech-
nique under study is activation analysis,
which is a highly sensitive, nondestruc-
tive, analytical technique not normally
available in most industrial laboratories.
In this research, methods of nuclear anal-
ysis are investigated utilizing the 20-MW
NBS research reactor. Research is
performed in all areas of the technique
including the capabilities of cold-neutron
activation, the use of sample self-
consistent (monitor) activation, the deter-
mination of new mathematical procedures
for the resolution of gamma spectra, the
development of prompt gamma activation
techniques, and the use of charged-
particle activation techniques.
Contact: Ronald F. Fleming, B108 Reactor
Bldg., 301/975-6279.
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Liquid Liquid chromatography is one of the
Chromatography/ most widely used analytical techniques in
Electrochemistry industrial laboratories. While this tech-
nique has achieved widespread applica-
tion, its uses can be broadened even
further by improvements in detection
methods. The focus of NBS research is
the development of novel approaches for
the electrochemical detection of organic
analytes separated by liquid chromatog-
raphy (LC). To apply this technique most
effectively, it is essential to investigate the
electrode reaction mechanisms of the
compounds to be detected using tech-
niques such as cyclic and reverse-pulse
voltammetry, coulometry, and LC/ultra-
violet spectroscopy. Ongoing work
focuses on the use of differential pulse
and dual-electrode detection, as well as
the development of single and array
microelectrode detectors. Researchers
also are developing new liquid chromato-
graphic separations employing specific
chemical interactions including chelation,
ion-pairing, charge transfer complexation,
and acid-base equilibria.
Contact: William A. MacCrehan, A113
Chemistry Bldg., 301/975-3122.
Bioanalytical Biosensors are the newest generation of
Sensors analytical devices having the potential for
widespread use in biomedical and indus-
trial monitoring applications. These
devices will incorporate the latest
advances in biotechnology to provide
sensors of high specificity and sensitivity.
Biologically derived substances have
important application as components of
rapid-sensing devices because of their
binding specificity, the strength of their
interactions, and their potential for use in
a wide variety of amplification schemes.
Immunological, enzymatic, and receptor-
ligand interactions are being explored as
the basis for analytical devices.
NBS researchers are employing a
variety of optical and electrochemical
techniques for detection. Detection can
be based on such diverse changes as
size and rotational mobility of analytes or
binding agents upon interaction, or can
be the result of enzymatic activity which
occurs due to analyte binding, causing
enhanced fluorescence or electrochem-
ical signal. Amplification can be achieved
with release to liposome-encapsulated
molecules, multi-turnover enzyme reac-
tions, ion-exchange polymer-modified
electrodes, and so forth. The combination
of high specificity for analytes with effi-
cient amplification provides the potential
for extremely sensitive devices.
Contact: Richard A. Durst, Al 13 Chemis-
try Bldg., 301/975-3118.
Using a secondary ion mass spectrometry instrument, metal-
lurgist Dale Newbury is able to map the distribution of ele-
ments both on and below a sample's surface.
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Analytical Chemistry
Supercritical
Fluid
Chromatography
Supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC)
in both capillary and packed columns
has recently received renewed attention
because the process offers several
advantages over liquid and gas chro-
matography for high-efficiency separa-
tions of nonvolatile molecules. Potential
NBS research in this area would focus
on the investigation of the variables that
influence the retention, selectivity, and
efficiency of SFC systems and on the
development of SFC as a useful analyt-
ical technique to provide high-efficiency
separations of complex mixtures. A
packed-column SFC is available and a
capillary SFC is being procured to make
state-of-the-art measurements. Auxiliary
spectroscopic detectors have and are
being developed to complement this SFC
instrumentation.
focused on both the physical and chro-
matographic characterization of these
stationary phases.
A variety of methods are available at
NBS for physical characterization of these
materials, including carbon analysis, gas
adsorption surface area techniques,
infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance
spectroscopy, and small-angle neutron
scattering techniques. Currently, Bureau
scientists are attempting to develop chro-
matographic test mixtures to evaluate LC
stationary phase characteristics and chro-
matographic performance. Such "perfor-
mance" standards would allow the direct
comparison of the various LC phases
produced by different manufacturers and
provide insight into the development of
improved stationary phases for specific
separations.
Liquid
Chromatographic
Stationary
Phases:
Retention
Mechanisms and
Characterization
Contact: Stephen N. Chesler, 301/975-
3102 or Stephen A. Wise, 301/975-3112,
A113 Chemistry Bldg.
Liquid chromatography (LC) on chemi-
cally bonded stationary phases (e.g., C18,
C8, NH2, and NO2) offers unique capabili-
ties for the separation of isomeric
compounds or compound classes.
However, significant differences in reten-
tion and selectivity characteristics, such
as relative retention, are observed among
commercial phases produced by different
manufacturers and even within different
batches prepared by the same manufac-
turer.
One area of NBS research has been
directed toward understanding which
factors influence LC retention on these
various stationary phases to predict,
improve, and control the separation
selectivity. In reversed-phase LC on C18
phases, polycyclic aromatic hydro-
carbons have been used as model
nonpolar solutes to study retention
mechanisms and selectivity. Various
physical parameters of these solutes,
including size, shape, aqueous solubility,
and partition coefficients; characteristics
of the bonded phase such as phase
type, alkyl chain length, and ligand
surface density; and mobile phase
characteristics have been studied to
determine their influence on retention and
selectivity in LC. Investigations have
Contact: Stephen A. Wise, A113
Chemistry Bldg., 301/975-3112.
Multidimensional (dual column) and very Multidimensional
high-resolution (> 100,000 plates) gas and Very High-
chromatographic methods offer the Resolution Gas
analyst an opportunity to perform difficult Chromatography
separations to facilitate species-specific
quantitation. These high-resolution tech-
niques are being investigated at NBS to
develop highly specific analytical proce-
dures for the quantitation of ng/g organic
constituents contained in complex
environmental and clinical matrices.
Research in this area focuses on the
optimization of multidimensional gas chro-
matographic experiments in which two
capillary columns, each possessing
individual and different retention
mechanisms, are serially connected by a
pneumatic switch. In addition, studies
center on the use and development of
tailored, very high-resolution capillary
columns. An independently controllable,
dual-oven gas chromatograph is available
for multidimensional research. Additional
facilities and equipment include state-of-
the-art sample preparation and gas chro-
matography laboratories, 12 capillary gas
chromatographs with multiple specific
and non-specific detectors, and a large
laboratory information management
system (LIMS).
Contact: Stephen N. Chesler, A113
Chemistry Bldg., 301/975-3102.
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Analytical Chemistry
Microbeam Interpreting the relationship between the
Compositional physical and chemical microstructure of
Mapping materials is important in understanding
their macroscopic behavior and in
extending their in-service performance.
Conventional microbeam techniques for
elemental/molecular compositional anal-
ysis on the micrometer scale, such as the
electron microprobe and ion microscope,
have been restricted to quantitative anal-
ysis at individual locations. Mapping of
the distribution of constituents has been
possible only at the qualitative or semi-
quantitative level. However, recent NBS
research developments' have led to the
production of the first true quantitative
compositional maps. Quantitative
compositional mapping with the electron
microprobe has been demonstrated
down to levels of 0.1 weight percent,
while quantitative isotope ratio measure-
ment in images has been demonstrated
with the ion microscope.
Current research activities include
extension of compositional mapping to
analytical electron microscopy, laser
Raman microanalysis, and laser
microprobe mass analysis.
Potential projects in this field include
applying the compositional mapping
instruments to materials characterization
problems, developing new techniques for
compositional mapping on other
microanalysis instruments, and inves-
tigating basic topics in quantitative anal-
ysis with microbeam instrumentation.
The equipment available for this activity
includes a Cameca electron microprobe,
a JEOL analytical scanning electron
microscope, a JEOL analytical electron
microscope, a Cameca ion microscope,
a Leybold-Heraeus laser microprobe
mass analyzer, two laser Raman
microprobes of NBS design, and exten-
sive computer facilities, including a VAX
11/780 computer and a DeAnza image
processor.
Contact: Dale E. Newbury, B364 Chemis-
try Bldg., 301/975-3921.
Trace Gas Accurate measurement of gaseous
Measurement species is of paramount importance to a
Techniques wide variety of industries in a number of
applications ranging from the quantifica-
tion of pollutant and toxic gas emissions
to the quality control of products. The
validity of data derived from such meas-
urements is directly tied to the availability
of useful gas measurement techniques
and to the degree of understanding of
their capabilities and limitations. While a
variety of techniques have been applied
to trace gas analysis, research directed
at modifications, innovations, and
rigorous assessments of these and new
techniques is needed to improve the
present state of the art in trace gas anal-
ysis. This research is particularly impor-
tant to the growing requirements for the
analysis of specific gas species in multi-
component gaseous mixtures and in the
extension of accurate analyses to below
the parts-per-million and parts-per-billion
levels.
Current NBS research is focused on
such trace gas measurement techniques
as new detection systems using
chemiluminescence, electrochemistry,
infrared diode laser systems, capillary
gas-liquid and gas-solid chromatography
coupled to mass spectrometry, and
isotope-dilution mass spectrometry.
Bureau scientists also are examining the
use of class-specific detectors for gas
chromatography and evaluating elec-
tronic circuitry to substantially optimize
signal and reduce instrumentation noise
and drift.
Contact: Walter L. Zielinski, Jr., B364
Chemistry Bldg., 301/975-3918.
A major task in the industrial production Nuclear Magnetic
of organic fine chemicals, drugs and Resonance
antibiotics, and biomolecules is the Spectroscopy of
characterization of the product for both Bioorganics
compositional analysis and quality
control. Nuclear magnetic resonance
(NMR) spectroscopy has proved to be a
powerful and widely used tool for these
and related purposes.
One NBS program in this area involves
the development of new and improved
methods for the structural, quantitative,
and conformational analysis of materials
of chemical and biotechnological impor-
tance. The principal techniques that are
being investigated include multinuclear,
two-dimensional NMR and its combina-
tion with multiple quantum methods and
distortionless enhancement by polariza-
tion transfer (DEPT). A specific goal of
this work is the development of new two-
dimensional spectrum editing and filtering
techniques and their application to struc-
tural and conformational characterization
via correlations with multinuclear chem-
ical shifts, coupling constants, relaxation
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Analytical Chemistry
times, and nuclear Overhauser effects.
This work is conducted at NBS with a
high-field (400-MHz) multinuclear NMR
spectrometer equipped with a new pulse-
programmer (process controller), a high-
capacity data acquisition system, an
array processor, and an off-line data
processing station.
Contact: Bruce Coxon, A361 Chemistry
Bldg., 301/975-3135.
Protein NBS scientists are using a two-
Characterization dimensional electrophoresis system to
by Two- characterize proteins and peptides. At
Dimensional present, they are probing the influence of
Electrophoresis size, shape, and charge on the migration
characteristics in the electrophoretic
medium. Well-defined protein "markers,"
especially of high molecular weight, are
required to allow standardization of poly-
acrylamide gel electrophoretic systems.
Charged polymeric materials other than
proteins may be considered for markers.
Because staining and detection of such
markers is of special interest, NBS
researchers plan to examine the
mechanisms of silver stains with neutron
activation techniques.
Research chemist Dennis Reeder is working to improve the
accuracy of two-dimensional electrophoresis so biotechnology
companies can use the technique to assess their products'
purity.
Additional studies will be directed
toward understanding the interactions of
proteins with metal ions. Image
processing by state-of-the-art instrumenta-
tion will be implemented in the formation
of meaningful databases. As part of this
program NBS plans to issue well-
characterized mixtures of proteins as
Standard Reference Materials (SRM's).
These new SRM's will be used to assess
the abilities of existing and new elec-
trophoretic techniques for separating and
detecting proteins.
Contact: Dennis Reeder, A361
Chemistry Bldg., 301/975-3128.
Inorganic and organic compressed gas Instability of
mixtures are employed extensively Compressed Gas
throughout industry to calibrate equip- Mixtures
ment used in assessing the quality of
products and the effectiveness of emis-
sion controls. The stability of these
mixtures is critical to their successful use.
A number of instances have been noted
in which instability has been observed,
particularly in mixtures containing low
levels of reactive gaseous species, such
as nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and
hydrocarbons. The explicit reasons for
instability may differ somewhat for
different gaseous species, but they are
related to at least two possible
phenomena:-gas-phase reactions and
gas-metal interactions with the internal
surface of the cylinder.
NBS research is directed at improving
the understanding and predictability of
both of these phenomena. The tech-
niques involved in this research include
those employed in surface science
studies and other approaches, such as
Fourier-transform infrared spectrophotorn-
etry, diode laser and other forms of spec-
troscopy, mass spectrometry, metal
analysis, trace water and oxygen anal-
ysis, chemiluminescence analysis, and
the use of specifically doped mixtures
and homogeneous gas phase kinetics.
Contact: Walter L. Zielinski, Jr., B364
Chemistry Bldg., 301/975-3918.
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Applied Mathematics
Computational Designing comprehensive software for
Mechanics modeling and database applications in
materials science and engineering is the
goal of this project. Current research on
computer-aided modeling of the behavior
of structural materials and components
ranges from microscopic feature analysis
of fatigue, fracture, phase change, creep,
and polymer crystallization to the stress-
life prediction of structural reliability of
critical components based on mechanical
and flaw-detection testing. In these
studies, NBS researchers are
emphasizing the interplay among the
choices of data representation,
appropriate physical principles, incisive
mathematical and computational tools,
and integrated software for graphics and
databases. In addition, they are
interested in mathematical theories of
elasticity, plasticity, viscoelasticity, and so
forth, as well as mathematical methods
using matrix theory, finite-element
algorithms, bifurcation analysis, statistical
distribution concepts and sampling
theory, and stochastic differential equa-
tions.
Contact: Jeffrey T. Fong, A302 Adminis-
tration Bldg., 301/975-2720.
Measurement Quality assurance for physical and chem-
Assurance ical measurements and productivity
improvement in laboratory operations
depend on the development of new
statistical methods and models. Current
interests at NBS include experiment
design for calibrations, robust estimation,
time-series analysis, and graphical anal-
ysis. In addition, multivariate problems
arise in the evaluation of complex elec-
tronic equipment. Therefore, estimation of
variance components and of statistical
tolerance limits for populations with
several variance components are being
studied.
Contact: Mary G. Natrella, A337 Adminis-
tration Bldg., 301/975-2854.
Mathematical analysis, in combination Nonlinear
with symbolic computation, leads to effi- Mechanics
cient analytical approximations by
computers. Perturbation algorithms
applied to nonlinear differential equations,
especially in celestial mechanics, result in
analytical developments whose
complexity grows exponentially with the
order of the approximation. Several
different avenues are being explored to
simplify literal developments generated
by perturbation algorithms applied to
nonlinear systems. These include the
identification of algebraic structures on
the domain of the normalization,
smoothing transformations to eliminate
perturbation terms outside the kernel of
the Lie derivative, preparatory transfor-
mations of a geometric nature, and the
creation of natural intermediaries. Prob-
lems currently under examination at NBS
are resonances at an equilibrium,
perturbed pendulums, and the major
theories of celestial mechanics. NBS
researchers, using a LISP computer, are
focusing their exploration on algorithms
amenable to computer automation
through symbolic processors.
Contact: Andre Deprit, A302 Administra-
tion Bldg., 301/975-2709.
Multi-dimensional geometric representa- Computational
tions and data structures provide the Geometry
basis for developing algorithms, software,
and computer techniques used to
describe, manipulate, and control objects
handled in an automated process. NBS
applications for this type of geometry
include manipulating objects in auto-
mated design and manufacturing
systems and optimal control of machining
and mechanical processes. In addition,
techniques of computational geometry
are applied to computations with digitized
cartographic data and to the display of
quasi-crystal structures with icosahedral
symmetries.
Contact: Christoph J. Witzgall, A302
Administration Bldg., 301/975-2725 or
Sally E. Howe, A151 Technology Bldg.,
301/975-3807.
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Vector To make effective use of vector
Algorithms and computers, new algorithms appropriate to
Mathematical the special architecture of these
Software machines need to be designed and
incorporated in high-quality mathematical
software for general use. Very successful
vector algorithms have been developed
for computations in numerical linear
algebra (e.g., computation of the discrete
Fourier transform), but few are available
for combinatorial problems. One area of
NBS research is concerned with
developing vector algorithms appropriate
to the combinatorial problems encoun-
tered in molecular dynamics simulations,
in particular three-dimensional simulations
with very large ensembles of particles.
Additional areas include methods for
solving highly nonlinear elliptic and para-
bolic partial differential equations as well
as nonlinear constrained and uncon-
strained optimization problems and the
solution of nonlinear systems of equa-
tions. NBS researchers also are working
on the solution of integral equations and
numerical evaluation of integrals. Soft-
ware development goals include port-
able, interactive packages integrating
modern graphics with numerical
algorithms.
Contact: Francis E. Sullivan, A438 Ad-
ministration Bldg., 301/975-2732.
Mathematician Sally Howe is developing algorithms and soft-
ware for robot motion planning that will be used in the
Bureau's Automated Manufacturing Research Facility.
Basic Standards
There is currently tremendous interest in Studies of
the growth of gallium arsenide (GaAs) Semiconductor
semiconductors on silicon substrates Materials
because such substrates can provide
excellent mechanical strength and
thermal properties that are not provided
by the GaAs material alone. A major diffi-
culty with .growing GaAs on silicon has
been the mismatch of lattice constants
and the concomitant incorporation of
defects. However, new studies show that
a better match of the lattice xxx can be
achieved if the silicon substrate is cut at
a small angle to the crystal plane. To
probe the interaction of relevant semicon-
ductor materials with the silicon substrate,
NBS scientists are using sensitive,
tunable laser sources to detect the
individual states of the atoms and
molecules as they interact with the
growth substrate and growing material.
Complete surface diagnostics and ultra-
high vacuum conditions are used in this
work. NBS researchers are determining
the sticking coefficients and adsorption
energies of the individual spin-orbit states
of gallium atoms and other dopant atoms
plus the effects of vibrational excitation of
the arsenic dimers on the growth of
GaAs semiconductor materials.
Another Bureau study involves the
deposition of thin films of amorphous
silicon, which are used in photosensitive
devices and in photovoltaic cells. Scien-
tists are examining mechanisms involved
in silane discharge and thermal chemical
vapor deposition (CVD) production of
such films. Mass spectrometry is used to
study gas discharge processes, gas
chemistry, and surface chemistry, and
their effect on film growth, character, and
quality. Researchers are operating a
threshold-ionization mass spectrometer
that can detect H and Si. H? radicals at
densities of 1 part per million of the
parent silane gases. The spectrometer
also has a threshold sensitivity in the
neighborhood of 1011 cm-3 in the reactor
vessel. All electronics, vacuum, and gas
handling apparatus necessary for
examining rf and dc discharges and
thermal CVD under controlled conditions
are available as is a pulsed laser for use
in studying surface species by laser
blowoff.
Contact: Stephen R. Leone, 303/497-
3505 or Alan C. Gallagher, 303/497-
3936, Div. 525, NBS, Boulder, CO
80303.
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Advanced AC Thermal voltage and current converters
Voltage and offer the most accurate and broadband
Current method for measuring ac voltage and
Measurements current for applications in communica-
tions, power generation, aerospace, and
defense. Thermal transfer standards are
calibrated by NBS in terms of reference
converters which have themselves been
characterized by reference to the NBS
primary standards. The primary stan-
dards are a set of special multijunction
thermal converters whose performance is
known over quite limited ranges of
current, voltage, and frequency.
Complex, bootstrap methods are used to
extend the current, voltage, and
frequency ranges. However, because
uncertainties expand considerably in
those regions remote from the primary
standards, NBS is studying new methods
and converter designs to reduce signifi-
cantly uncertainty for these regions. Of
particular interest are voltages below 0.5
V at all frequencies and frequencies from
100 kHz to 1 MHz at all voltages. The
apparatus available for the studies
includes the NBS primary standards with
sub-part-per-million (ppm) uncertainty in a
core region of parameter space and a
number of high-accuracy comparators,
both manual and automated, with sub-
ppm accuracy capability.
Contact: Joseph R. Kinard, 301/975-4250
or Norman B. Belecki, 301/975-4223, B146
Metrology Bldg.
Laser Many of the most sensitive and sophisti-
Stabilization cated applications of lasers depend on
the laser's spectral coherence, frequency
stability, and low-intensity noise. For a
number of years, NBS scientists have
been working on appropriate laser
control techniques in the domain of laser
intensity stabilization, laser frequency
stabilization, linewidth reduction with
active control techniques, and several
methods for producing quantitative laser
frequency scans. In the latter category
are two new systems. One, based on
optical sideband production by broad-
band microwave phase modulation of the
laser, allows scans over a ?5-GHz range
with inaccuracy below 10 kHz. The other
scan technique utilizes a novel inter-
ferometer/phase-locked rf system which
maps optical frequency change into
corresponding phase change of an rf
signal suitable for control, stabilization,
and scanning. This system is intrinsically
free of errors which accumulate over
large scans. In combination with a Lamb-
dameter for coarse wavelength identifica-
tion and a single absorption line used as
absolute calibration, for example, NBS
scientists can scan a few dozen
angstroms with sub-MHz accuracy.
Another NBS system under develop-
ment works entirely externally to a cw
laser to shift the output laser frequency
and reduce the intensity in a controlled
manner. The first application of this is
clearly a box which will sit in the output
beamline of any laser and "eat" both
frequency noise and amplitude noise in
the intrinsic output of the laser. Bureau
scientists have demonstrated this function
by the combination of an external electro-
optic phase shifter and an acousto-optic
frequency shifter, which also functions as
a fast controlled optical attenuator.
Residual noise levels near the values
fixed by the fundamental quantum fluctu-
ations have been achieved in laboratory
experiments.
Contact: John L. Hall, Div. 525, NBS,
Boulder, CO 80303, 303/497-3126.
X-ray spectroscopy can provide informa- Study of Atomic
tion on electronic structure and on the Structure of
local atomic structure of atoms in matter. Matter with
Bureau scientists have constructed a X Rays
synchrotron radiation beamline at the
National Synchrotron Light Source which
provides the highest flux, highest inten-
sity, and highest energy-resolving power
of any existing beamline in the x-ray
energy range from 1 keV to 5 keV. NBS
equipment complements the synchrotron
radiation instrumentation. X-ray absorp-
tion spectroscopy techniques such as
x-ray absorption near edge structure
(XANES) and extended x-ray absorption
fine structure have been used to deter-
mine the atomic structure of metals, semi-
conductors, polymers, catalysts,
biological molecules, and other materials
of interest to industry. The Bureau has
additional experimental capabilities for
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x-ray emission spectroscopy, x-ray
photoelectron spectroscopy, and Auger
electron spectroscopy, which are
powerful probes of the electronic struc-
ture of solids, liquids, or gases.
The x-ray standing wave technique
uses interference between incident and
diffracted x rays to determine the precise
location of impurities or imperfections
within a crystal or at its interfaces. The
technique can be used to investigate the
location of dopants and imperfections in
semiconductors or optical crystals,
growth of overlayers on crystals, and the
structure of catalysts supported on crystal
substrates. In addition, evanescent x rays
which penetrate only a few nanometers
from an interface can be controlled to
study chemical composition in the vicinity
of an interface.
NBS scientists recently pioneered a
new technique, diffraction of evanescent
x rays (DEX), which combines and
extends the capabilities of the x-ray
standing wave method and experiments
based on evanescent x rays. The
synchrotron radiation beamline provides
an ideal facility for applying these tech-
niques.
Contact: Paul L. Cowan, 301/975-4846 or
Richard D. Deslattes, 301/975-4841, A141
Physics Bldg.
Vacuum and A wide variety of industries depend on
Leak Standards accurate vacuum (pressure) and leak
measurements for research and develop-
ment and for process and quality control.
As part of its program in basic standards,
NBS maintains, or is developing, pres-
sure or vacuum standards from above
atmospheric pressure to ultrahigh
vacuum and leak or flow standards from
10-3 to below 10-9 std cc/s. Facilities for
this research include five UHV systems,
two low-range flowmeters, high-accuracy
mercury manometers, pressure and
vacuum control systems, and a variety of
vacuum, electronic, data acquisition, and
data analysis equipment. These facilities
and measurement capabilities are used
to develop improved measurement tech-
niques and equipment and to investigate
Physicist Dieter Hits, at the NBS/University of Colorado Joint
Institute for Laboratory Astrophysics, conducts research in the
stabilization of laser systems to provide standard sources of
monochromic optical waves. Such devices are of commercial
interest for many areas of industrial and scientific research.
the performance of vacuum and pressure
equipment, including mechanical pres-
sure gauges, momentum transfer
gauges, ionization gauges, standard
leaks, and residual gas analyzers. In
addition, NBS plans to use this measure-
ment capability to investigate material
properties and physical phenomena of
fundamental interest.
Contact: Charles R.Tilford, A515 Metrology
Bldg., 301/975-4828.
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Frequency, Time, Advancements in communication and
and Phase Noise navigation systems require atomic oscil-
Measurement lators with increased performance and
reliability. NBS has several programs
aimed at providing advanced frequency
standards which have the potential for
benefitting commercial atomic standards.
Bureau scientists are currently working
on an optically pumped cesium-beam
standard which should significantly
surpass the performance of standards
based on magnetic state selection and
detection. Their studies on ion storage
and radiative cooling are probing the
potential for standards operating at
accuracy levels of one part in 1015 and
perhaps beyond.
Aerospace systems often require
extreme phase stability, which has led to
a need for high-quality phase noise
characterization amplifiers, frequency
multipliers, oscillators, and other elec-
tronic components. Thus, NBS has
initiated a program to develop methods
for measuring phase noise in such
components over a broad frequency
range (into the millimeter range). The
work will primarily involve the two-
oscillator technique, but other techniques
will be studied.
Requirements for synchronization (time)
and syntonization (frequency) of broadly
dispersed sets of nodes for communica-
tion, navigation, and other electronic
systems are increasing significantly.
Because of the inherent reliability,
simplicity, and low cost of using satellite
transfer, NBS is studying several possible
approaches for using this technique. The
excellent performance of the NBS Time
Scale and reliable ties to many other
international timing centers provide the
basis for analysis of the performance. of
these time-transfer techniques. In addi-
tion, the Bureau is equipped with GPS
receivers, Earth communication terminals,
and automated systems for statistical
analysis of the performance of systems.
Contact: Donald B. Sullivan, Div.
724.03, NBS, Boulder, CO 80303,
303/497-3772. .
Precision voltage standards based on Solid-State DC
solid-state references are finding Voltage
increasing use in dc voltage metrology, Standards
particularly in the design and support of
high-accuracy digital voltmeters and auto-
mated test equipment. To improve the
quality of these standards, Bureau scien-
tists are carrying out a research program
on Zener diodes and similar devices.
They are investigating device properties
such as temperature coefficient, short-
term noise, long-term stability, and perfor-
mance under temperature shock and
power interruption. The aim of these
evaluations is to identify devices suitable
for a rugged 10-V transportable standard
capable of providing sub-part-per-million
(ppm) accuracy when used as a trans-
port standard between laboratories. The
effects of temperature extremes, physical
shock, and shipping delays on diode
output is of special interest.
In another area of research, NBS is
producing a stable 1.018-V output
derived from a solid-state reference. The
researchers are specifically interested in
the design and manufacture of low-noise,
stable resistors that are immune to
temperature shock and power interrup-
tion. Facilities are available to test Zener
diodes with 0.1-ppm resolution and to
manufacture both bulk metal foil and
wire-wound resistors. Detailed study of
the dependence of device performance
on. fabrication parameters is possible
through high-accuracy measurements
referenced to national standards and
collaboration with Bureau scientists in
several NBS divisions on the fabrication
of Zener devices.
Contact: Bruce F..Field, B258 Metrology
Bldg., 301/975-4230 or Norman B.
Belecki, B146 Metrology Bldg.,
301/975-4223.
High-precision mass measurements on Automated Mass
mechanical balances in industrial stan- Measurements
dards laboratories are now very slow and
labor intensive. Since fully automated
mass measurement systems are not yet
commercially available, the NBS mass
program is developing a low-cost
modular system. It will include a balance
beam servo-system for automatic data
acquisition; automatic modules to probe
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N
air temperature, pressure, and relative
humidity; a thermal "weight-soaking" plate
servoed to the temperature of the
balance chamber; a robotic weight-
changer that can accommodate multiple-
weight combinations; and integrated soft-
ware to control the measurement process
and analyze the data with the NBS mass
code. Many of these concepts have
already been incorporated into a trans-
portable mass measurement assurance
package that is now being tested in
industrial and state metrology laborato-
ries. A fully automated system will not
only reduce the labor cost of mass meas-
urements, but will also minimize the oper-
ator and environmental biases that enter
the manual measurement process.
Contact: Randall M. Schoonover, 301/975-
4216 or Robert D. Cutkosky, 301/975-
4214, B160 Physics Bldg.
Temperature Improved industrial processes and
Sensor Research sophisticated scientific research require
temperature sensors that cover wider
temperature ranges with better accuracy
and precision. For example, the degrada-
tion of thermocouples exposed to high
temperatures for extended periods of
time represents a serious impediment to
temperature measurements in jet
engines, furnaces, and so forth. NBS has
several projects under way to test and
improve the performance of currently
available sensors. These sensors include
thermocouples, platinum resistance ther-
mometers, and a variety of cryogenic
temperature transducers. The tempera-
ture range covered by these projects
extends from cryogenic temperatures
(0.005 K) to about 1500 ?C. For this
research, the Bureau has excellent
temperature calibration facilities, an auto-
mated laboratory equipped to evaluate
thermocouples at high temperatures,
several laboratories equipped for work on
platinum resistance thermometers, and
cryogenic laboratories where measure-
ments can be made in the millikelvin
range. NBS scientists are planning a
series of studies of new materials, new
principles, and new techniques to
provide uniform and accurate tempera-
ture measurements.
Contact: Robert J. Soulen, B128 Physics
Bldg., 301/975-4801.
~ Building Technology
In a strongly computer-oriented program, Cement and
NBS researchers are seeking to develop Concrete
an improved understanding of the rela-
tions among the chemistry, microstruc-
ture, durability, and other factors that
affect the performance of cement,
concrete, and other inorganic building
materials. Current areas of research
include mathematical modeling of the
development of microstructure in cement
hydration and of the effects of microstruc-
ture on cracking of concrete; investiga-
tions of mechanisms of materials
degradation; and development of artificial
intelligence systems for optimizing the
selection of building materials. Bureau
scientists are conducting analytical and
experimental research on cracking and
the dynamic properties of concrete and
other brittle building materials. They are
performing chemical and microstructural
studies using a variety of techniques,
including light microscopy, scanning
electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction,
and thermal analysis.
Cement hydration research contributes
to making concrete a more predictable
material. Therefore, NBS is seeking
fundamental understanding of portland
and related cements and their reactions
with water by developing and validating
mathematical models based on plausible
reaction mechanisms, taking into account
such processes as diffusion, nucleation,
and growth of new phases. The models,
which will probably be run on a Cyber
205 computer, will predict the courses
and kinetics of the many reactions taking
place during cement hydration and the
development of microstructure under a
wide range of conditions. Special
experimental techniques employed in
studying the reactions of cements
include, in addition to the techniques
mentioned above, microcalorimetry., pore
solution analyses, ion chromatography,
and Fourier transform infrared spec-
troscopy. .
Contact: James R. Clifton, B348
Building Research Bldg., 301/975-6707.
Experimental and analytical research is Structural
under way at NBS to develop design Engineering
criteria for steel and masonry structural
components subjected to dynamic loads
such as winds and earthquakes. The
work involves identifying limit states and
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This computerized large-scale structural test facility is used to
test the performance of full-scale bridge and building compon-
ents during earthquakes.
establishing criteria to ensure structural
safety. In the laboratory, NBS
researchers use a unique computer-
controlled test facility that can impose
forces and/or displacements in three
directions simultaneously and a 12-
million-pound capacity universal testing
machine capable of testing large-scale
structural components 60 feet tall. A
high-performance computer graphics
laboratory including a VAX computer
system and specialized graphics-based
finite element software is utilized for the
analytical work.
Contact: Charles G. Culver, B268
Building Research Bldg., 301/975-6048.
To aid in the creation of buildings that Illumination
operate more efficiently and better meet Engineering
user requirements, NBS researchers are
investigating the interaction between
building occupants and illumination/day-
lighting systems. The work includes
developing criteria for illumination quan-
tity and quality and determining the
effects of light source color and the color,
size, and shape of the object on the
performance of visual tasks. In addition,
the research involves evaluating both the
trade-offs and availability of daylighting
as well as illumination controls and their
interaction with building heating/cooling
systems. The "basic" research laboratory
consists of a multichannel electro-optical
system that allows light to be delivered to
the human eye in an experimentally
reproducible manner, while the "applied"
research laboratories provide a realistic
environment for studying color rendering
(distortion) of energy-efficient lighting
systems.
Other research projects include
daylight prediction computer modeling
based on detailed simulation and
experimental measurements. Also, the
Bureau has initiated an experimental
project to determine thermal interactions
between lighting systems and HVAC
(heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning)
systems to provide improved design and
evaluation techniques from the standpoint
of energy effectiveness, luminous
efficacy, and life expectancy of the
lighting fixtures.
Contact: Belinda L. Collins, A313 Building
Research Bldg., 301/975-6456.
NBS researchers are studying techniques Indoor Air Quality
for measuring and modeling indoor and Ventilation
contaminants, specifically the effect of air Efficacy
leakage and ventilation systems on their
levels and movements. NBS pioneered
the measurement science for air infiltra-
tion by introducing the tracer gas tech-
nique. Currently the program has
expanded into measurements and
computer simulation modeling of various
indoor air contaminants, notably
formaldehyde and radon. Radon decay
and dilution processes have been
modeled, and several in-situ measure-
ments are being undertaken to develop
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techniques to minimize excessive buildup
of radon coming from the ground.
Bureau researchers have investigated
formaldehyde emission rates from
pressed particle boards and other
building materials to validate a prediction
model developed by the Oak Ridge
National Laboratory. In addition, NBS is
developing comprehensive computer
simulation models for predicting emission,
dilution, absorption, and convective
movement of contaminants in and
through buildings with a number of
rooms. An advanced gas chromato-
graphic mass spectrometer is used to
measure and analyze many indoor
contaminants, especially the volatile
organic compounds.
Contact: Richard A. Grot, B114 Building
Research Bldg., 301/975-6431.
Organic Building As part of a program to increase the
Materials usefulness, safety, and economy of
building materials, NBS is conducting
basic and applied research to determine
the quality and predict the service life of
organic building materials such as
protective coatings for steel, adhesives,
roofing materials, and plastics. Specific
areas of basic research include
advancing the knowledge of degradation
mechanisms, developing improved
characterization methods, and designing
mathematical models of the degradation
processes. The results of this research
are then used to derive stochastic
models for predicting the service life of
these materials. The stochastic models
have a basis in reliability theory and life-
testing analysis.
Bureau scientists are now using
computer analysis of infrared thermo?
graphic images for studying the rates of
corrosion and the formation and growth
of blisters beneath opaque protective
coatings. They are also utilizing gel-
permeation chromatography, gas chro-
matography, and spectroscopy to study
the mechanisms of photolytic and thermal
degradation of poly (methyl methacry-
late). In both projects, reliability theory
and life-testing analysis techniques are
used for predicting the service lives of
the materials.
Contact: Larry W. Masters, B348
Building Research Bldg., 301/975-6707.
An extensive program to determine the Refrigeration-
performance of heat-pump and other Cycle-System
noncryogenic refrigeration-cycle systems Studies
is under way at NBS in both the field
and laboratory. The systems being
studied include electric-driven, heat-
driven (adsorption cycle), and heat-
engine-driven systems. An essential part
of this program is the development of
analytical models that will predict the
performance of systems under. transient
as well as steady-state conditions and
with single refrigerants and refrigerant
mixtures. These models. will be for
specific systems, that is, engine-driven or
electric-driven, with or without storage, in
specific applications such as different
buildings and climates. These models will
predict the energy performance with
various parametric changes, including
component sizing.
Contact: David A.. Didion, B122 Building
Research Bldg., 301/975-5881.
Bureau researchers are devising and Thermal
improving methods for measuring the Insulation
heat-transfer performance of thermal insu-
lation and other materials used in the
construction of buildings. An essential
part of this program is the development
of comprehensive analytical and mathe-
matical models that will predict the
performance of these materials under
transient and steady-state conditions of
use. These models will be developed for
individual materials and for combinations
of materials that are used in the design
and construction of building walls,
windows, doors, floors, ceilings, and
roofs. The work is primarily of a labora-
tory nature, and excellent new facilities
are in place for use in the program. They
include a line-heat-source, guarded-hot-
plate apparatus that can accommodate
specimens up to 15 inches thick with
computerized control and data-logging
and reduction capabilities, and a
calibrated hot-box test facility to measure
simultaneously air, moisture, and heat
transfer characteristics through a full-size
wall 10 feet high and 14 feet wide.
Contact: A. Hunter Fanney, B306 Building
Research Bldg., 301/975-5864.
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Ceramics
Ceramic Sintering of ceramics is a complex
Processing process that involves the interaction of
many different processing variables. The
influence of these processing variables
on sintering cannot be determined simply
by measuring final density or some other
end-point property. Chemical composition
of the ceramic powders is known to be
of major importance and, under certain
conditions, 'can mask effects of most
other processing variables. As part of a
program on ceramics, NBS scientists are
investigating the effect of trace levels of
impurities using clean-room processing to
produce, compact, and sinter ultrahigh
purity ceramics. Compositions will be
measured at different stages of the
process using nuclear activation analysis
(gamma-ray spectroscopy). Results from
this program will enhance investigations
of other processing variables, including
particle size, shape, agglomeration,
compaction method, and atmosphere
under controlled composition conditions.
Such data will lead to better models for
microstructure evolution during sintering.
Use of predictive models, in conjunction
with other ongoing efforts to produce
unique compositions and phases, can
lead to new advanced ceramic materials,
with unique microstructures and proper-
ties.
Contact: Edwin R. Fuller, Jr., A258
Materials Bldg., 301/975-5795.
Tribology of NBS is examining the wear and frictional
Ceramics characteristics of advanced ceramic
materials with state-of-the-art wear test
analysis methods. Studying high-
temperature ceramics, especially the type
necessary for ceramic heat engines,
requires new test procedures and tech-
niques and standardized methodologies.
For such research, friction and wear tests
may be performed over a wide tempera-
ture range with a controlled test environ-
ment. Equipment is presently available at
the Bureau to test ceramics from 20 to
1500 ?C, and a unique high-temperature,
controlled-atmosphere ceramic wear test
facility that will produce temperatures up
to 1500 ?C is almost ready for use.
Bureau researchers are also inves-
tigating the control of friction and wear
by advanced lubricants and lubricant
transfer methods. Pre- and post-test
analyses include wear debris analysis,
profilometry, and scanning electron
microscopy (SEM). SEM facilities are
used to examine wear tracks and debris.
Contact: Ronald G. Munro, A215 Metrol-
ogy Bldg., 301/975-3671.
Imperfections in highly perfect crystals Electro-optic
typically limit their performance in high- Crystals
technology applications such as optical
communications and optical signal
processing. In particular, limitations in the
perfection of electro-optic and
photorefractive materials such as lithium
niobate and bismuth silicon oxide have
severely inhibited the development of
optical switches and modulators. Bureau
researchers are investigating crystal
perfection at a unique, monochromatic
x-ray topography facility at the
NBS/Naval Research Laboratory beam-
lines on the high-energy ring at Brook-
haven National Laboratory's National
Synchrotron Light Source. The informa-
tion from current studies, conducted
jointly with growers of high-quality crystal,
is expected to improve substantially the
quality, and hence the performance, of
these crystals.
Contact: Bruce W. Steiner, A329 Materials
Bldg., 301/975-6122.
Bureau scientists are conducting several Fracture of
long-range programs on the fracture Ceramics
behavior of two types of ceramic
materials, ceramic composites and poly-
crystalline ceramics. The program in
composites focuses on determining the
effects of the fiber/matrix interface on
fracture behavior of ceramic matrix
composites. The fracture studies on poly-
crystalline ceramics are exploring the
effects of grain boundary compositions
and structure on strength and stress
corrosion susceptibility as well as the
effects of phase transformations on the
strength and fracture toughness of
piezoelectric and dielectric ceramics.
Facilities: for these programs include
mechanical testing machines for tensile
and compressive tests, a microindenta-
tion hardness tester, and an environmen-
tally controlled apparatus utilizing double
beam configuration for environmentally
enhanced crack growth studies.
Contact: Stephen W. Freiman, A329
Materials Bldg., 301/975-5761.
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Materials Utilizing microorganisms to extract
Bioprocessing extraneous materials is one goal the
steel, mining, minerals recovery, and
waste treatment industries have in
common. Biological leaching is a low-
cost alternative to expensive energy
processes. Therefore, NBS researchers
are investigating microbiological
processes for iron ore and scrap steel
beneficiation through biosolubilization of
copper and phosphate/silicate minerals,
and bioprocessing-leaching and
recovery-of strategic metals by
mesophilic and thermophilic micro-
organisms. To develop appropriate
processes for each type of extraction,
characteristics of such microorganisms
must be understood. Thus, NBS is
developing and analyzing nondestructive,
surface molecular analysis methods
including microscopic absorption and
emission spectroscopies. In addition,
Bureau scientists are using ultratrace
molecular speciation methods for solution
and gas phase chemical speciation of
diagnostic products or. intermediates (gas
and liquid chromatographs coupled with
graphite furnace, flame photometric, and
mass spectrometric detectors). Other
areas under study include engineering
designs, bioreactor systems, and
development of standards such as metal
sulfide Standard Reference Materials and
ore bioleaching test protocols.
Contact: Gregory J. Olson, 301 /975-
5637 or Frederick E. Brinckman,
301/975-5737, A329 Materials Bldg.
Ceramic Powder Improved characterization of particle size,
Characterization shape, and crystal chemistry of ceramic
powders is now recognized as important
to the development and production of
high-quality ceramics for advanced tech-
nological applications. To obtain precise
and reproducible measurements of
particle characteristics, Bureau scientists
are utilizing a variety of instrumental
methods, including scanning electron
microscopy with image analysis. Theoret-
ical investigations and statistical analyses
of data are then used to compare the
results of the measurement methods.
The broad NBS program also includes
development of x-ray diffraction tech-
niques, reference materials and data-
bases for characterizing ceramic starting
powders, and ceramic monoliths. Auto-
mated x-ray diffraction instrumentation
with position sensitive detectors has the
potential for rapid, production-line charac-
terization of both phase composition and
material properties of powders and
monoliths. Characterization includes
determination of powder composition
(qualitative and quantitative phase and
chemical constituents), glass-to-crystalline
ratio, crystallite and particle size, residual
stress, lattice parameters, and thermal
expansion. Special equipment available
for studying the relationships between
particle characteristics and processing
parameters includes SEM, STEM, DTA-
TGA, furnaces with atmospheric control,
three automated powder diffractometers
with high-temperature stage, coulter
counter, BET, sedigraph, and particle-
size classifiers.
Contact: Alan L. Dragoo, 301/975-5785;
Carl R. Robbins, 301/975-5786; or Camden
R. Hubbard, 301/975-6121, A258 Materials
Bldg.
Techniques that probe the surface Ceramic Surface
environment of powders during crystalli- Analysis
zation and compaction are likely to yield
significant information on the link
between observed reaction chemistry
and product quality. To this end, NBS is
investigating Fourier transform infrared
(FTIR) and electronic absorption/emission
spectroscopies for ceramic surface anal-
ysis. Two lines of research in progress
exemplify the Bureau's approach and
serve as models for further exploration.
One project involves silicon nitride
powders from various sources that have
been examined by FTIR. Compositional
purity (Si-N/Si-O ratio) and percent beta
phase are easily assessed by this
nondestructive technique. The other
project concerns a fluorescent tag that
has been developed for the siloxy group.
The complex formed between the tag
and SO- on silica gel has been detected
by epifluorescence microscopy imaging.
This technique is expected to be useful
in quantitating the chemistry occurring at
crack tips in silica samples.
Contact: Robert A. Faltynek, 301 /975-
5636 or Frederick E. Brinckman,
301/975-5737, A329 Materials Bldg.
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Optical Films Bureau scientists are analyzing the rela-
tionship between processing, structure,
and properties of optical films grown by
electron-beam (e-beam) deposition,
e-beam coevaporation, and ion-assisted
e-beam deposition. To support industrial
development of new optical materials
with superior properties such as
decreased porosity, decreased stress,
greater index stability, and lower absorp-
tivity, these researchers are studying the
evolution of film structure starting from
nucleation, growth, thin-film adhesion,
and thermal properties of films. Charac-
terization capabilities include refractive
index by m-line spectroscopy and
channel spectra, thickness, absorption
coefficients by laser calorimetry, stress by
interferometry, thermal diffusivities by
photothermal radiometry, x-ray photoelec-
tron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy,
extended x-ray absorption fine structure,
x-ray diffraction, and electron
microscopy. New areas to be pursued,
with impact on optical signal processing
technologies, are epitaxial growth and
modulated structures for light-guiding
optical films with enhanced electro-optic
and nonlinear optical properties.
Contact: Albert Feldman, A329 Materials
Bldg., 301/975-5740.
Ceramic Phase Ceramic phase equilibria studies at NBS
Equilibria involve complementary research activities
in experimental, theoretical, data-
evaluation, and compilation aspects of
ceramic phase equilibria. These studies
include all classes of inorganic materials
except alloys. The data-evaluation and
compilation work is carried out under the
joint American Ceramic Society
(ACerS)/NBS program to,provide industry
and others with a comprehensive data-
base of up-to-date, critically evaluated
phase diagram information.
The established, broad-based, funda-
mental and applied high-temperature
chemistry research program examines
chemical phenomena temperatures from
25 to above 5000 ?C, atmosphere pres-
sures from 10-10 to 20 atm, and
multicomponent solid, liquid, and vapor
systems. New or improved measurement
techniques are needed for identification
and quantification of species and compo-
nents present under these conditions.
Furthermore, transitional species, such as
clusters of atoms or molecules, present a
particularly unique measurement chal-
lenge. Researchers need to measure
such species to be able to understand
condensation and surface phenomena on
a molecular-level and to develop
materials with unique structures and
properties. In addition to experimental
work, the research involves computer
modeling to extend the laboratory-based
data to industrial-process conditions.
Contact: John W. Hastie, A329 Materials
Bldg., 301/975-5754.
Bureau scientists are investigating low- Ceramic
temperature synthetic approaches to both Chemistry
oxide and non-oxide ceramic powders
and the use of neutron and x-ray scat-
tering expertise in atomic and microstruc-
tural studies. Special emphasis is placed
on the use of novel chemistry and tech-
niques to solve the problems of gener-
ating homogeneous, multicomponent
materials with predictable properties. In
general, systems currently under study
include barium polytitanates, zirconia-
toughened aluminas, and silicon carbide-
titanium carbide particulate composites.
These researchers are examining the
molecular structure of species in
multicomponent alkoxide systems, the
kinetic aspects of sol-gel reactions, and
to the microstructure of product powders
and glasses. These studies were under-
taken to define key process variables
and guidelines for developing practical
sol-gel processes. Coupled with powder
synthesis and subsequent compaction is
the development of in-situ measurement
techniques, including small-angle neutron
and small-angle x-ray scattering. Such
techniques will allow characterization of
key fundamental parameters controlling
early stages of the material processing.
This effort complements nondestructive
evaluation (NDE) sensor development so
that industry will be able to detect flaws
at the very early stages of processing
where the raw material can be recovered
and treated.
Contact: Kay A. Hardman-Rhyne, A329
Materials Bldg., 301/975-6103.
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High Temperature The success of structural ceramics in
Reliability of high-temperature applications, such as
Structural heat engines or heat exchangers,
Ceramics depends on the reliability of these
materials at temperatures that approach
their thermal limit. Because creep-
induced cavitation is the primary cause
of failure at these temperatures, the
characterization of nucleation, growth,
and coalescence processes associated
with cavitation is essential to establish
long-term reliability. Bureau scientists are
studying basic processes associated with
creep cavitation on a variety of ceramic
materials. To develop techniques for
predicting component lifetime, they are
relating damage accumulation during
creep to mechanisms of creep and
creep-rupture. This research includes
creep and creep-rupture measurements
at temperatures as high as 1600 ?C, and
the use of transmission electron
microscopy to evaluate modifications in
the microstructure that result in the
generation of strength-limiting defects.
Contact: Sheldon M. Wiederhorn, A329
Materials Bldg., 301/975-5772.
Research chemist Joseph Ritter (left) and physical science
technician Norman Adams are shown with the reactor they
designed for synthesizing advanced ceramic powders at low
temperatures.
Chemical Engineering
Improved energy and manufacturing effi- Separations
ciencies could result from using various
techniques to separate and recover
desired products from fluid chemical
mixtures. To improve separation proce-
dures, the Bureau is creating a science
base for a variety of separations. As part
of this project, scientists are working in
three rather diverse areas. One project
involves the aqueous two-phase parti-
tioning of proteins and biomolecules,
including measuring mass transfer
characteristics and diffusion coefficients
and developing mass transfer correlations
for classes of biomolecules. In another
project, NBS researchers are studying
membrane separations of carboxylic and
amino acids from reaction products and
waste streams using ion exchange
membranes. This research includes
separating organic compounds from
polar solvents and developing models for
the transport of weak and strong electro-
lytes through cation exchange columns.
Work in these two areas is expected to
impact the commercialization of products
in the burgeoning' biotechnology industry.
In a third study, Bureau scientists are
separating gas using novel/efficient sepa-
ration methods such as facilitated trans-
port through liquid membranes, while
conducting complementary modeling
activities. They are currently working on
acid-gas separations using ion exchange
membranes.
Contact: Subhas K. Sikdar, 303/497-5232;
J. Douglas Way, 303/497-5298, or Richard
D. Noble, 303/497-3416, Div. 773.10, NBS,
Boulder, CO 80303.
Thermophysical properties data are Properties of
essential for the design and operation of Fluids
many chemical processes such as super-
critical extraction. To obtain these data,
NBS scientists are using three new phase
equilibria apparatus for studies at
elevated temperatures. One has been
used to perform VLE measurements on
carbon dioxide-hydrocarbon systems and
refrigerant-hydrocarbon systems, the
second is a dew/bubble point apparatus
extending to 800 K, and the third
employs a palladium-silver membrane to
measure the fugacity of hydrogen-
containing mixtures. Four exceptional
instruments are available for making PVT,
-PVTx, and heat capacity measurements
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 Declassified and Approved For Release 2013/01/23: CIA-RDP90-0053OR000501260010-2
on pure fluids and fluid mixtures: an
isochoric PVT apparatus, a combined
Burnett/isochoric PVT apparatus, a
magnetic suspension densimeter for PVT
and PVTx measurements, and an instru-
ment to measure constant volume heat
capacity. In addition, an apparatus for
sound speed measurements is available.
Bureau researchers are also devising
techniques to characterize fluids and fluid
mixtures when the temperatures, pres-
sures, and times involved can result in
reactions during the measurement
process. Included in this work is a well-
equipped analytical laboratory and
specialized apparatus to study reactions.
Contact: Thomas J. Bruno, 303/497-5158;
James E. Mayrath, 303/497-3553; William
M. Haynes, 303/497-3247; or Gerald C.
Straty, 303/497-3502, Div. 774.03, NBS,
Boulder, CO 80303.
Radio Frequency The .successful processing of paper pulp,
Wave Diagnostics flour, coal slurries, and sludge depends
of Disperse on accurate measurements of the
Systems percent of solids suspended in water in a
pipeline. To help improve these measure-
ments, NBS is studying the propagation
of radio waves inside a conducting pipe
filled with complex materials. One result
of this research has been the successful
measurement of the solids fraction in a
two-phase water-solid slurry. This was
accomplished by measuring the wave-
length and attenuation of radio waves in
a pipeline utilizing a 32-element antenna
array placed along the axial direction.
From the known frequency and wave-
length the speed of the radio wave, and
hence the dielectric constant, can be
deduced. By then applying a mixing rule
and the dielectric properties of the
individual components researchers can
determine the solids fraction in a slurry.
NBS is extending the project to incorpor-
ate systems with axially varying dielectric
constants such as adsorption columns
and settling suspensions. Other measure-
ments such as polarization rotation in a
swirling slurry flow and Doppler shifts
due to fluid flow are being planned.
Contact: Adolfas K. Gaigalas, 109 Fluid
Mechanics Bldg., 301/975-5941.
The accelerating costs of scarce fluid Flow
resources- particularly gas-are Measurement
producing increased concerns about the Transfer
performance levels of gas meters. For Standards
these reasons, improved flow measure-
ment traceability needs to be established
and maintained so that realistic, quanti-
fied data are generated on a continuing
basis to assure practical gas measure-
ments at satisfactory specified levels of
performance. To achieve the desired flow
measurement traceability, the Bureau is
designing transfer standards to link the
performance of calibration facilities to
appropriate national reference standards.
As part of this program, NBS researchers
plan to develop a fluid measurement
transfer standard and evaluate its perfor-
mance.
Because of the importance of these
measurements, transfer standards need
to be designed so that high levels of
confidence can be placed in them and
their performance. The new transfer stan-
dards will be rigorously evaluated against
NBS gas flow calibration standards. This
evaluation phase of the proposed
program will involve the appropriate
range of calibrations to be done on the
developed standards so that perfor-
mance levels can be assured at specified
levels.
Contact: George E. Mattingly, 103 Fluid
Mechanics Bldg., 301/975-5939.
NBS researchers are gaining a Fluidized Bed
fundamental understanding of chemical Reactors
processes in fluidized bed reactors in the
areas of bioprocessing and advanced
optical measurements at high tempera-
tures. Their work in bioprocessing is
aimed at improving the design and oper-
ation of liquid fluidized-bed and
expanded-bed bioreactors for industrial
fermentation processes. To demonstrate
the feasibility of monitoring biofilm
development in fluidized-bed fermenters,
they plan to investigate the effects of
hydrodynamics on the development and
detachment of immobilized-cell layers
from individual carriers, and the effects of
these layers on carrier-particle
hydrodynamics, using magnetically
suspended spheres and other tech-
niques.
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Chemical Engineering
Research in the high-temperature area
is based on a fluidized-bed reactor that is
being adapted for advanced in-situ
optical measurements at temperatures up
to 1150 ?C. The principal advance
beyond the state-of-the-art probing of flu-
idized beds has been the design of an
optical probe that allows observations at
one or more arbitrarily chosen locations
in the interior of the bed. Presently, NBS
is interested in studying solids movement
in fluidized beds based on the fact that a
burning particle generates a distinct
signal as it arrives at an optical probe
location. The goal of this work is to
advance the understanding of the mixing
problem in multiphase chemical
processes.
Contact: Andrej Macek, B312 Physics
Bldg., 301/975-2610.
Thermophysical Chemical process technology requires an
and Supercritical accurate knowledge of various ther-
Properties of mophysical properties of pure, polyfunc-
Mixtures tional chemicals and their mixtures. NBS
scientists conduct research on the most
important of these properties-equilibrium
phase composition, density, and
enthalpy.. One NBS project deals with
developing predictive methods for the
properties of chemically dissimilar
compounds. Of special interest are those
compounds found in gas and coal
processing as well as chemical systems.
Bureau researchers are planning related
experimental phase equilibria studies.
A second project is a combined
experimental and theoretical study aimed
at developing accurate predictive models
for the thermodynamic and transport
properties of supercritical solvent
mixtures. The work includes PVTx and
VLE measurements on mixtures
containing carbon dioxide, halogenated
hydrocarbons, and similar supercritical
solvents. Other experimental work
includes the use of supercritical chro-
matography to measure diffusion coeffi-
cients in supercritical mixtures while
theoretical studies focus on the applica-
tion of extended corresponding states to
supercritical systems.
Contact: James F. Ely, 303/497-5467;
Joseph W. Magee, 303/497-3298; or
Thomas J. Bruno, 303/497-5158, Div.
774.03, NBS, Boulder, CO 80303.
Through the use of very thin films and detailed surface
analysis, physicist Stephen Semancik and his colleagues have
characterized the surface adsorption properties of tin oxide.
Such information can be used to improve tin oxide sensors.
To understand performance of thin-film Chemical Sensor
and chemical sensors, NBS is performing Research
experimental and analytical research
related to these types of sensors, Such
studies are expected to improve the
accuracy, stability, selectivity, and
response of chemical sensors and to
stimulate ideas for entirely new measure-
ment techniques. The Bureau's activities
incorporate adhesion, oxidation, inter-
laminar diffusion, surface adsorption and
desorption, and phase morphology to
uncover mechanisms of chemical
sensing. Analytical methods relate the
structure and composition of sensing
devices to fabricating parameters and
performance. Sensors include thin-film
thermocouples, fiber optic thermometers,
thin-film resistance devices, moisture
sensors, pH sensors, and gas detectors.
Fabrication facilities include rf and dc
sputtering for both alloy and reactive film
deposition and gas reactors.
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Chemical Engineering
To determine the feasibility of thin-film
systems as chemical sensors, NBS scien-
tists are investigating the electronic
properties of sputter coatings including
dielectric strength, surface conductance,
and capacitance. To examine surface-
sensitive techniques, they are employing
x-ray and uv photoemission, thermal
desorption spectroscopy, SIMS, and in-
situ electrical measurements to charac-
terize appropriate chemisorptive systems.
Contact: Kenneth G. Kreider, 301/975-
2619 or Stephen Semancik, 301/975-
2606, B312 Physics Bldg.
Optical Sensing Recent advances in molecular biology
in Bioreactors have led industry to recognize the poten-
tial benefit of applying these advances in
a diversity of industrial sectors, such as
the production of new drugs, food addi-
tives, and chemicals and conversion of
biomass. However, implementation of
these new technologies requires meas-
urement capabilities which do not
currently exist. Bioprocesses require a
very closely controlled environment,
normally realizable only in batch
processes. This is mainly due to the
complex kinetics of most bioreactions,
separate periods of growth and product
formation, biocatalyst degeneration,
contaminant risks, and mechanical
difficulties of handling rheologically
complex material. Therefore, develop-
ment of new on-line measurement tech-
niques is critical for future implementation
of bioprocesses. Furthermore, nonintru-
sive measurement methods are desirable
to avoid difficulties associated with
sampling, contamination, and long
response time.
To help solve some of these problems,
NBS scientists are developing optical
techniques, especially with the use of
tunable lasers, for making nonintrusive,
rapid, and selective measurements. The
use of fiber optics also permits the
development of probes which are steriliz-
able, can provide measurements with
good spatial resolution, and can be
multiplexed to provide multipoint
monitoring capability. Laser-induced
fluorescence is being used to determine
characteristics of amino acids, dipeptides,
polypeptides, and esters while Raman
and resonance Raman scattering will be
utilized to provide more species and
selectivity. Fluorescence techniques are
also expected to provide a powerful tool
for cell activity and intracellular kinetics
measurements.
Contact: Hratch G. Semerjian, B312 Phy-
sics Bldg., 301/975-2609.
To minimize the cost of high-price fuel, Particulate and
U.S. industry wants to obtain maximum Droplet
energy output from fuel combustion. Diagnostics in
Bureau researchers are tackling this Spray Flames
problem by attempting to improve
combustion efficiency. To investigate
droplet vaporization, pyrolysis, combus-
tion, and particulate formation processes
and to delineate the effect of chemical
and physical properties of fuels on the
above processes, they are studying the
dynamics of spray flames. Results of this
study will provide an experimental data-
base, with well-defined boundary condi-
tions, for developing and validating spray
combustion models. The experiments are
being carried out in a spray combustion
facility, with a moveable-vane swirl
burner, which simulates operating condi-
tions found in practical combustion
systems. A combination of nonintrusive
probing techniques is being used to
obtain comprehensive data on the spray
combustion characteristics, including soot
particle and droplet size, number density
and volume fraction, gas composition,
and velocity and temperature fields.
Currently Bureau scientists are focusing
their efforts on laser scattering and laser
Doppler velocimetry measurements,
which are being used to determine the
correlation between droplet size and
velocity distributions, respectively, in both
low-temperature and burning sprays.
Contact: Hratch G. Semerjian, B312 Phy-
sics Bldg., 301/975-2609.
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Properties of A wide array of experimental and theoret-
Interfaces ical tools are being applied to obtain
practical and fundamental understanding
of the structure, properties, and effects of
interfaces between fluid phases. NBS
scientists are studying a number of prob-
lems in this area ranging from the
conceptually simple to measure and/or
calculate the interfacial tension between a
liquid and its vapor, to more complicated
ones such as the phase behavior of
surfactant mixtures at water-air interfaces,
the thicknesses of adsorbed liquid layers
at solid-gas interfaces, the stability of
foams, and the evolution of mists. Bureau
facilities include an automated ellipsom-
eter and an automated film balance,
quasielastic light scattering for studying
the evolution of mists, an apparatus for
measuring foam stability, and simple
setups for measuring interfacial tension.
Computing facilities include a CDC 855,
a Cyber 205 vector processor, software,
and experience in simulation of fluids.
Bureau scientists are planning research
in several areas. One project will involve
applying quasielastic light scattering to
the measurement of interfacial tension of
liquid-vapor mixtures at high pressure
and the measurement of the dynamics of
wetting layers. Another project will focus
on measuring the permeability, surface
viscosity, and surface diffusion coeffi-
cients of surfactant layers. In addition, the
researchers will test NBS theories devel-
oped for the large increase of the surface
tension of a liquid-vapor interface when it
forms in a confined geometry (such as in
a pore within a pellet) and for the large
effects of ions on the thicknesses of
adsorbed layers. They will also study the
evolution of the drop size distribution of
simple, but non-trivial, mists comprised of
two hydrocarbons suspended in their
own vapor.
Contact: Neil Olien, 303/497-3257, Div.
774, NBS, Boulder, CO 80303
Chemical Physics
The study of chemical kinetics at NBS Chemical
has numerous applications, including Kinetics and
controlling and monitoring environmental Thermochemistry
pollution, of interest to industry, energy,
defense, and standards experts. Bureau
scientists have been determining the
kinetics and thermochemistry of industri-
ally important organic molecules,
molecular ions, and free radicals. Poly-
cyclic aromatic compounds are important
as reactants in coal-conversion processes
and as products in virtually all pyrolytic
reactions of organic substances. Facilities
are available at NBS to determine the
elementary rate constants and
mechanisms for reactions which control
the formation and destruction of aromatic
compounds at elevated temperatures.
These facilities can be used to study
reactions involving polyaromatic free
radicals in a variety of physical environ-
ments including high-temperature liquids,
very low-pressure gases, and graphite
surfaces. Complementary theoretical
investigations also are possible. Other
research involves the thermochemistry of
ion-neutral interactions using variable
temperature, high pressure, and ion
cyclotron resonance spectrometry. In
addition, a new laser laboratory incor-
porating the technique of multiphoton
ionization mass spectrometry is available
for state-of-the-art detection of free
radicals- particularly biradicals. Other
chemical dynamics studies can be
carried out using picosecond spec-
troscopy.
Contact: Stephen E. Stein, A147 Chemis-
try Bldg., 301/975-2506.
To evaluate the properties of important Biotechnology
biological building blocks such as
proteins and nucleic acids, NBS recently
began biothermodynamics studies to
evaluate existing thermodynamic data.
Biomolecule crystals, which can be puri-
fied and grown at the Bureau, can be
examined by x-ray and neutron diffrac-
tion techniques for single crystals.
NBS researchers have developed
quantum chemical computation tech-
niques to calculate how complex systems
of organic molecules interact with metal
ions in metalloenzymes. Computing facili-
ties include an IBM 4381, an Evans and
Sutherland color graphics system for
model building, and the NBS Cyber
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Chemical Physics
Using experimental data and sophisticated computers, physicist Irene Weber maps the detailed chemical structure of biomolecules
to determine how they can be tailor-made to carry out specific reactions.
855/205 supercomputer. In addition, the
thermochemistry of enzyme-catalyzed
systems can be studied using a variety of
calorimeters including micro-calorimeters
designed and constructed at NBS.
Contact: Stanley Abramowitz, B348
Chemistry Bldg., 301/975-2586.
Surface Surface characterization is now an
Characterization integral part of many technologies and
industries such as catalysis, coatings,
corrosion, semiconductors, computers,
automobiles, and communications. The
Bureau has several surface characteriza-
tion facilities available, including the use
of synchrotron radiation at the NBS
synchrotron ultraviolet radiation facility
(SURF II) and at the Brookhaven National
Synchrotron Light Source. A full comple-
ment of surface spectroscopies are avail-
able at SURF II and in other NBS
laboratories. These can be used to iden-
tify molecular species and structures on
surfaces. In addition, reaction chambers
are connected to some for investigation
of surface composition and catalytic reac-
tions. New atom probe field ion micro-
scopes offer high-resolution surface and
depth-profile analysis capabilities. More-
over, spectrometers are available at the
NBS reactor to perform neutron inelastic
scattering and time-of-flight experiments.
Neutron scattering is used to study high-
area catalytic materials under high-
pressure reaction conditions. The sensi-
tivity of this technique to hydrogen makes
it particularly attractive for industrial
chemical process studies.
Contact: Cedric Powell, B248 Chemistry
Bldg., 301/975-2533.
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'Computer Sciences and Technology
Personal The personal computer has become an
Computer omnipresent element in today's business
Security and scientific environment. However, as
more sensitive and critical information is
processed and stored on such systems
there is an increasing need for methods
to protect that information against
unauthorized access or modification. The
selection of information security
measures, however, should be based on
an analysis of the cost of such measures
and the resulting reduction in losses.
NBS researchers are investigating various
technologies that can be employed to
achieve additional control and security of
information on personal computer
systems. Their, research involves the
identification, analysis, development, and
application of these technologies.
While it is desirable to have security
mechanisms as an integral part of
computer systems, this is not always
possible or economical because such
mechanisms are often not part of the
original system design. Therefore, NBS
researchers also are examining the tech-
nology available to enhance the security
of existing systems. This research
involves identifying, analyzing, and
comparing security mechanisms used in
isolation or combination.
Contact: Allen L. Hankinson, B266 Tech-
nology Bldg., 301/975-3289.
Database Testing To improve the management of informa-
tion resources, NBS researchers are
developing test methods and techniques
to be used in evaluating implementations
of network database language (NDL),
structured query language (SQL), infor-
mation resource dictionary system (IRDS),
and data descriptive file (DDF) for confor-
mance to the emerging federal, national,
and international standards. Researchers
will attempt to derive a general method-
ology for designing conformance tests, to
use this methodology to generate test
suites, and to evaluate the test suites for
effectiveness. A prototype implementation
of the IRDS specifications will be used in
this project. It may be suitable for such
tasks as modeling the structure of a stan-
dard and for recording what parts of a
standard are tested by specific tests.
Contact: Alan Goldfine, A266 Technology
Bldg., 301/975-3252.
To help protect data communicated Public Key
through computer networks, NBS Cryptographic
researchers are developing protocols for Protocols
secure key distribution and secure data
transmission using public key algorithms.
The protocols will protect keys from initial
generation to final distribution to all
authorized parties. In designing the
protocols, researchers will give special
attention to preventing substitution of the
keys by unauthorized parties. The
protocols will also transmit keys and data
within a large computer network with
automated communications capabilities.
And they will be consistent with those
used in the Open Systems Interconnec-
tion Reference Model. The project results
will be the basis for an NBS publication
on public key cryptographic protocols.
Contact: Miles E. Smid, A216 Tech-
nology Bldg., 301/975-2938.
In the area of global communications, Global
NBS researchers are attempting to define Communications
present and future data communication
applications; performance metrics; and
characteristics of satellite channels, public
data networks, and local area networks.
In addition, they will develop simulation
and analytical models to permit perfor-
mance predictions for open systems
protocol end systems and various
subnetworks. Through various simulation
experiments and analytical calculations,
NBS researchers will identify areas
worthy of future investigation via live
experiments. These live experiments will
be performed to verify the significant
simulation and analytical results.
Contact: John F. Heafner, B217 Tech-
nology Bldg., 301/975-3618.
NBS is pursuing the development of Computer
several graphics standards and is Graphics Testing
working on related conformance testing
and measurement techniques for
graphics software. Specifically, Bureau
researchers are testing the implementa-
tion of the graphical kernel system (GKS),
the computer graphics metafile (CGM),
GKS for three dimensions, and the
programmers hierarchical interactive
graphics standard (PHIGS) for confor-
mance to the existing and emerging
federal, national, and international stan-
dards. The researchers are attempting to
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Computer Sciences and Technology
derive a general methodology for
designing conformance tests, to use this
methodology to generate test suites, and
to evaluate the test suites for effective-
ness. In these studies, they are using the
computer graphics laboratory, which
contains various computer graphics hard-
ware and computer graphics software
systems designed to support standard
specifications. An existing test suite for
GKS is now available with a FORTRAN
interface. Priority is being given to testing
methodologies and test suites for PHIGS,
CGM, and the conversion of FORTRAN
tests for all computer graphics standards
to other languages (C, PASCAL, and
ADA).
Contact: Mark W. Skall, A265 Technology
Bldg., 301/975-3264.
Software National and international standards
Engineering groups are working on standards
designed to reduce software engineering
problems. As part of this effort, the
Bureau has been working on specifica-
tions for documents representation. The
principal specifications are the office
document architecture (ODA) and the
standard generalized markup language
(SGML). NBS researchers are also
striving to adopt a Federal Information
Processing Standard (FIPS) for UNIX-
based operating system environments. In
this project, work is centered in three
major areas: development of the tech-
nical description of the standard;
development of guidance for federal
agencies on implementation of the stan-
dard; and identification of test methods
for testing conformance to the standard.
In addition, NBS is evaluating
emerging software engineering worksta-
tion technology, specifically the use of
stand-alone and interconnected worksta-
tions for requirements analysis and
design, prototyping, verification, and
testing.
Contact: Allen L. Hankinson, B266 Tech-
nology Bldg., 301/975-3289.
SCSI Verification Standards development is just the first
step toward compatibility of computer
products. Test and measurement
methods are essential for ensuring that
products and systems meet the increas-
ingly complex standards. At NBS
researchers are setting up a laboratory in
which procedures for verifying the confor-
mance of computer storage peripherals
to the Small Computer System Interface
(SCSI) standard, X3.131-1986, can be
developed. The laboratory is being
equipped with a variety of SCSI diag-
nostic tools and peripherals.
Verification of the conformance of
storage peripherals to the SCSI standard
is difficult because of the wide range of
functionality, features, and options
included in the standard. This research
will result in a procedure for testing and
verifying the conformance of storage
peripherals to the standard, which can
be published and used by others to test
storage peripherals.
Contact: William E. Burr, A216 Tech-
nology Bldg., 301/975-2914.
The Bureau is designing tools for editing, Automated
compiling, and interpreting computer Protocol Methods
communications protocol specifications.
The goal of this research is to advance
the state of the art in the application of
tools to automatically realize executable
implementation of computer communica-
tions protocols which are based upon
and comply with formal specifications of
protocols. As part of this project, Bureau
researchers are developing a syntax-
directed editor for Estelle and, using the
same grammar, devising a portable
compiler for Estelle and the supporting
runtime libraries.
Contact: John F. Heafner, B217 Tech-
nology Bldg., 301/975-3618.
To enable computer vendors and users Local Area
to test their computer systems to make Networking
sure they conform to networking stan-
dards, NBS has established a laboratory
for conducting local area network
research and development activities. In
this specially designed laboratory,
researchers are studying conformance
testing, performance measurement,
analytic and simulation modeling, integra-
tion testing and network management,
and control of local area networks. Local
area networking technology is necessary
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Computer Sciences and Technology
D Electronics and
Electrical Engineering
for data communication in offices, facto-
ries, and laboratory environments where
distributed computer network applications
are needed. While the interoperability
requirements of such networks can lead
to unique and expensive communication
solutions, the use of standards to achieve
product compatibility permits selection of
"off-the-shelf' equipment based on
cost/performance considerations.
Contact: John F. Heafner, B217 Tech-
nology Bldg., 301/975-3618.
Network Security To protect computer systems and
Architecture networks, NBS is developing a compre-
hensive security architecture consistent
with the Open Systems Interconnection
(OSI) Reference Model. Cryptographic
functions are being implemented in
certain OSI layers to provide data
secrecy, data integrity, and peer entity
authentication. The research will combine
the security standards for individual OSI
layers into a unified security framework.
As part of this project, Bureau
researchers will define a common inter-
face for cryptographic algorithms and
develop a key management methodology
capable of providing keys to the crypto-
graphic functions of any layer.
Contact: Miles E. Smid, A216 Tech-
nology Bldg., 301/975-2938.
Mathematicians Elaine Barker and Miles Smid (seated) with
computer scientist David Balenson discuss cryptographic
techniques for securing network communications.
As part of an NBS program aimed at Waveform
meeting the metrological needs involved Recorder
in improving signal acquisition and Standards
processing systems, Bureau researchers
are developing theory, methods, and
standards for waveform metrology of
conducted signals. In one area, they are
conducting the theoretical and
experimental research necessary to
develop standards for determining the
performance of waveform recorders oper-
ating nominally below 10 MHz. Tech-
niques for synthesis of precision
waveforms and for characterization of
those waveforms will be developed.
Theoretical studies will be conducted on
Fourier analysis, deconvolution tech-
niques, and time-domain analysis.
Experimental work is planned in precision
pulse generation, static and dynamic
testing, and assembly and interpretive
level programming for hardware control.
Contact: Barry A. Bell, B162 Metrology
Bldg., 301/975-2402.
Research in the Bureau's antenna Antenna
metrology program results in reliable Measurements
techniques and standards for measuring
key performance parameters of antennas
and components used with satellites,
Earth terminals, radars, and communica-
tions systems. Scientists are now using
near-field scanning to characterize micro-
wave and millimeter-wave antennas. The
principal emphasis of this work is on
developing spherical scanning to accom-
modate the largest antennas and
adapting near-field scanning to anechoic
chamber environments, to permit greatly
increased use of near-field scanning in
industry.
Contact: Allen C. Newell, Div. 723.05,
NBS, Boulder, CO 80303, 303/497-3743.
Research to improve the metrology used Gallium Arsenide
to characterize compound semicon- Studies
ductors, especially gallium arsenide, is
under way at NBS. Scientists are
studying the electrical, optical, and phys-
ical properties of gallium arsenide to
better understand and characterize
presently available device material. They
are using a number of measurement
techniques in this work, including optical
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Electronics and Electrical Engineering
absorption, photoluminescence, infrared
and Raman spectroscopy, Hall effect and
resistivity measurements, capacitance-
voltage profiling, deep-level transient
spectroscopy, photoconductivity and
photocapacitance, infrared imaging, and
x-ray topography and rocking curve anal-
ysis.
Contact: Michael I. Bell, 301/975-2081 or
Richard A. Forman, 301/975-2047, A305
Technology Bldg.
Integrated Circuit Theoretical and experimental research on
Process semiconductor materials and process
Metrology physics at the Bureau is focused on
improving understanding of integrated
circuit fabrication technology and
increasing capability to measure and
characterize fabrication materials and
processes. Utilizing processing equip-
ment and techniques appropriate to VLSI
chip fabrication, NBS scientists conduct
experimental studies on issues related to
state-of-the-art semiconductor processing
in a well-equipped clean-room semicon-
ductor processing laboratory. For
example, researchers are studying ion-
implantation damage, oxidation growth
and interface trap formation, materials
effects caused by ion etching, thin-film
properties, and plasma and ion-beam
chemistry. Other areas of interest include
submicron (submicrometer) photolithog-
raphy, reactive ion etching, beam
processing, and chemical and physical
vapor deposition.
Contact: Stanley Ruthberg, 301/975-
2082 or Gary P. Carver, 301/975-2091,
A331 Technology Bldg.
Silicon NBS conducts research in semiconductor
Characterization materials, devices, and integrated circuits
to provide the necessary basis for under-
standing measurement-related require-
ments in semiconductor technology. As
part of this program, NBS scientists are
employing electrical, optical, and x-ray
methods to study the resistivity, dopant
distribution, and concentration of electri-
cally inactive impurities, such as carbon
and oxygen, in silicon. They are
developing new or improved techniques
for two- and three-dimensional mapping
of these properties, refining the quantita-
tive aspects of existing methods, and
----- - ------
Electrical engineer Robert Gallawa measures the bandwidth of
multi-mode optical fibers as part of an NBS program to de-
velop measurement methods that can be used in fiber
development, fiber evaluation in the marketplace, and fiber
compatibility in communications systems.
developing methods that are nondestruc-
tive. Measurements performed for this
research include four-probe, spreading
resistance, and capacitance-voltage
profiling; Fourier transform infrared spec-
troscopy; deep-level transient spec-
troscopy; and x-ray topography.
Contact: Michael I. Bell, 301/975-2081 or
Jeremiah R. Lowney, 301/975-2048, A305
Technology Bldg.
NBS scientists are developing a basic Magnetics
understanding of magnetic properties of
materials and structures to provide a
sound basis for measurement techniques.
Specifically, researchers are studying
precision cryogenic vibrating sample
magnetometers, systems based on
superconducting quantum interference
devices (SQUID's), and laser-based
magneto-optical systems. The primary
emphasis of this new program is in the
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Electronics and Electrical Engineering
field of computer-related magnetics, but
work is also under way on the basic
physics of magnetic materials, such as
spin glasses, and on the measurement of
very low-level magnetic effects. In a
related program in eddy current nondes-
tructive evaluation (NDE), NBS
researchers are developing methods for
mapping the very small ac magnetic
fields associated with eddy current test
probes.
Contact: Frederick R. Fickett, 303/497-
3785 or Ronald B. Goldfarb, 303/497-
3650, Div. 724.05, NBS, Boulder, CO
80303.
Cryoelectronics Advances in digital electronics for
telecommunications, radar, weapons
testing, fusion research, and data
processing will demand higher measure-
ment speed than is now possible. The
Bureau is now conducting research
aimed at exploiting superconducting
systems for measurements of extraor-
dinarily high speed, accuracy, and sensi-
tivity. For example, researchers are
studying a series array Josephson
voltage standard, which is an exciting
new approach to simpler, more accurate,
and less expensive voltage calibrations
and ultra-high-speed analog-to-digital
converters and counters, employing as
active elements, superconducting
quantum interference devices (SQUID's).
Their goal is to develop the theoretical
and experimental basis for new designs
and to fabricate and test these remark-
able devices.
Contact: Richard E. Harris, Div. 724.03,
NBS, Boulder, CO 80303, 303/497-3776.
Semiconductor To develop physically sound techniques
Devices for characterizing, analyzing, and
predicting the operation and performance
of semiconductor devices, NBS is
designing and improving measurement
methods for determining critical device
parameters for both VLSI-scale and
power devices. Research in device
modeling includes two-dimensional silicon
MOSFET and GaAs MESFET model
development and investigations into the
validity of the physical assumptions typi-
cally employed in silicon bipolar and
GaAs device models. Theoretical
research is carried out on the transport of
ions and electrons in semiconductors for
improved process modeling while
experimental research on the nature and
characterization of electronic states in
oxides and at oxide/semiconductor inter-
faces is under way. Bureau scientists are
developing methods for physical and
electrical measurements of device and
material parameters which are critical for
verifying the accuracy and validity of
device models. In addition, they are
researching the electrical and thermal
properties of power semiconductor
devices.
Contact: David L. Blackburn, B310
Technology Bldg., 301/975-2053.
Integrated circuit test structures devel- Integrated Circuit
oped by NBS are widely used by the Test Structures
semiconductor industry and other
government agencies. These specially
designed semiconductor devices can be
used to characterize integrated circuit
fabrication processes, to evaluate the
effectiveness of semiconductor
processing equipment, to obtain crucial
parameters for device and process
models, and for product acceptance.
NBS work involves test structure design,
mathematical modeling, fabrication, data
acquisition, and data analysis. Bureau
scientists are conducting research on test
structures for random fault detection,
yield analysis, and dynamic circuit
characterization.
Contact: Loren W. Linholm, B360 Technol-
ogy Bldg., 301/975-2052.
As part of an NBS program to develop Electro-Optical
theory, methods, and physical standards Metrology
for the measurement of electrical quanti-
ties in advanced high-voltage/high-power
systems, Bureau researchers are
developing electro-optical methods for
measuring electrical quantities and
phenomena. Finite-element code for elec-
tric field computation and computer-aided
data acquisition and analysis are the
focus of theoretical studies. High-voltage
ac, dc, and impulse measurements; high-
speed cameras; optical multichannel
analyzers; and lasers and detectors are
addressed in the experimental work.
Contact: Robert E. Hebner, B344
Metrology Bldg., 301/975-2403.
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AC Voltage NBS is conducting both theoretical and
Standards experimental research on the synthesis of
precision ac waveforms for use in ac
voltage standards operating nominally
below 10 MHz. The theoretical work
includes Walsh functions and Fourier
analysis, time-domain analysis, and preci-
sion RMS-to-dc conversion techniques.
Experimental work involves high-speed,
high-accuracy digital-to-analog conver-
sion; precision, high-speed switching;
assembly and interpretive level program-
ming for hardware control; and wide-
band, fast-settling amplifiers.
Contact: Barry A. Bell, B162 Metrology
Bldg., 301/975-2402.
Testing New strategies are needed for evaluating
Electronic the performance of complex electronic
Systems circuits with the fewest possible tests.
NBS is planning a new program which
will include theoretical studies of
modeling for nonlinear systems, optimiza-
tion techniques using matrices, statistical
and random processes, and artificial intel-
ligence. In addition, experimental work
would address test strategies for compo-
nent and instrument testing; fault diag-
nosis, function testing, and calibration;
and computer analysis using both
desktop and supercomputers.
Contact: Barry A. Bell, B162 Metrology
Bldg., 301/975-2402.
Raman Scattering Some of the world's most advanced
measurement techniques for the rapid
advancement of electrical and electronic
technology are available at NBS. For
example, a Raman spectroscopy facility
is used for light scattering studies of
liquids, solids, and gases. Specific
research being done at the facility
includes chemical and structural analysis
of thin films and ion-implanted layers,
investigations of impurities and other
defects in semiconductors, studies of the
structural and electrical properties of
semiconductor superlattices and quantum
wells, and development of new quantita-
tive spectroscopic methods.
In this laboratory, equipment is avail-
able for studies of the pressure and
temperature dependence of Raman
spectra in the range of 4 to 600 K and
up to approximately 100 kbar using a
diamond-anvil pressure cell. The labora-
tory is equipped with a Raman micro-
scope for examining regions several
micrometers in size, automated digital
data acquisition and processing, variable
wavelength lasers, and multiple-grating
monochromators.
Contact: Michael I. Bell, A305 Technology
Bldg., 301/975-2081.
NBS scientists are developing measure- Gaseous
ment methods for characterizing gaseous Dielectrics
dielectrics for high-voltage power
systems. In this study, the theoretical
work is expected to address Boltzmann
equilibrium statistics, chemical kinetics
code, and computer-aided data acquisi-
tion and analysis. Experimental work will
focus on high-voltage ac and dc tests,
gas chromatograph and mass spectrom-
eter techniques for chemical character-
ization, and partial discharge
measurements. Much of the Bureau's
work in advanced power metrology is
performed in newly completed high-
voltage and high-current laboratories.
These facilities can generate voltage
pulses with peak amplitudes up to
600,000 volts and current pulses with
peak amplitudes up to 100,000 amperes.
Contact: Robert E. Hebner, 8344
Metrology Bldg., 301/975-2403.
Physicist Gary Carver prepares to inspect a silicon wafer under
a microscope in the Bureau's semiconductor processing
laboratory.
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Fire Research
Flammability and Bureau researchers are creating ways to
Toxicity measure and characterize the combusti-
Measurement bility of furnishings and building materials
and the extent combustion products
affect living organisms. Typically NBS
research focuses on assessing the
appropriate applications of the NBS
toxicity screening test, evaluating the
extent to which a limited number of
gases determine the lethality of combus-
tion products, and developing a method-
ology for predicting soot and gas
production in full-scale fires from bench-
scale methods. In addition, Bureau
researchers are generating a detailed
model for the burning of upholstered
furniture, devising a measurement meth-
odology to predict the propensity of
cigarettes to ignite soft furnishings, and
aiding the use of the cone calorimeter in
engineering and code applications.
Contact: Vytenis Babrauskas, A363
Polymer Bldg., 301/975-6679.
Fire Simulation Over the past decade, NBS researchers
have developed many computer models
of various aspects of fire, Research in
this project is aimed at providing the
expedient transfer of scientifically based
technology from NBS to the professional
user community and creates a link
between the computer-based activity of
the Bureau and others doing similar or
complementary work. Researchers
develop engineering systems for design
application as well as expert systems,
collect supporting data and programs,
and operate a working and training
laboratory dedicated to computer
modeling and other fire safety computa-
tions.
Contact: Harold E. Nelson, A247 Polymer
Bldg., 301/975-6869.
Hazard Analysis The United States has one of the worst
fire records in the industrialized world.
The Bureau is providing the scientific and
engineering bases needed by manufac-
turers and the fire protection community
to reduce both these losses and the cost
of fire protection. One project involves
the development of predictive, analytical
methods which permit the quantitative
assessment of hazard and risk from fires,
The Bureau bases these methods on
numerical modeling, but also includes
hand calculation methods for estimating
hazards and production of design
curves/tables to be used by architects
and engineers. To ensure widespread
use, the necessary data must be readily
available, and data input and presenta-
tion must be in terms readily understand-
able by the average professional. Thus,
the projects include a strong emphasis
on state-of-the-art computer graphics and
computer-aided design techniques.
Contact: Richard W. Bukowski, B356
Polymer Bldg., 301/975-6879.
Predicting fire growth requires a Fire Growth and
fundamental understanding of elemental Extinction
fire processes. Therefore, the Bureau is
attempting to develop predictive methods
to describe the processes of fire growth
and elemental processes of fire,growth
and extinction as related to gaseous,
liquid, and solid fuel combustion and the
performance of fire safety systems.
Researchers are probing fire growth
within a single compartment, the spread
of fire to adjoining spaces in multi-
compartment structures, and the action
of fire suppressants. In addition, they are
examining the overall dynamics of the fire
scenario and related elemental processes
such as ignition, flame spread, pyrolysis,
extinction, and fire-related transport
processes. For these studies, they utilize
mathematical techniques, experimental
studies, correlations, and similitude
methods to develop predictions.
Contact: James G. Quintiere, B250
Polymer Bldg., 301/975-6863.
NBS is conducting research to develop a Polymer
science base for the gasification and Combustion
combustion of natural and synthetic Research
polymers, particularly for the more
applied fire research activities. For
example, NBS scientists are working on
the kinetics and heats of combustion for
wood, theoretical modeling of thermal
degradation of polymers, smoldering
research, and detailed degradation
mechanisms of polymers.
Contact: Takashi Kashiwagi, B258
Polymer Bldg., 301/975-6693.
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Fracture and Deformation
Welding The integrity of welded joints is a primary
Research concern in the design and fabrication of
engineering structures. Therefore, NBS is
directing research toward improving the
fracture resistance of weldments and
assessing weld quality by nondestructive
evaluation (NDE) techniques. Specific
goals of the research are to improve the
fracture toughness in the heat-affected
zone of steel weldments and in the weld
metal of materials for low-temperature
service and to better weld soundness
through increased understanding of the
metal transfer process in arc welding. In
addition, Bureau researchers will develop
electromagnetic acoustic transducers
(EMAT's) for ultrasonic inspection of weld-
ments. The research is conducted in the
Bureau's welding and NDE laboratories
which house equipment for shielded
metal arc, gas metal arc, and gas tung-
sten arc welding; radiographic, ultrasonic,
eddy-current, and penetrant techniques
for NDE of weldments; acoustoelastic
techniques for residual stress measure-
ments; and a precision power supply,
high-speed photography, and laser
shadow techniques for metal transfer
studies. Recently, NBS scientists devel-
oped techniques for porosity reduction in
aluminum weldments, spatter reduction in
gas metal arc welding of steels, flaw size
measurements in steel welds using ultra-
sonics, and residual stress measurements
in aluminum weldments.
Contact: Thomas A. Siewert, 303/497-
3523 or A. Van Clark, 303/497-3159, Div.
430, NBS, Boulder, CO 80303.
To ensure the safety and reliability of Fracture
engineering structures, the Bureau is Mechanics
working to establish a sound technical
basis for codes and standards for struc-
tures. Specifically, researchers plan to
develop a rational basis for material
toughness requirements, allowable stress
levels, minimum service temperatures,
and weld quality standards. NBS capabil-
ities include test equipment with load
capacities up to 6,000,000 pound-force,
numerical analysis of cracked structures,
experimental mechanics, and fracto-
graphic techniques. Bureau scientists
evaluate materials performance at cryo-
genic and elevated temperatures, under
static and dynamic loading, in corrosive
and hydrogen-charging environments,
and with random amplitude loading. They
have recently completed a fitness-for-
service evaluation of steam boilers, a
failure analysis of a refinery pressure
vessel, dynamic crack arrest tests on
structural steels, and a new test method
for measuring the fracture toughness of
weldments.
Contact: Harry I. McHenry, Div. 430,
NBS, Boulder, CO 80303, 303/497-3268.
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Manufacturing Engineering
Automated Automated manufacturing systems
Manufacturing include flexible manufacturing systems
Systems and machine tools into which intelligent
Hardware sensors and controls of the production
processes, including the machining itself,
have been embedded. To support such
developments by industry, NBS conducts
several research programs. In manufac-
turing systems, scientists are investigating
generic control systems, full-task
programming, data organization, sensor
organization, system initialization, and the
object-data analogy. In the area of small
displacement measurement, researchers
are developing transducers with 100-kHz
bandwidths for measuring fractional
micro-inch displacements over wide
temperature ranges for the next genera-
tion coordinate measuring machine.
Their efforts in real-time error correction
of machine tools are centered on
extending microprocessor-based tech-
niques for real-time correction of the
kinematic (as well as static) machine
errors and tool wear. They are studying
transient waves in solids by investigating
the origin, propagation, measurement,
and direct-and inverse-prediction of
micro-mechanical waves in acoustic emis-
sion and ultrasonics. Furthermore,
Bureau researchers are focusing their
studies of transducer fields on the fields
produced in solids by electromechanical
transducers by modeling and measuring
of the fields point-by-point within the
solids.
Contact: Donald S. Blomquist, B108
Sound Bldg., 301/975-6600.
Precision The precision-engineering industries
Engineering create and use precision mechanical
machines for production applications,
such as high-tolerance diamond-turned
optical disks as information storage
media. NBS conducts research in the
design and high-accuracy performance
of several types of next-generation
machines. Bureau scientists are focusing
their studies of thermal modeling of
machine tools and coordinate measuring
machines (CMM's) on thermal distortions
of the geometry of machine tool/CMM's
using experimentally-verified finite-element
analysis. In robot metrology, researchers
are investigating techniques for meas-
uring robot end-effector positioning,
including a spherical-system generaliza-
tion of the extensible ball-bar and a six-
transducer laser-tracking approach. In
the area of absolute-air refractivity,
researchers are developing a prototype
refractometer based on a heterodyne
tracking relative to a stabilized two-
frequency laser. Research on advanced
coordinate measuring machines is aimed
at devising a sub-0.1 nanometer
accuracy coordinate measuring machine
based on precision mechanical design,
high-resolution interferometry, and elec-
tron probe techniques.
Contact: Robert J. Hocken, A109 Metrol-
ogy Bldg., 301/975-3464.
For those industries which create and Automated
use computer-controlled manufacturing Manufacturing
systems, software systems are the critical Systems
element. NBS provides research for soft- Software
ware in automated manufacturing
systems in several areas. In automated
process planning, researchers are inves-
tigating data structures for automated
process planning, distributed system
architectures, machinable-feature identifi-
cation, and expert systems/machine-
learning for manufacturing systems.
Researchers are also studying architec-
tures, algorithms, and techniques for real-
time adaptive control, scheduling, and
optimization of cell- and workstation-level
operations for FMS cell and workstation
control systems. In addition, for manufac-
turing systems architectures, they are
devising functional models of manufac-
turing organizations to standard system
architectures.
Contact: Howard M. Bloom, A127 Metrol-
ogy Bldg., 301/975-3509.
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Metallurgy
Robotics The industries which create and apply
robotics systems, i.e., intelligent machines
which can autonomously operate on the
physical environment, range from the
makers of industrial robots to the
producers of machine vision and other
advanced sensory systems. NBS is
conducting research on the design of
generically applicable' control systems for
such devices. One project involves image
processing architectures. Here,
researchers are investigating methods for
machine-processing of complex sensory
input data employing low-level image
processing systems such as PIPE inter-
faced to high-level symbol-manipulating
computer algorithms. Another study
concerns world modeling, in which
research focuses on methods of
constructing computationally efficient
world-model representations of three-
dimensional object descriptions and
geometry of visual images to support, for
example, spatial reasoning and predic-
tions of dynamic properties of objects.
In addition, Bureau scientists are
studying artificial intelligence for robots
by developing techniques to bridge the
gap between high-level intelligent plan-
ning, decision-making, optimization and
goal selection, and low-level servo
control. In the area of off-line program-
ming, they are studying group tech-
nology, interactive graphics, and
object-oriented programming as tech-
niques to overcome the limitations of
explicit programming required for robot
control.
Contact: James S. Albus, B124 Metrol-
ogy Bldg., 301/975-3418.
In many industrial operations, the wear of Wear of Metals
machine components and materials is
one of the principal processes that limits
the service life of equipment. At NBS.an
extensive research program on the
effects of wear and erosion on materials
is under way to investigate many of these
industrial problems. NBS scientists are
studying a wide variety of wear modes,
including adhesive wear, abrasive wear,
erosion, galling wear, and lubricated
wear. One area of emphasis concerns
the effects of materials parameters such
as toughness, hardness, ductility, work-
hardening characteristics, alloy composi-
tion, and microstructure.
As part of this program, NBS scientists
are also working with industrial
researchers to study the galling wear of
alloys used in valves and sliding seals. In
this research, scientists are using such
characterization techniques as scanning
and transmission electron microscopy
and various surface analytical methods.
Research has shown that high-resolution
microscopy can frequently be used to
identify the causes of wear, for example,
through examination of wear debris
particles. NBS has many instruments for
conducting wear and erosion experi-
ments under controlled conditions and
researchers incorporate standard test
methods and equipment where
appropriate.
Contact: A. William Ruff, B106 Materials
Bldg., 301/975-6010.
The use of artificial joints and fracture Synthetic Implant
fixation devices has increased at a rapid Metals
rate in recent years. This is due largely to
the impressive success of early designs
such as the artificial hip joint that used
available stainless steel and polyethylene
materials. However, as newer types of
implants are used for longer times in
patients, it has become clear that
improved materials are needed for
stronger, lighter, more compatible
implants. Bureau scientists are studying
the mechanical properties and environ-
mental reactions of metals with strong
potential for use as implants. They are
placing particular emphasis on fatigue
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life, wear, fretting, processing methods,
and surface reactions that occur when
the materials are placed in the body. In
addition, NBS is characterizing the
biocompatibility of these materials by
observing cellular growth on metallic
surfaces and by studying metal/organic
reactions. For this project, NBS
researchers are working with several
manufacturers in the artificial implant
industry to examine the properties and
performance of relevant materials. The
equipment available for this research
includes mechanical testing machines,
friction and wear testers, scanning and
transmission electron microscopes, and
electrochemical apparatus.
Contact: Anna C. Fraker, B128 Materials
Bldg., 301/975-6009.
Micromechanical The success of many technically
Properties of advanced materials, such as composite
Materials materials, electromagnetic recording
tapes and disks, and integrated circuits,
depends on their mechanical perfor-
mance. These materials have refined,
complex, and heterogeneous microstruc-
tures, but problems arise when they
behave as systems and reflect the overall
mechanical contributions of components
a micrometer or less in size. Generally,
hardness numbers from the indentation
resistances of pointed tools are used to
determine mechanical performance.
However, NBS researchers are develop-
ing a new and significantly better solu-
tion, which is derived from the hardness
testing practice. We have expanded this
technique with the NBS dynamic microin-
dentation instrument, an apparatus that
can be used to determine mechanical
performance within sample volumes of
less than a micrometer on a side.
Three important innovations have
resulted from this project. Two have been
completed: indentations can now be
described by continuous measurements
of applied loadings and penetration
depths, and indentations can be made
using loading times ranging from hours
down to milliseconds. The Bureau's goal,
at present, is to obtain conventional
uniaxial tensile properties (Young's
Modulus, yield stress, and strain) rather
than to use hardness numbers. From an
industrial viewpoint, the technique aids
development of new materials, studies of
thermal and mechanical processing
effects, and nondestructive examinations
of fracture resistance.
Contact: Robert S., Polvani, B112
Materials Bldg., 301/975-6003.
Corrosion is a major limiting factor in the Corrosion Data
service life and cost of many products, Program
plants, and equipment. The costs of
metallic corrosion to the U.S. economy
are estimated to be $167 billion in 1985
dollars, $25 billion of which could be
saved by using existing technology. The
National Association of Corrosion
Engineers (NACE) and NBS have joined
together in a collaborative NACE/NBS
Corrosion Data Program to reduce these
enormous costs of corrosion. The central
focus of the Corrosion Data Program is
to establish an evaluated corrosion data-
base that researchers can access easily
by computer to obtain data in a number
of possible graphical or tabular formats.
The researchers are developing evalua-
tion methodologies and a prototype data-
base for areas covering thermodynamic
and kinetic corrosion data. NBS scientists
are emphasizing interactions with industry
both to help set priorities for data
projects and as a source of corrosion
data for the database.
Contact: Gilbert M. Ugiansky, B254
Materials Bldg., 301/975-6022.
Corrosion has been recognized as one of Corrosion
the major causes of degradation of all Measurements
kinds of metallic structures, with financial
costs well in the billion-dollar range.
Since corrosion reactions are of elec-
trochemical nature, electrochemical
measurements can give important infor-
mation about the chemical processes
causing the corrosion and the rate of
corrosion as well as its forms, whether
uniform or localized corrosion. These
measurements involve the determination
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of current and potential and their varia-
tions with time; the frequency spectrum
of the ac impedance of corroding elec-
trodes; and the detection and analysis of
the random fluctuations of electrical
parameters.
Electrochemical methods for measuring
corrosion rates offer the possibility of
following the course of the process in a
nondestructive way and assessing the
effect of various environmental variables.
Other electrochemical techniques can
shed light on the kinetics of the corrosion
reactions and on the critical factors which
may contribute either to catastrophic
failures or corrosion prevention. For
example, Bureau researchers are now
using these methods to investigate the
electrochemical processes, associated
with stress corrosion cracking of brass
and copper in ammonia solutions and to
examine film breakdown and pit initiation
on passive metals.
Contact: Ugo Bertocci, B254 Materials
Bldg., 301/975-6017.
Process Control NBS researchers are using special facili-
Sensors ties to develop advanced measurement
methods and standards in support of
emerging process control sensors and
their application to intelligent processing
of materials. Measurement methods avail-
able include ultrasound, eddy currents,
and acoustic emission. In particular,
noncontact ultrasonic facilities have been
designed featuring high-intensity pulsed
lasers, electromagnetic acoustic trans-
ducers, and laser interferometers.
Coupled with state-of-the-art materials-
processing equipment and expertise,
these facilities offer a unique opportunity
to ascertain feasibility and develop proto-
type specifications for a wide spectrum of
sensor needs including the measurement
of internal temperature, phase transfor-
mations, surface-modified layers, porosity,
grain size, and inclusion/segregate distri-
butions.
Contact: Haydn N.G. Wadley, A167
Materials Bldg., 301/975-6140.
The rapid solidification of alloys can Rapid
produce new types of materials unob- Solidification
tainable by conventional means. Because
of their special properties, rapidly solidi-
fied alloys are being widely investigated
and are beginning to be introduced into
commercial devices. Equipment is avail-
able at the Bureau to study alloys
produced by each of the three major
kinds of rapid solidification techniques:
atomization techniques in which fine
liquid droplets are formed and rapidly
frozen to produce alloy powder; ribbon
techniques in which a very thin liquid
stream or ribbon is rapidly solidified; and
rapid surface-melting and refreezing tech-
niques in which a directed energy
source, such as an electron beam, is
scanned across a surface. The emphasis
in the NBS work is on measurement and
predictive modeling of the rapid solidifica-
tion processes. Researchers are studying
crystalline, metallic glass, and the new
quasicrystal alloys recently discovered at
NBS. Efforts are under way to apply
advanced sensors to an inert gas atomi-
zation system to allow feedback and
control of this process. Because
processing conditions influence alloy
homogeneity, microstructure, extended
solid solubility, and the production of new
alloy phases, control of these features is
critical for producing special properties in
these new materials.
Contact: John R. Manning, A153
Materials Bldg., 301/975-6157.
The corrosion of metals in natural and Field Corrosion
man-made environments is very costly to of Metals
industry and government. For several
years, Bureau researchers have been
involved in developing methods for
measuring the corrosion of metals in field
conditions such as steel piling in soil and
seawater, electric utility lines in soil, and
most recently, steel in concrete. To
measure the corrosion of reinforcing steel
in concrete bridge decks, NBS scientists
have developed a small, portable
computer system. With this system, scien-
tists apply electrochemical techniques
normally limited to the laboratory to
measure the corrosion. This new
approach, which allows faster, more
accurate corrosion measurements, can
be used to evaluate the effectiveness of
protection systems in place. The system
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Neutron Scattering
and Diffraction
has been applied to several bridges in
Maryland and will soon be used on
bridges in Virginia.
Contact: Edward Escalante, B254
Materials Bldg., 301/975-6014.
Steel Slag The U.S. steel industry needs ther-
Thermochemistry mochemical databases and models for
the design of new or improved steel-
making processes. To design such
processes, NBS initiated programs in
three areas. Bureau researchers are
measuring refractory and slag ther-
mochemical equilibria, evaluating the
scattered literature data, and developing
computer models relating experimental
data to industrial conditions. NBS has
unique experimental facilities for meas-
uring key phase equilibria and kinetics.
Contact: John W. Hastie, A329 Materials
Bldg., 301/975-5754.
Discussing quasicrystal structures in alloys are (I. to r.) Dan
Shechtman, Israel Institute of Technology; Frank Biancaniello,
NBS; Denis Gratias, National Science Research Center, France;
John Cahn, NBS; Leonid Bendersky, Johns Hopkins University;
and Robert Schaefer, NBS. The discovery at NBS of quasi-
crystal structures in materials challenges a 100-year-old theory
of crystallography, and the existence of quasicrystals may
make it possible to produce materials with radically different
properties.
Precise information on the crystal struc- Neutron
ture (arrangement of atoms and Diffraction
molecules) in solids is often a key to
understanding or improving the proper-
ties of modern materials or creating new
ones. Many important materials, e.g.,
ceramics, catalysts, and rapidly solidified
alloys, often can be obtained only in
powdered form. State-of-the-art capabili-
ties are in place at the Bureau for meas-
uring and analyzing the magnetic struc-
ture of polycrystalline materials by
neutron diffraction. The facilities available
for diffraction experiments for both
powders and crystals include a four-circle
diffractometer and a multidetector,
high-resolution powder diffractometer, as
well as instruments which allow measure-
ments in a single-crystal or energy-
dispersive mode.
NBS researchers continue to develop
improved methods for accurate structure
refinement and for measurement of
internal stresses in materials. Currently, a
number of industrial scientists are
collaborating with NBS staff in neutron
diffraction studies of inorganic catalysts,
new kinds of ionic conductors for small
batteries and fuel cells, improved
ceramics for microcircuit substrates and
engine components, and high-
performance lightweight alloys for
advanced aircraft. NBS scientists are also
working to determine how residual stress
and texture in bulk metals and ceramics
affect their application in high-technology
products.
Contact: Edward Prince, 301/975-6230
or Antonio Santoro, 301/975-6232, A106
Reactor Bldg.
The vibrational dynamics and diffusion of Neutron
hydrogen in metals and molecular Spectroscopy
species in heterogeneous catalysts are
studied at the Bureau with inelastic and
quasielastic neutron scattering and
neutron diffraction. The results of this
research reveal the bonding states and
atomic scale interactions and diffusion
paths in such materials. Recent progress
has allowed in-situ spectroscopic studies
of hydrogen and molecular species down
to 0.1 of an atomic percent. These meas-
urements can provide direct information,
for example, on the molecular processes
that affect reaction and selective release
of chemicals in industrial catalysts and on
the local trapping and clustering of
hydrogen in metals and semiconductors,
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which cause embrittlement of corrosion
or changes electronic properties. NBS
scientists are working with researchers
from several industrial laboratories to
study zeolite catalysts. For this research,
the equipment available includes three-
axis neutron crystal spectrometers and
time-of-flight spectrometers for inelastic
scattering along with neutron diffractom-
eters, which measure structural and
dynamic processes in the time regime
from 10-10 to 10.14 s. Controlled temper-
ature devices are available from 0.3 to
1300 K.
Contact: John M. Rowe, 301/975-6229
or John J. Rush, 301/975-6231, A106
Reactor Bldg.
Small-Angle Small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) is
Neutron used to characterize submicron structural
Scattering and magnetic properties of materials in
the size regime from 1 to 100 nm. The
SANS diffraction patterns produced by
structural features in this size regime-for
example, by small precipitates or cavities
in metal alloys, by micropores or cracks
in ceramics, by colloidal suspensions and
microemulsions, or by polymers and
biological macromolecules-can be
analyzed to give information on the size
and shape of the scattering centers as
well as their size distribution, surface
area, and number density. This detailed
microstructure information is often a key
to the prediction or understanding of the
performance or failure modes of struc-
tural materials and materials processing
conditions.
A number of scientists from the chem-
ical, communications, advanced
materials, and aerospace industries are
already engaged in SANS research at
NBS. Their measurements are carried out
with long wavelength neutrons on the 8-
m-long NBS SANS spectrometer which
utilizes a 65 by 65 cm position-sensitive
detector to record data over the entire
small-angle region simultaneously.
Computer-automated apparatus is avail-
able for maintaining samples at tempera-
tures from 4 to 700 K and in magnetic
fields up to 20 kilogauss. To extract
structural information from the data, the
researchers analyze SANS patterns with
an interactive color graphics system and
related programs.
Contact: Charles J. Glinka, 301/975-
6242 or James A. Gotaas, 301/975-6243,
A106 Reactor Bldg.
Nondestructive
Evaluation
Rapidly solidified metal powders provide Nondestructive
a basis for alloys which exhibit, after Evaluation for
consolidation, high strength-to-weight Metal Powder
ratios, improved fracture toughness and Production
fatigue resistance, unique magnetic
properties, and high corrosion resistance.
Because neither real-time automated
process control techniques for producing
rapidly solidified metal powders nor tech-
niques for real-time process control of
materials exist, NBS recently initiated a
model research project which brings
together special capabilities that already
exist at NBS. Using a pilot facility for
studying the automated production of
rapidly solidified metal powders, NBS
researchers will develop process models,
sensors, and adaptive control techniques
for producing rapidly solidified metal
powders. Two general categories of
sensors are involved: one which
measures processing parameters, such
as temperatures, pressures, and flow
rates; and the other includes nondestruc-
tive evaluation sensors which measure or
monitor non-intrusively important proper-
ties or characteristics of the molten,
solidifying, or solid metal powders while
they are being produced.
Bureau scientists are designing a new,
inert gas atomization system, and they
are conducting basic research in solidifi-
cation science to relate the microstruc-
tures formed during solidification to the
processing conditions and to the subse-
quent properties. Research at the
completed facility is aimed at combining
the process models and the real-time
sensors with expert computer systems for
adaptive control.
Contact: H. Thomas Yolken, B344
Materials Bldg., 301/975-5727.
The eddy-current method of nondestruc- Eddy-Current
tive evaluation (NDE) is capable of Nondestructive
detecting extremely minute cracks, pits, Evaluation
and other discontinuities in surfaces and
near-surface regions of metals, alloys,
and other electrically conductive
materials. In addition, it can be used to
characterize near-surface properties of
thin coatings, films, and bulk materials.
However, to characterize such flaws or
properties reliably and reproducibly,
eddy-current NDE must be made into a
quantitative measurement system. There-
fore, the goal of an on-going NBS project
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Polymers
is to develop measurement methods, cali-
bration procedures, and standards
needed for quantitative eddy-current
testing. Experimental investigations in
several NBS groups are linked with theo-
retical studies at Stanford University and
other related NBS research.
Studies on eddy-current calibration
standards, based on electrical-discharge
machined notches, have shown that such
artifacts must be used with caution.
Therefore, comparisons of theory and
experiment were recently extended to
low-conductivity materials and to real
fatigue cracks in order to simulate real
test situations more accurately. Results
show that magnetic field mapping of
eddy-current probes enhances capabili-
ties for characterizing flaws via eddy-
current measurements. In addition, field
mapping can detect differences in
probes of apparently identical construc-
tion. Furthermore, field profiles of ferrite
core probes, which are difficult to calcu-
late, can now be measured directly.
Bureau scientists have developed a new
calibration method for uniform field
probes and demonstrated an eddy-
current technique for monitoring fatigue
crack growth. Future studies will also
address reflection probes.
Contact: H. Thomas Yolken, B344
Materials Bldg., 301/975-5727.
Using electrohydrodynamic atomization, metallurgist Stephen
Ridder produces rapidly solidified alloy powders.
Fiber-reinforced composites offer major Composites
advantages, particularly versatility in Processing
processing combined with high strength
and stiffness at low weight. Continuation
of the current growth in the production of
these materials, however, is hindered by
a need for more rapid and reliable
processing. For this reason, the NBS
program is aimed at developing new
measurement tools to study the reactions
associated with processing and the use
of these methods to understand the rela-
tionships among processing parameters,
the microstructure of the fabricated
materials, and their performance proper-
ties. Such scientific understanding will
facilitate both advances in processing
methods and implementation of on-line
control and automation. The development
of this understanding requires
researchers to monitor the materials
during the curing process to observe
simultaneously chemistry, morphology
development, flow, molecular network
formation, build-up of residual stresses,
interfacial effects, and wetting and
spreading.
The NBS program currently has 10
different spectroscopic, dielectric,
thermal, and mechanical techniques
available for cure monitoring and others
under development. This diversity of tools
provides a unique capability both for
evaluating and calibrating new measure-
ment methods and for analyzing model
thermoset systems. For example, through
cooperative projects with NBS, several
industries have selected and developed
monitoring methods for their particular
problems.
Contact: Donald L. Hunston, A207
Polymer Bldg., 301/975-6838.
Knowledge of the relationships between Polymer
mechanical properties of polymers and Structure
polymer structure is important to the
design and processing of materials for
optimal performance. Therefore, the
Bureau is studying semicrystalline
polymers, polymer glasses, elastomers,
molecular composites, and fibers to
develop improved models of mechanical
behavior, characterize structure from the
atomic to fine texture level, and elucidate
relationships between mechanical perfor-
mance and structure.
A wide variety of techniques is used at
the Bureau to characterize the structure
of polymers in the solid state. Nuclear
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magnetic resonance spectroscopy is
utilized to determine molecular orienta-
tion, molecular dynamics, and microstruc-
ture on the 1- to 10-nm scale.
Microstructural information is deduced
from C-13 lineshapes obtained with
magic angle spinning or by proton "spin
diffusion" experiments in which domain-
size information is inferred from the rates
at which proton magnetization diffuses in
the presence of magnetization gradients.
Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy is
applied to determinations of molecular
architecture, orientation, and molecular
processes, such as measurement of the
amount of chain scission associated with
mechanical deformation of polymers.
Optical and electron microscopic studies
of polymers elucidate microstructural
features, including spherulytic morpholo-
gies, lamellar texture, fiber structures,
and crystallization habits. To examine the
relationships between mechanical perfor-
mance of polymers and fine structures,
NBS scientists are investigating the
morphological changes that polymers
undergo when they are deformed. Wide-
and small-angle x-ray diffraction tech-
niques, which include the use of position
sensitive detectors, are also employed in
these investigations.
Contact: Bruno M. Fanconi, A305
Polymer Bldg., 301/975-6770.
Dental and Modern dental and medical materials
Medical Materials utilize numerous substances in an array
of combinations. NBS has a comprehen-
sive program that is aimed at increasing
basic understanding of the causes for
failure or poor performance of these
materials, proposing and testing new
material systems, and transferring the
resultant science and technology to
industry. The program has the active
participation of researchers from the
American Dental Association, the
National Institutes of Dental Research,
dental industries, and universities.
Researchers are working in a number
of areas. For example, in a tribology
study, scientists are examining wear and
degradation of materials in various
environments, and in a bioadhesion
project, they are making new monomers
for adhesion to tissues. In addition,
improved resins are being synthesized to
produce polymers that have improved
properties such as wear resistance,
higher strength, resistance to oral fluids,
or x-ray opacity.
In an effort to improve the strength of
dental systems, different combinations of
materials are being designed and tested.
They include ceramic-metal, resin matrix
composites, metal-cement, cement-tooth,
and composite-adhesive-tooth materials.
To improve the systems, Weibull
statistical analysis is employed to identify
the weakest links. Finite element analysis
can be applied to define stress states
within systems.
In the area of precision metal casting
processes, researchers are using strain
gauges to monitor changes in dimen-
sions of investment patterns at pattern
sites. A unique casting monitor has been
designed that could also be used for
rapidly solidified alloys.
Contact: John A. Tesk, A143 Polymer
Bldg., 301/9756801.
NBS is conducting a number of studies Electrical
on the electrical properties of polymers. Properties
The research is focused on dielectric
measurements, fundamentals and appli-
cations of piezoelectric and pyroelectric
polymers, measurement of space charge
distribution within polymer films, and ionic
conduction in solid polymers. In the area
of dielectric measurements, Bureau scien-
tists have developed instrumentation and
data analysis which can measure the
dielectric constant and loss of polymer
films over a frequency range of 103 to
105 Hz in less than 30 minutes. This
makes it feasible to follow changes in the
dielectric spectrum as a function of time,
processing conditions, or other
parameters.
The toughness, flexibility, low dielectric
constant, and an acoustic impedance
close to water make piezoelectric
polymers ideal for many transducer appli-
cations. NBS staff have considerable
experience with the fundamental proper-
ties of polymers such as polyvinylidene
fluoride and its copolymers and can work
with industry to develop transducers for
novel applications or assist in measuring
the properties of new piezoelectric
polymers or composites.
Bureau scientists have designed
instrumentation and data analysis to
measure the charge or polarization distri-
bution across the thickness of polymer
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film by analyzing the transient charge
response following a pulse of energy on
one surface of the film. This technique
has been used to detect the presence of
non-uniform electric fields in the poling of
piezoelectric polymers and is currently
being used to investigate the role of
space charge in the dielectric breakdown
of polymer insulation.
Ionic conduction in polymers has
potential application in polymeric electro-
lytes for high-energy density batteries.
The dissolution of salts in polymers and
their effect on ionic conduction as well as
other polymer properties are being
studied by a variety of techniques
including thermal analysis, x-ray diffrac-
tion, optical microscopy, and impedance
spectroscopy.
Contact: George T. Davis, B320
Polymer Bldg., 301/975-6725.
Molecular Thermosets are used extensively in
Networks numerous practical applications, espe-
cially polymer-based composites.
However, knowledge of the basic struc-
tural entity of the thermosets, i.e., their
molecular network structure, is very
limited. Therefore, Bureau researchers
have developed a neutron scattering
technique that can be used to quantita-
tively determine such characteristics of
the network as the average distance
between crosslinks, the rigidity of the
network, the molecular weight distribution
between crosslinks, and the topological
heterogeneity of the network structure.
Current NBS research focuses on
developing correlations among chemical
compositions, processing conditions, and
resulting network structure for epoxy-type
polymers. To establish processing-
structure-property relations, these
materials are then evaluated to determine
performance properties such as fracture
behavior. The neutron scattering tech-
nique is also being used to study how
the molecular network deforms when the
material is placed under load. These
studies can directly benefit industries by
providing guidelines for designing and
processing polymers for optimum perfor-
mance.
Contact: Wen-li Wu, A209 Polymer
Bldg., 301/975-6839.
Takahiro Sato, a guest scientist from Osaka University, Japan,
uses the temperature-jump light scattering technique to
record the phase separation behavior in molecules.
Small-angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) can Small-Angle
be used to characterize structural X-Ray Scattering
elements of polymers, ceramics, and
metals in the 1- to 100-nm size range.
The Bureau has successfully used this
technique to study phase separation,
crystallite morphology, molecular dimen-
sions, void formation, pore charac-
teristics, and many others. A state-of-the-
art, 10-meter SAXS facility has been
constructed at NBS for such studies, and
it is available for cooperative research.
This SAXS facility uses a 12-kW rotating
anode source, pinhole collimation, and a
two-dimensional position-sensitive
detector to provide high resolution and
simultaneous recording of all scattering
data over the entire small-angle region. In
addition, a computer-assisted interactive
data reduction and analysis program is
available with color graphics display for
the two-dimensional image. Structural
and dimensional information can be
extracted using various available model
analysis and curve-fitting procedures.
Contact: Charles C. Han, B208 Polymer
Bldg., 301/975-6772.
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Polymer Blends Blending polymers has become an effec-
tive method for producing high-
performance engineering polymers. The
fundamental data required to design a
manufacturing process include the
equilibrium phase diagram, the energetic
interaction parameter (compatibility)
between the blend components, diffusion
coefficients, and the interfacial tension. At
NBS small-angle neutron scattering has
been used to measure the interaction
parameter and phase diagram of
polymer blends. NBS scientists have
developed forced Rayleigh scattering and
temperature-jump light scattering tech-
niques to measure polymer-polymer diffu-
sion and other parameters which control
phase separation kinetics and
morphology.
Currently, Bureau researchers are
testing various kinetic theories of phase
separation and late-stage coarsening and
studying the control of morphology and
mechanical properties of microphase-
separated polymer blends. As part of this
program, they are working with industry
to study the homogenization and phase
coarsening of rubber blends.
Contact: Charles C. Han, B208 Polymer
Bldg., 301/975-6772.
Fluorescence Bureau researchers are evaluating
Monitoring fluorescence spectroscopy, which is used
to characterize the structural and dynam-
ical properties of polymer molecules. For
example, fluorescence quenching is
employed to monitor the uniformity of
mixing in polymer blends and in particle-
filled polymer melts. In addition, excimer
fluorescence is utilized to monitor the
cure of thermosetting resins, while
fluorescence anisotropy is used to
monitor the non-Newtonian flow of
polymer solutions and melts. At NBS, the
measurements are carried out with a
spectrofluorimeter and a nanosecond
spectrofluorimeter. In combination with
optical fibers, which are used to get the
exciting light into the interior of a
composite part, the fluorescence tech-
niques are attractive for process
monitoring of composites.
Contact: Francis W. Wang, B320
Polymer Bldg., 301/975-6725.
Product Standards
To help fulfill the needs of laboratories, Laboratory,
industry, governmental regulatory agen- Accreditation
cies, purchasing authorities, and Program
consumers for reliable laboratory testing,
NBS operates the National Voluntary
Laboratory Accreditation Program
(NVLAP). NVLAP is a voluntary system
for assessing and evaluating testing
laboratories and accrediting those found
competent to perform specific test
methods or types of tests on products
and materials. Through this program,
laboratories are accredited for testing a
variety of products, including telecommu-
nications equipment, thermal insulation,
and radiation dosimeters.
To establish a laboratory accreditation
program, NBS works closely with the
appropriate industry to develop the tech-
nical requirements and documentation
needed for the accreditation process. For
example, NBS sponsors public work-
shops to obtain technical guidance from
experts in related industry, government,
and standards-developing organizations.
NBS also works with industry to design
proficiency testing requirements,
including selection of test methods for
which proficiency testing is necessary
and appropriate, the frequency of profi-
ciency testing "rounds," and the artifacts
to be tested.
Laboratories interested in receiving
accreditation are sent a LAP-specific
handbook that contains the generic
administrative and operational require-
ments for accreditation as well as the
specific technical requirements for
accreditation and a set of critical
elements which defines those aspects of
each test method that an assessor must
consider in determining the laboratory's
competence. In addition, the laboratory
receives application forms and instruc-
tions for providing essential information
on laboratory ownership, management,
key personnel, scope and operation, test
method selection, instrumentation and
facilities, and other relevant information.
Contact: Harvey W. Berger, A531
Administration Bldg., '301/975-4017.
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Accelerator
Research
Radiation Research
The NBS accelerator research program is
aimed at developing advanced particle
accelerators for applications in nuclear
physics, free electron lasers, inertial
confinement fusion, and dosimetry. The
major focus of this NBS program at
present is to establish the feasibility and
provide the technology needed for cw
accelerators by designing, constructing,
and evaluating the performance of a 200-
MeV continuous-beam racetrack micro-
tron (RTM) using a room temperature rf
accelerating section. In addition, NBS
scientists are attempting to modify this
racetrack microtron for use as a free-
electron laser driver.
To improve industrial applications of
particle accelerators, NBS scientists are
interested in working with industry
researchers to evaluate performance and
optimize the RTM design, to design and
develop high peak current and high
brightness injectors, and design and
develop free-electron lasers using the
RTM as a driver.
Contact: Samuel Penner, B119 Radiation
Physics Bldg., 301/975-5601.
Autoxidation/ The kinetic and mechanistic aspects of
Antioxidants autoxidation in foods, organic materials
systems, and other biochemical systems;
the design of appropriate antioxidants for
the prevention of the deleterious effects
of oxygen; and the extension of the life-
time of chemical and biochemical
systems are important to many food,
drug, and medical industries. Wide-
ranging NBS research involves investiga-
tions in these general areas: the free
radical chemistry of organic systems and
biochemicals susceptible to autoxidation
and free-radical mechanisms and reac-
tion rates of antioxidants, particularly in
the case of key components of foodstuffs
and other life-supporting substances.
Scientists are studying the effects of
parameters such as oxygen pressure,
temperature, additives, and concentra-
tions on the optimization of these
parameters and the development of
products less sensitive to oxidation.
NBS researchers are seeking industrial
collaboration in the analysis of short- and
long-term intermediate species in pulse-
irradiated oxygenated organic and
aqueous solutions; derivation of kinetic
data and unraveling of auto- and
radiation-stimulated oxidation processes;
and design of new antioxidants as
protective agents against food spoilage,
carcinogenesis, atherosclerosis, and
nitrosamine formation in foods. Kinetic
and analytical chemical technologies,
such as GC/MS, HPLC, spectroscopy,
chromatography, electrophoresis, and
ESR spectroscopy; high-intensity gamma-
ray sources, pulsed- and continuous-
beam electron accelerators; and various
organic-chemical analytical equipment
are available.
Contact: Michael G. Simic, C206 Radia-
tion Physics Bldg., 301/975-5558.
Imaging by use of penetrating radiation is Industrial
one of the most powerful investigative Radiologic
techniques available to industry for main- Imaging
taining or improving the quality of
products. Designers are now aware of
this and are creating components which
facilitate such nondestructive testing.
Research is under way at NBS that will
allow better quantification of the radio-
graphic images. Particularly relevant to
image evaluation are computer-based
systems that permit pseudo three-
dimensional images and the implementa-
tion of image processing on these or
traditional images in real time or near real
time.
This research focuses on a number of
areas, including image processing for
improved imaging of low-contrast or
noisy images; adoption of tomographic
equipment to industrial needs and meas-
urement of the performance charac-
teristics of such systems; and
development of reliable techniques for
image storage and retrieval. For these
projects, available equipment includes x-
ray sources, low-energy electron acceler-
ators, and gamma-ray sources as well as
state-of-the-art radiologic imaging
devices.
Contact: Robert C. Placious, C215
Radiation Physics Bldg., 301/975-5579.
The use of irradiation as a food preserva- Food Irradiation
tion technique has made research into Chemistry
the chemistry of food processing by
ionizing radiations, such as gamma rays
and high-energy electrons, important to
food industries. NBS is addressing these
concerns by studying chemical changes
induced by irradiation processing of food
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components including proteins, fats,
sugars, and vitamins. In one project,
researchers are selecting radiolytic
products which could be used by food
processors as indicators to determine
whether foods have been irradiated.
Other investigations compare thermal and
irradiation food processing chemistry and
the effect of irradiation processing
parameters, such as dose rate and
temperature, on food chemistry and
quality. Researchers work closely with the
Food and Drug Administration and the
United States Department of Agriculture
to obtain up-to-date information about
regulatory and safety requirements for
foods and food processing and
associated quality control measurements.
Specific areas in which cooperative
research is encouraged include kinetic
and steady-state analyses of radiolytic
products in food components, compar-
ison of energy absorption mechanisms in
foods, design of post-irradiation quantita-
tive and qualitative analyses of various
foods and their components, and
development of food component Stan-
dard Reference Materials. Sophisticated
analytical techniques such as GC/MS,
HPLC, spectroscopy, chromatography,
electrophoresis, and ESR spectroscopy
as well as high-intensity gamma-ray
sources, pulsed- and continuous-beam
electron accelerators, and various
organic-chemical analytical equipment
are available.
Contact: Michael G. Simic, C206 Radia-
tion Physics Bldg., 301/975-5558.
Neutron Fluence NBS researchers are studying industrial
Measurement and applications of neutron fluence and dose
Neutron Physics determination in the neutron energy
region from thermal to 20 MeV. They are
concentrating on the development of
effective methods to transfer personnel
protection technology to the private
sector. This research provides a basis for
standardizing personnel protection
control procedures in nuclear reactor and
high-energy accelerator operations, for
example.
Specific research projects involve:
measurement of reference standard
neutron reaction cross sections; charac-
terization of reference fission deposits;
development of neutron detectors with
fast timing; calibrations using standard
neutron and gamma-ray fields; and appli-
cations of neutron resonance radiog-
raphy.
Equipment available includes a 100-
MeV linac-based dedicated pulsed
neutron source, a 3-MV pulsed positive-
ion accelerator, and a 20-MW nuclear
reactor.
Contact: Oren A. Wasson, B111 Radia-
tion Physics Bldg., 301/975-5567.
To produce radiation for experimental Ultraviolet and
purposes, NBS has built a synchrotron Soft X-Ray
ultraviolet radiation facility (SURF-II). Radiation Effects
SURF-II is a 300-MeV electron storage
ring that radiates high-intensity synchro-
tron radiation in the energy range from
about 3 nm (400 eV) in the soft x-ray
region to wavelengths in the visible
region of the spectrum. The radiation is
highly collimated, nearly linearly pola-
rized, and of calculable intensity. Six
beam lines are available and a user's
program is in operation. SURF-11 is well
suited for several different types of
research, such as atomic, molecular,
biomolecular, and solid-state physics;
surface and materials science; radiation
chemistry and radiation effects on matter;
ultraviolet and x-ray optical systems; and
the calibration, characterization, and
development of spectrometers and
detectors.
NBS scientists are particularly
interested in conducting collaborative
research in: the use of soft x-ray synchro-
tron radiation for high-resolution lithog-
raphy; measurement of the reflection
characteristics of novel, high-efficiency,
multilayer far ultraviolet optical devices;
and calibration, characterization, and
development of spectrometers and
detectors.
Other available equipment includes a
state-of-the-art multipurpose detector cali-
bration facility, a large ultrahigh vacuum
spectrometer calibration chamber, and a
beamline dedicated to high-resolution
radiation research with a 6.65-m vacuum
spectrometer with a resolving power of
about 300,000.
Contact: Robert D. Madden, A249 Phy-
sics Bldg., 301/975-3726 or William R.
Ott, B206 Metrology Bldg., 301/975-3709.
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Optical The U.S. defense, aerospace, health,
Pyrometry, lighting, and photographic industries
Radiometry, require radiometric measurements for
Photometry product development, quality control, and
equity in trade. Compatibility of industrial
radiometric standards with national and
international standards is a key require-
ment to ensure a competitive position in
world markets for these industries. To
help ensure reliable radiometric measure-
ments, NBS is conducting radiometric
research in the near-ultraviolet, visible,
and infrared spectral regions and
developing accurate standards and cali-
bration procedures for these regions.
Specific research focuses on calibration
of near-infrared pyrometers; geometrically
total spectral flux standards; detector-
based radiometric standards; diode-array
radiometry, photometry, and colorimetry;
low-light-level calibration standards; near-
infrared detectors; infrared spectral radi-
ance standards; and absolute spectral
analyzer systems. Available for these
projects is sophisticated optical equip-
ment such as tunable dye lasers, electro-
optical devices, and interferometers.
Contact: A. Russell Schaefer, A313
Metrology Bldg., 301/975-2331.
Radiation To enhance quality control methods
Processing employed in industrial radiation
processing of foods and the production
and use of medical devices, electronic
components, and polymers, NBS
researchers are developing standardiza-
tion and measurement assurance
methods related to industrial high-dose
applications of ionizing radiation. As part
of this program, Bureau scientists are
investigating radiation chemical
mechanisms and kinetic studies applied
to chemical dosimetry systems in the
condensed phase, including liquids, gels,
thin films, and solid-state detectors. They
plan to examine such sensor materials as
doped plastics, solid-state matrices,
organic dye solutions, semiconductors,
scintillators, biopolymers, amino acids,
metalloporphyrins, and organic or inor-
ganic aqueous solutions and gels.
In this research, scientists use a
number of analytical methods including
transmission and fluorescence spec-
trophotometry, electron spin resonance
spectrometry, chemiluminescence
photometry, as well as fiber optics anal-
ysis, microcalorimetry, pulse radiolysis,
and conductivity measurements. Various
x-ray and gamma-ray sources and elec-
tron accelerators with energies in the 0.1-
to 10-MeV range are employed. In addi-
tion, conventional ultraviolet, visible, and
infrared spectrophotometers and spec-
trofluorimeters, high-intensity gamma-ray
sources, pulsed and continuous beam
electron accelerators, and various
organic-chemical analytical equipment
are available.
Contact: William L. McLaughlin, C209
Radiation Physics Bldg., 301/975-5559.
As part of its research to understand and Vacuum
measure various forms of radiation, NBS Ultraviolet
is conducting vacuum ultraviolet studies Radiometry
involving radiation damage, polymeriza-
tion of organic molecules, and solar
simulation. NBS scientists have worked
with industry researchers to develop and
test vacuum ultraviolet instrumentation,
new spectrometer designs, and detector
systems, especially for flight in space.
By combining an ultrahigh vacuum, high-resolution scanning
electron microscope with a new, compact electron spin-
polarization detector, physicists (I. to r.) Gary Hembree, Robert
Celotta, John Ungurfs, and Daniel Pierce can observe simul-
taneously the magnetic character of a surface and its physical
structure over dimensions as small as 100 angstroms.
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Standard Reference
Data
They have also collaborated on special
sources, narrow band filters, and lasers.
Bureau scientists are interested in
doing cooperative research in several
other areas including studying the
platinum-neon hollow cathode lamp as a
secondary standard, laser plasmas as
secondary standards, and a spark
discharge light source as a secondary
standard. State-of-the-art radiometric facil-
ities and advanced optical equipment are
available at the Bureau for these studies.
Contact: J. Mervin Bridges, 301/975-
3228 or Jules Z. Klose, 301/975-3230,
B66 Physics Bldg.
Submicron Well-characterized, focused electron
Physics beams are used to interrogate the
properties of surfaces and magnetic
materials on a microscopic scale. NBS
conducts a broad-based research
program exploring the physics of
submicron systems with electron
microprobes. The program includes
studies of electron-surface interactions,
surface magnetism, electron interaction
theory, and electron spin polarization
phenomena. Extensive experimental facili-
ties are available for this research,
including sources and detectors of spin
polarized electrons, a scanning electron
microscope equipped for secondary elec-
tron spin polarization analysis, and a
scanning tunneling microscope.
Scanning electron microscopy with
polarization analysis (SEMPA) is a unique
measurement capability developed by
NBS scientists to allow the high-resolution
(-10 nm) imaging of magnetic micro-
structure independently of surface topog-
raphy. With this technique, they are
studying fundamental magnetic
phenomena, the properties of high-
density magnetic recording media, and
small-particle magnetism. Bureau
researchers are using the scanning
tunneling microscope (STM) to study
surface topography at the atomic level,
mechanisms of film growth at the
submonolayer level, reconstructions of
semiconductor surfaces, and, ultimately,
correlation of surface microstructure with
macroscopic properties.
Contact: Robert J. Celotta, B210 Metro-
logy Bldg., 301/975-3710.
Using computers to provide timely and Computerization
inexpensive. access to reliable chemical, of Standard
physical, and materials data contributes Reference Data
greatly to increased productivity and
lower manufacturing costs of industrial
operations. The NBS Standard Reference
Data program works closely with industry
to develop the tools and standards
necessary for computerizing industrial
technical data-the numbers, graphics,
tables, and text that convey research
results.
The National Standard Reference Data
System, coordinated by NBS, is a major
focal point in the United States for the
evaluation of chemical, physical, and
materials properties data. The NBS Stan-
dard Reference Data program has made
a commitment to provide national leader-
ship in the computerization of these
evaluated data, including database
design, data interchange standards, and
data dissemination.
NBS research combines expertise in
the physical sciences with specialized
knowledge in computer science. Areas of
activity include preparation of databases
of evaluated data and predictive software
for use on personal computers, conver-
sion and combination of published data
compilations into searchable databases,
standardization of formats for scientific
information, development of expert
systems, and establishment of distributed
systems linking scientific databases.
Computer and telecommunications capa-
bilities at NBS offer challenging alterna-
tives to the handling of these projects,
with state-of-the-art mainframes, minis
and micros, database management
systems, graphics, and applications soft-
ware available.
Contact: David R. Lide, A323 Physics
Bldg., 301/975-2200.
Declassified and Approved For Release 2013/01/23: CIA-RDP90-0053OR000501260010-2
 Declassified and Approved For Release 2013/01/23: CIA-RDP90-0053OR000501260010-2
National Bureau of Standards
The National Bureau of Standards
was established by an act of
Congress on March 3, 1901. The
Bureau's overall goal is to
strengthen and advance the
nation's science and technology
and facilitate their effective appli-
cation for public benefit. To this
end, the Bureau conducts
research and provides: (1) a
basis for the nation's physical
measurement system; (2) scientific
and technological services for
industry and government; (3) a
technical basis for equity in trade;
and (4) technical services to
promote public safety. The
Bureau's technical work is
performed by the National Meas-
urement Laboratory, the National
Engineering Laboratory, the Insti-
tute for Computer Sciences and
Technology, and the Institute for
Materials Science and
Engineering.
The National Measurement
Laboratory
Provides the national system of physical
and chemical measurement; coordinates
the system with measurement systems of
other nations and furnishes essential
services leading to accurate and uniform
physical and chemical measurement
throughout the nation's scientific commu-
nity, industry, and commerce; provides
advisory and research services to other
government agencies; conducts physical
and chemical research; develops,
produces, and distributes Standard Refer-
ence Materials; and provides calibration
services. The laboratory consists of the
following areas:
? Standard Reference Data
? Measurement Services
? Basic Standards
? Radiation Research
? Chemical Physics
? Analytical Chemistry
The National Engineering
Laboratory
Provides technology and technical
services to the public and private sectors
to address national needs and to solve
national problems; conducts research in
engineering and applied science in
support of these efforts; builds and main-
tains competence in the necessary
disciplines required to carry out this
research and technical service; develops
engineering data and measurement
capabilities; provides engineering meas-
urement traceability services; develops
test methods and proposes engineering
standards and code changes; develops
and proposes new engineering practices;
and develops and improves mechanisms
to transfer results of its research 'to the
ultimate user. The laboratory consists of
the following centers:
? Applied Mathematics
? Electronics and Electrical Engineering
? Manufacturing Engineering
? Building Technology
? Fire Research
? Chemical Engineering
The Institute for Computer
Sciences and Technology
Conducts research and provides scien-
tific and technical services to aid federal
agencies in the selection, acquisition,
application, and use of computer tech-
nology to improve effectiveness and
economy in government operations in
accordance with Public Law 89-306 (40
U.S.C. 759), relevant Executive Orders,
and other directives; carries out this
mission by managing the Federal Infor-
mation Processing Standards Program,
developing federal ADP standards guide-
lines, and managing federal participation
in ADP voluntary standardization activi-
ties; provides scientific and technological
advisory services and assistance to
federal agencies; and provides the tech-
nical foundation for computer-related poli-
cies of the federal government. The
institute consists of the following centers:
? Programming Science and Technology
? Computer Systems Engineering
The Institute for Materials
Science and Engineering
Conducts research and provides meas-
urements, data, standards, reference
materials, quantitative understanding, and
other technical information fundamental
to the processing, structure, properties,
and performance of materials; addresses
the scientific basis for new advanced
materials technologies; plans research
around cross-country scientific themes
such as nondestructive evaluation and
phase diagram development; oversees
Bureau-wide technical programs in
nuclear reactor radiation research and
nondestructive evaluation; and broadly
disseminates generic technical informa-
tion resulting from its programs. The insti-
tute consists of the following divisions:
? Nondestructive Evaluation
? Inorganic Materials
? Fracture and Deformation
? Polymers
? Metallurgy
? Reactor Radiation
Declassified and Approved For Release 2013/01/23: CIA-RDP90-0053OR000501260010-2