Honors and Awards
2001 Nobel Prize in Physics
Eric Cornell (l) receives the 2001 Nobel Prize in Physics from King
Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden (r).
Eric A. Cornell, Quantum Physics Division/JILA, received the
2001 Nobel Prize in Physics, jointly with his JILA colleague,
Carl E. Wieman, University of Colorado, and Wolfgang
Ketterle, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, for "the achievement
of Bose-Einstein condensation in dilute gases of alkali atoms, and for early
fundamental studies of the properties of the condensates." Announced on
October 9, 2001, by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, it is the
second Nobel Prize awarded to NIST Physics Laboratory scientists. In 1997,
William D. Phillips received the Nobel Prize for pioneering research on
cooling and trapping atoms with laser light. The Bose-Einstein condensate, or
BEC, is essentially a new form of matter that allows scientists to study the
strange and extremely small world of quantum physics. Its creation in 1995 by
Cornell and Wieman established a new branch of atomic physics that has provided
a treasure-trove of scientific discoveries, including the atom laser, first
demonstrated by Ketterle, quantum whirlpools, atom waveguides, and other
coherent atom-optical phenomena.
The Bose-Einstein condensate, first
demonstrated by NIST and University of Colorado scientists at JILA, was Science
magazine's 1995 Molecule of the Year. A new state of matter, the BEC
"superatom," forms as rubidium atoms trapped in a magnetic field are
cooled to a temperature close to absolute zero. The graphic shows
three-dimensional, successive snapshots in time during which the atoms are
cooled to less than 170 billionths of a degree.
Max Born Award
John L. Hall, Quantum Physics Division, was presented the Optical
Society of America's Max Born Award "for pioneering the field of stable
lasers, including their applications in fundamental physics and, most recently,
in the stabilization of femtosecond lasers to provide dramatic advances in
optical frequency metrology." Jan is one of the "fathers" of
today's laser-generated optical combs that have allowed us to directly connect
the optical and microwave frequency regimes.
Presidential Rank Award
John L. Hall also received a 2002 Presidential Rank Award from the U.S.
Office of Personnel Management for exceptional technical accomplishments
spanning four decades of research in the Quantum Physics Division at JILA.
Dr. Hall was one of the first scientists to join JILA when it was
established in 1962 as a unique, interdisciplinary partnership between NBS and
the University of Colorado.
William O. Baker Award
Deborah S. Jin, Quantum Physics Division, was awarded the National
Academy of Science Award for Initiatives in Research, "for her
experimental realization and characterization of a new quantum system, the
vaporphase degenerate Fermi gas." Known as "the Baker Prize,"
the award recognizes innovative young scientists for research likely to lead
towards new capabilities for human benefit.
Maria Goeppert-Mayer Award
Deborah S. Jin was also awarded the Maria Goeppert-Mayer Award of the
American Physical Society, "for her innovative realization and exploration
of a novel quantum system, the degenerate Fermi atomic gas, and the scientific
promise portended by her pioneering work." This award recognizes the
wide-ranging future implications of work in ultra-cold gases.
Archie Mahan Prize of the Optical Society of America
(r to l) Edward W. Hagley, Charles W. Clark, and Lu Deng,
Electron and Optical Physics Division, William D. Phillips, Atomic
Physics Division, and Keith Burnett, Oxford University, were awarded the
Archie Mahan Prize of the Optical Society of America, "for authorship of
The Atom Laser, a focused and well-organized article that succinctly
connects recent observations in the field of phase coherent matter waves with
early 20th century research on Bose-Einstein condensation." |
 Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers
Jun Ye, Quantum Physics Division, received a 2002 Presidential Early
Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE), "for pioneering
research on laser interactions with atoms and molecules and their applications
to precision control and measurement of light fields, matter waves, and optical
frequencies." This Presidential Award is the highest honor bestowed by the
United States Government on scientists and engineers beginning their
independent careers. Sixty awards were given nationally and presented by
President George W. Bush in a White House ceremony.
100 Top Young Innovators
Jun Ye was also chosen as one of the world's "100 Top Young
Innovators" by Technology Review, published by the Massachusetts Institute
of Technology. The TR100, all individuals under 35 years of age, are recognized
for their contributions to technology. Dr. Ye's work is in the fields of
ultrasensitive high-resolution laser spectroscopy, cold atoms, continuous-wave
and ultrafast-pulse laser stabilization, and optical frequency standards.
Arthur S. Flemming Awards
Leonard M. Hanssen, Optical Technology Division, received a 2002
Arthur S. Flemming Award, "for developing and establishing innovative
infrared technology for measuring optical properties of materials." These
achievements have established NIST as the world leader in infrared measurement
science and standards and have played a critical role in the success of U.S.
defense and remote-sensing satellite systems dependent on state-of-the-art
infrared technology. |
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Steven L. Rolston, Atomic Physics Division, received a 2002
Arthur S. Flemming Award, "for innovative leadership in the study of
new physical phenomena in ultra-cold atomic gases, including the first creation
of ultra-cold plasmas and strongly-coupled plasmas." Dr. Rolston's
research is part of the Laboratory's program to develop new laser cooling and
trapping techniques and applications. |
John H. Burnett, Atomic Physics Division, received a 2002 Arthur S.
Flemming Award, "for developing and applying world-class measurement
systems critically needed for the design of advanced photolithography
manufacturing tools." Dr. Burnett measured a refractive effect called
"intrinsic birefringence," showed that it was sufficiently large in
candidate lens materials to prevent photolithography tools from focusing
properly at the targeted wavelength of 157 nm, and proposed methods for
overcoming the problem. |
Service to America Medal
Katharine B. Gebbie, Director of the Physics Laboratory, received
the 2002 Service to America Medal, "for career achievement,"
cosponsored by the Atlantic Media Company (Government Executive Magazine,
National Journal, and The Atlantic Monthly) and the Partnership for Public
Service. She was cited for being the founding director of the award-winning
NIST Physics Laboratory, pioneering the practical application of emerging
technologies, enhancing scientific career opportunities for women and
minorities, and fostering a culture of excellence that has made NIST one of the
world's preeminent research institutions. |
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William F. Meggars Award
James C. Bergquist, Time and Frequency Division, was recognized with the
William F. Meggars Award of the Optical Society of America (OSA). The award is
"for seminal contributions to high-resolution, high-accuracy laser
spectroscopy with applications to fundamental metrology and clocks."
Dr. Bergquist developed the world's most stable laser and used it as the
local oscillator for an optical atomic clock based on a single mercury ion.
This work is central to the most accurate optical-frequency measurement ever
made, and the first optical-frequency standard with a microwave-frequency
output. |
American Physical Society's Outstanding Thesis Award
Brian DeMarco was awarded the 2002 Outstanding Doctoral Thesis Award by
the American Physical Society's Division of Atomic, Molecular, and Optical
Physics (DAMOP). This award recognizes thesis research of outstanding quality
and achievement. Dr. DeMarco's thesis, entitled "Quantum Behavior of
an Atomic Fermi Gas," concerned the extension of the magnetic-trapping and
evaporative-cooling techniques used to produce atomic Bose-Einstein
condensation to create the first quantum-degenerate Fermi gas of atoms. His
work included measurements of the atomic-collision mechanisms by which such
gases reach thermal equilibrium. This work was carried out at JILA, in
collaboration with Dr. Deborah Jin of the Quantum Physics Division.
Dr. DeMarco now has a postdoctoral appointment in the Ion Storage Group of
the Laboratory's Time and Frequency Division. |
Fellowship of the American Physical Society
Zachary H. Levine, Electron and Optical Physics Division, was elected
a Fellow of the American Physical Society, "for leadership in
demonstrating x-ray tomography of integrated circuit interconnects with
submicron resolution." Dr. Levine has made both theoretical and
experimental contributions to the field of high-resolution x-ray imaging
and was recently awarded a patent, "Parallel X-Ray Tomography,"
for the measurement techniques he pioneered. |
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Carl J. Williams, Atomic Physics Division, was elected an APS Fellow,
"for definitive calculations of atomic collision processes, which have
improved our understanding of photoassociation spectroscopy,
dynamics of Bose-Einstein condensates, and effects of radiation retardation
on atomic collisions." Dr. Williams' work relates to the NIST
experimental program in laser cooling and trapping and is foundational
for the quantitative understanding of cold-atom collisions. |
Sigma Xi (NIST Chapter)
Award for Support to Scientists
Anita K. Sweigert, Physics Laboratory Office, received the NIST Chapter
of Sigma Xi Award, "for outstanding support to NIST scientists."
Ms. Sweigert serves as central coordinator of the NIST Summer
Undergraduate Research Fellowship program (SURF), an enormously successful,
educational outreach program aimed at providing research opportunities to
college and university students. The class of '02 had 102 students,
selected from 195 applications. The students were placed in all seven NIST
Measurement Laboratories. |
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Sigma Xi (NIST Chapter) Young Scientist Award
Eric L. Shirley, Optical Technology Division, was recognized with a 2002
Sigma Xi Young Scientist Award, "for sustained excellence in his
contributions to the quantitative theory of condensed-matter electronic
structure." This award highlights his work in condensed-matter
(solid-state) theory, which includes studies of x-ray absorption by crystals.
His calculations, based on the electronic band structure of the crystals and
including electron-(core) hole interactions, have proven to be the best in the
world. |
Women of Color Research Leadership Award
Maria E. Nadal, Optical Technology Division, received the 2002 Women of
Color Research Leadership Award. The award, given to elite women in government
and defense, honors Dr. Nadal, "for innovative research and
scientific leadership in optical properties measurements in support of industry
and government." The award is presented by Career Communications Group,
Inc. (CCG), publisher of U.S. Black Engineer & Information Technology,
and Hispanic Engineer & Information Technology magazines. Dr. Nadal
has developed new standards for reflectance and new measurement services for
such hard-to-characterize properties as gloss, luster, and sheen, which
strongly influence the appearance of materials. |
Gold Medal (DoC)
The Gold Medal is the highest honor award conferred upon an employee by the
Department of Commerce, for "distinguished performance characterized by
extraordinary, notable, or prestigious contributions that impact the mission of
the Department of Commerce and/or operating unit and which reflect favorably on
the Department." |
Bert M. Coursey, Ionizing Radiation Division, received the Department of
Commerce Gold Medal, "for leadership in helping solve the problem of
anthrax-contaminated mail, detecting nuclear and radiological threats, and
ensuring public safety."
Dr. Coursey is recognized for his leadership in helping to protect first
responders and the American public from terrorist attacks. An expert in
radiation measurement technology, he worked with the U.S. Postal Service,
the Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, and industry to develop a
system for decontaminating more than 20 million letters and
200,000 parcels, and is leading the development of a national measurement
system for combating nuclear smuggling and radiological threats. He is shown
here to the right of his colleagues from the U.S. Postal Service and the
Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, hurrying to an irradiation
facility in Lima, Ohio, to validate the process using an instrumented box of
mail. |
Katharine B. Gebbie and William R. Ott received the Gold Medal,
"for leading NIST's Physics Laboratory (PL) and creating an atmosphere in
which innovative scientific research flourishes in support of NIST's
mission." Drs."Gebbie and Ott have led the Physics Laboratory since
its inception 13"years ago. Their strong and enduring support of research
directed at important measurement challenges, such as developing the world's
most accurate clock, providing measurement support for protecting the U.S. mail
from bioterrorism, probing the limits of quantum-based measurements, and
improving medical treatments and diagnosis with optical and ionizing radiation
technologies, has resulted in numerous awards and recognition for the
Laboratory's scientists and programs, including the Nobel Prize in 1997 and
2001.
Silver Medal (DoC)
The Silver Medal is the second highest honor awarded by the Department of
Commerce, for "exceptional performance characterized by noteworthy or
superlative contributions that have a direct and lasting impact." |
(l to r) Eric L. Shirley, Optical Technology Division, John H.
Burnett, Atomic Physics Division, and Zachary H. Levine,
Electron and Optical Physics Division, received the Silver Medal, "for
advancing next-generation semiconductor lithography by the
discovery
of deep ultraviolet birefringence in calcium fluoride."
Through a combination of theoretical work and laboratory measurements, the team
developed a precise understanding of the effect, and devised conceptual methods
for engineering around it. By providing an early warning to the semiconductor
industry about a critical, previously neglected problem, the three scientists
smoothed the way for the timely introduction of the next generation of
microlithography. |
Bronze Medal (NIST)
The Bronze Medal is the highest honorary recognition available for
Institute presentation. The award recognizes work that has resulted
in more effective and efficient management systems, as well
as the demonstration of unusual initiative or creative ability in the
development and improvement of methods and procedures. It is
also given for significant contributions affecting major programs,
scientific accomplishment within the Institute, and superior
performance of assigned tasks for at least five consecutive years. |
Karen J. Combs, Physics Laboratory Office, received the Bronze Medal,
"for improving NIST-wide administrative and technical support."
Mrs. Combs led a NIST-wide administrative working group that promoted
efficiencies in administrative policies and procedures, improved NIST-wide
communication among and between administrative disciplines, encouraged
collaboration and cooperation, and improved training and career development. |
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Brian E. Zimmerman, Ionizing Radiation Division, received the Bronze
Medal, "for his leadership of the NIST program for radiopharmaceutical
standards." Dr. Zimmerman and his colleagues provide the national
standards for radionuclides used in diagnostic and therapeutic nuclear
medicine. To develop, maintain, and disseminate the national standards for
radiopharmaceuticals, Dr. Zimmerman carries out a vigorous research
program focused on radionuclides used for therapy and administers a
collaborative program with industry to deliver radiopharmaceutical standard
reference materials. He is also collaborating with NIH and developing
radioactivity standards for cancer imaging and therapy applications. |
Allen V. Astin Measurement Science Award (NIST)
The Astin Award recognizes outstanding achievement in the advancement of
measurement science or in the delivery of measurement services.
Bert M. Coursey, Ionizing Radiation Division, received the Astin
Measurement Science Award, "for his leadership in developing and providing
modern radiation standards and measurement services for health care
providers." Dr. Coursey's leadership in measurement science has improved
health care for millions of Americans. He developed the NIST Medical-Industrial
Radiation Facility (MIRF) to provide standards for high-energy radiation
therapy. He improved dose standards used in all 11,000 mammography
facilities in the Nation (26 million mammograms/year). He led the
development of radiation standards for brachytherapy used to prevent the
closing of arteries following angioplasty and to treat prostate cancer (40,000
treatments/year). He initiated new measurement services for nuclear medicine
applications for imaging of tumors, infection, cardiac, or brain function
(36,000 procedures/day), and for radioimmunotherapy and bone palliation
(200,000 therapeutic procedures/year).
Edward Uhler Condon Award (NIST)
The Condon Award recognizes distinguished achievement in written exposition
in science or technology.
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(r to l) Edward W. Hagley, Charles W. Clark, and Lu Deng,
Electron and Optical Physics Division, William D. Phillips, Atomic
Physics Division, and Keith Burnett, Oxford University, were awarded the
Condon Award, "for authorship of The Atom Laser, Optics and
Photonics News (May 2001), a broadly-accessible account of coherent
matter-wave physics." |
Edward Bennett Rosa Award (NIST)
The Rosa Award recognizes outstanding achievements in the development of
meaningful and significant standards of practice in the measurement field.
B. Carol Johnson, Optical Technology Division, received the Rosa Award,
"for research and leadership in developing measurement standards for
ensuring the accuracy of remote-sensing instruments monitoring climate
change." Dr. Johnson has developed novel optical radiation
measurement instruments, standards, and methods for ensuring the accuracy and
reliability of satellite and ground-based instruments monitoring climate change.
Her world-leading research program further supports the remote sensing
community by offering training and education through formal courses, lectures,
and publications, and by providing instrument measurement validation through
laboratory comparisons. Her efforts have accelerated the advancement of the
fundamental metrology of optical radiation measurements, leading to the
development of unique NIST facilities for calibrating remote-sensing
instruments.
Equal Employment Opportunity/Diversity Award (NIST)
The Equal Employment Opportunity/Diversity Award recognizes significant
EEO/Diversity contributions that have been performed in an outstanding manner.
Robert A. Dragoset, Office of Electronic Commerce in Scientific and
Engineering Data, and Chiara F. Ferraris, Building and Fire
Research Laboratory, received the EEO/Diversity Award, "for organizing
Science: Get Psyched," an annual program of hands-on demonstrations
for hundreds of girl scouts aimed at increasing interest in science. In small
groups, the girls visit successive rooms and interact with NIST scientists
providing lively science demonstrations and supervising the girls'
participation. The scouts also attend panel discussions where they can ask
female scientists what it is like to be a scientist. The volunteer program, now
in its ninth year, aims to increase the pipeline of young scientists.
Safety Award (NIST)
The Safety Award for Superior Accomplishment recognizes unusually significant
contributions to the NIST Occupational Safety and Health program activities.
(l to r) Timothy F. Mengers, Occupational Health and Safety Division,
Michael P. Unterweger and Bert M. Coursey, Ionizing
Radiation Division, Zachary H. Levine, Electron and Optical Physics
Division, Stephen M. Seltzer, Ionizing Radiation Division,
Thomas G. Hobbs, Occupational Health and Safety Division, and
Charles W. Clark, Electron and Optical Physics Division, were awarded
the NIST Safety Award, "for prompt action to enhance the security of NIST
radiation sources and radioactive materials in the aftermath of the terror
attacks of September 11, 2001." This group demonstrated exceptional
initiative in organizing a team to identify ways to improve security of NIST
facilities where radiation sources are used and stored. A phased plan of action
was developed; some steps were taken immediately, and others were presented to
NIST Administration for rapid implementation as part of NIST-wide security
efforts. |
"Technical Activities 2002"
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