NIST Office of ECSED - 1995/1996 Technical Highlights

Archive of Technical Activities

Office of Electronic Commerce in Scientific and Engineering Data

The Physics Laboratory Information on the World Wide Web. The Office of ECSED provides Physics Laboratory information and data over the WWW to U.S. industry and the general public. This information has been accessible to the public since June 20, 1994 at the URL http://physics.nist.gov/. By the end of fiscal year 1996, we were supplying 50,000 PL documents each month to users outside of NIST (fully half from our databases). The rate of use continues to increase rapidly.

A wide range of information is provided by PL on the WWW. It includes staff and organization information, PL technical activities, publication lists, research facilities, physical reference data, and bibliographic information about physical reference data. New information is added regularly. We develop programs to provide this information and innovations to overcome the limitations of current browsers.

Atomic spectroscopic database developed for PL WWW page and for NASA's Astrophysics Data System. The Atomic Spectroscopic Database was developed in a collaboration between the Astrophysics Data System, the Atomic Physics Division, the NIST Standard Reference Data Program, and the Office of ECSED. It includes most of the existing critically evaluated NIST data on atomic energy levels, transition probabilities, and wavelengths that are reasonably up-to-date. This interactive database has energy level data for over 500 spectra, transition probabilities for Sc through Ni, and wavelength data for spectra of several elements. It involves obtaining requested data from a repository computer and delivering it to the user through a WWW page on another computer system.

Database with sophisticated user interface developed for the WWW. The Office of ECSED has developed a WWW version of the database entitled Wavenumber Calibration Tables From Heterodyne Frequency Measurements, by Arthur G. Maki and Joseph S. Wells. This is an atlas of molecular spectra and associated tables of wavenumbers for the calibration of infrared spectrometers. Molecule and spectral range can be selected by clicking within WWW browsers. When the graphical presentation is generated for the user, he/she may then modify the display by changing the range displayed and clicking on a new center point. Other modifications of the display can also be made at the choice of the user. This and several other databases developed by the Office of ECSED for the WWW are available online from the PL WWW page.

Astrophysical molecular database developed for the WWW. A web version of the database of critically evaluated molecular transition frequencies detected in interstellar and circumstellar clouds, recommended by NIST for reference in future astronomical observations in the microwave and millimeter wavelength regions, was developed in collaboration with the Optical Technology Division. This database can be searched online by frequency and/or molecule, telescope, or reference. Detailed information and references are provided for the transitions.

Wide range of databases developed for WWW dissemination. This Office has developed and makes available over the WWW a wide range of physical reference databases. In addition to the three mentioned above, we provide databases of the Fundamental Physical Constants, Spectrum of a Platinum Lamp, Bibliographic Database on Atomic Transition Probabilities, X-Ray Attenuation and Absorption for Materials of Dosimetric Interest, and Bibliography of Photon Attenuation Measurements. Each of these databases was developed for the WWW in close collaboration with the compilers of the information and has an interface appropriate for its intended use. Databases are improved and information is added to them on an ongoing basis.

Electronic Commerce in Scientific and Engineering Data. A draft of the report of the industry/government team was circulated to all participants. A revised report was completed and was posted on the NIPDE WWW page for 18 months. We have prepared a draft of the ECSED Testbed - a WWW page encompassing updated information from this report as well as links to activities supporting ECSED functions and future opportunities for demonstrating ECSED functions. After appropriate reviews are completed, it will be made available on the WWW. This WWW page will aid technical database developers in keeping current on developments in the electronic dissemination of information.