Issues in Physics & Astronomy at the BPA Board on Physics and Astronomy • The National Academies • Washington, D.C. • 202-334-3520 • national-academies.org/bpa • Winter 2006 A U.S. Role in Rare-Isotope Science
T.I. Meyer, BPA Staff cluded recommending and comparing activities of other facilities and nations ver 10 years ago, U.S. nuclear FRIB to other potential U.S. initiatives in around the world. scientists proposed construction nuclear science. To better understand the potential Oof a rare-isotope accelerator in These developments in facility defini- impact on the scientific agenda of such a the United States. Such a facility would tion and projected schedule presented the cost reduction, the committee heard enable experiments to elucidate the committee with two main challenges. views from some of the proponents of a structure of exotic, unstable nuclei and First, an effort that had started as an US-FRIB in a public meeting; these indi- provide critical information needed to analysis of the most compelling intellec- viduals gave the committee their views on explain nuclear abundance in the uni- tual territory addressed by a well-defined production techniques and beam intensi- verse. Studies by the NSF-DOE Nuclear facility was transformed into an opposite ties that they judged to be technically Science Advisory Committee supported effort, with the committee focusing first feasible. The primary trade-off indicated this proposal, initially termed the Rare on the scientific questions of highest in these presentations was a modest Isotope Accelerator (RIA). In 2005, DOE importance and then speculating about reduction in the quantity and diversity of and NSF, seeking an independent scien- the technical capabilities that a next- possible isotopes, and a significant reduc- tific assessment, asked the NRC to define generation facility would need to make tion in the multiuser aspects of the facility. the science agenda for a next-generation progress. Second, with a shift in the In developing its conclusions regarding U.S. Facility for Rare Isotope Beams anticipated construction start from 2008 a U.S. facility for rare-isotope beams, the (FRIB). As the study began, DOE an- to 2011 at the earliest, the committee was committee took into account the world- nounced that the budget for what was forced to guess at not only the scientific wide portfolio and the likely time frame in then the RIA should be reduced about in developments more than a decade in the which a FRIB might begin operations half. The study then shifted to an evalua- future but also at the evolving scientific See “Rare-Isotope Science” on page 4 tion of the science that could be accom- plished at a facility so reduced in scope. The revised charge also directed the NRC Ethanol as a Biomass Fuel to evaluate the scientific impact of a rare- Matthew Bowen, Christine Mirzayan Science & Technology Policy isotope beams facility in the overall con- text of the national and international Graduate Fellow nuclear physics programs. The scope of Ed. Note: The National Academies sponsors a members. It also brought to my attention a the committee’s charge explicitly pre- quarterly fellowship program that brings doctoral paper (“Ethanol Can Contribute to Energy students and graduates to Washington. Matthew and Environmental Goals,” Farrell et al. Bowen, a recent Ph.D. from the University of (2006) Science 311: 506-508) by a former In this issue: Washington, joined the BPA for autumn 2006. condensed matter physicist, Daniel Kammen, now a professor of public policy • Rare-Isotope Science. hadn’t come to the National Acad- at the University of California at Berkeley. Page 1 emies to learn about ethanol. As a Kammen and his collaborators were at- IScience and Technology Policy Graduate tempting to definitively settle some of the • Ethanol Fuel. Page 1 Fellow and recent recipient of a Ph.D. in environment and energy questions sur- theoretical particle physics, I was expecting rounding ethanol by directly comparing • Highlights of the Autumn to spend most of my time looking at reports several studies to make clear what the BPA Meeting. Page 2 on rare isotope accelerators and NASA differences between them were. missions. But in the first week of the fellow- Specifically, the group adjusted all of the • Materials Synthesis. Page 5 ship program, when asked for a seminar studies surveyed so that they conformed to topic, I proposed ethanol and soon found a consistent system boundary. The unstated • CMMP 2010. Page 6 myself in charge of organizing the event. goal of Kammen’s study was to move the Researching potential speakers put me in debate over corn ethanol beyond the net • Controlling the Quantum contact with staff from the Board on Energy energy balance question to focus instead on World. Page 7 and Environmental Systems, the Board on greenhouse gas emissions, reduction of Agricultural and Natural Resources, and a petroleum consumption and the potential of • Beyond Einstein. Page 12 number of National Academy of Science See “Ethanol” on page 10 2 BPA News • Winter 2006
Board on Highlights of the Autumn Meeting of the Board on Physics and Astronomy Physics and Astronomy Anneila I. Sargent, Chair Caryn J. Knutsen, BPA Staff developments?” California Institute of Technology Participating on behalf of the recently Marc A. Kastner, Vice Chair he Board on Physics and As- completed AMO 2010 report, Controlling Massachusetts Institute of Technology tronomy met for its annual fall the Quantum World: The Science of Atoms, Joanna Aizenberg meeting on November 4-5, 2006, at Molecules, and Photons, Phillip Bucksbaum Lucent Technologies T the Beckman Center of the National presented the report and thanked the Jonathan Bagger Academies in Irvine, California. Chair BPA for the experience of co-chairing the The Johns Hopkins University Anneila Sargent called the meeting to committee. Ultimately, he noted, in James E. Brau University of Oregon order, thanking everyone for being science it is more important to pick the Ronald C. Davidson present and introducing the new board winners than to identify the losers; telling Princeton University members. Vice chair Marc Kastner the government what the field needs, Raymond J. Fonck described the focus of this meeting: an rather than how the agencies should do University of Wisconsin at Madison overview of the Physics 2010 decadal their jobs, is the more successful ap- Andrea M. Ghez survey, completed reports, the reports in proach. The sponsors were quite pleased University of California at Los Angeles progress, and projects currently being with the report; Dr. Bucksbaum was also Peter F. Green conceived. invited to discuss the report and its orga- University of Michigan The discussion opened with a presen- nizing rubric of compelliing scientific Wick C. Haxton tation on the EPP 2010 report Revealing the opportunities presented in the form of University of Washington Hidden Nature of Space and Time: Chart- questions with DOE’s Basic Energy Sci- Frances Hellman ing the Course for Elementary Particle ences Advisory Committee. University of California at Berkeley Physics, by Jonathan Bagger. He briefly Thomas Theis then presented a status Joseph Hezir EOP Group, Inc. reviewed the structure and content of the report on the CMMP 2010 committee and Erich P. Ippen report, commenting that the United States its interim report, Condensed-Matter and Massachusetts Institute of Technology is probably ahead of many of its world Materials Physics: The Science of the World Allan H. MacDonald partners in terms of thinking globally Around Us (see related article in this University of Texas at Austin about the conception of large research newsletter). Dr. Theis commented that Christopher F. McKee facilites as opposed to thinking globally the committee was examining trends over University of California at Berkeley only about the execution. He added that the past decade in the costs of research, Homer A. Neal the international landscape is evolving and focusing on graduate students and instru- University of Michigan the United States may not be able to mentation; it is not clear that federal Jose Onuchic maintain its lead. Homer Neal provided resources have been able to keep pace University of California at San Diego an overview of the subpanel on university with the perceived escalation. The final William D. Phillips research programs that he is chairing for report of the committee is expected in National Institute of Standards and Technology the NSF/DOE High Energy Physics Advi- mid-2007 and will not only treat the topics Thomas N. Theis IBM Thomas J. Watson Research Center sory Panel. A key issue faced by his panel of the interim report in more detail but C. Megan Urry is the rationale for universities to continue will also provide guidance to the scientific Yale University their involvement in elementary particle community and the federal agencies on BPA Staff physics and what they can offer uniquely. how best to move the research forward. Donald C. Shapero, Director The panel is also considering the balance Jonathan Bagger led a discussion of a Van An, Financial Associate between university-based research pro- possible volume of Physics 2010 that Brian D. Dewhurst, Senior Program Associate David B. Lang, Research Associate grams and those at the national laborato- would focus on gravitational physics. Pamela Lewis, Program Associate ries. Informal discussions with several agencies Caryn J. Knutsen, Senior Program Assistant Plasma 2010 committee chair Steven have been positive, he reported, but the Natalia J. Melcer, Program Officer Timothy I. Meyer, Senior Program Officer Cowley presented a status report on the scope of the projects needs careful con- Robert L. Riemer, Senior Program Officer project; he said that the committee’s final sideration. He noted that in some key § report would be completed in Spring 2007. ways, the study of gravity represents one The Board on Physics and Astronomy is a continuing The Plasma 2010 committee has identified of the frontiers of fundamental physics: interdisciplinary body with expertise spanning the various subfields of physics, astronomy, and a host of exciting new opportunities in classical field theories and quantum field astrophysics. It serves as a focal point in the National plasma science and engineering and theories are related in intricate ways not Research Council for issues connected with these fields. The activities of the Board are supported by funds from expects to answer the question, “Are the yet understood. Gravitational phenom- the National Science Foundation, the Department of communities and sponsoring agencies best ena also cut across both physics and Energy, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and private and other sources. positioned to take advanatge of these astronomy, ranging from precision tests BPA News • Winter 2006 3 of the equivalence principle in the labora- Committee chair Arup Chakraborty Committees of the Board on tory to the most energetic phenomena in reviewed the progress of the Biomolecular Physics and Astronomy the universe in the form of massive black Materials and Processes Committee holes in the center of active galactic nuclei. (BMAP), stating that the committee is Beyond Einstein Program A study committee would have to take preparing for its third and final meeting. Assessment Committee Charles F. Kennel, Scripps Institution of care to ensure that the scientific assess- The charge to the committee was rather Oceanography, and Joseph H. Rothenberg, broad: “biomaterials” is much broader ment and its recommendations would Universal Space Network, Co-chairs connect well with efforts in the next than just “biologically inspired” materials, Committee on decadal survey of astronomy and astro- the Board noted. Astronomy and Astrophysics1 Rare Isotope Science Assessment physics: topics such as dark energy, grav- C. Megan Urry, Yale University, and ity waves, and inflation would have to be Committee committee co-chair Stuart Charles L. Bennett, Johns Hopkins included. One proposal, he said, might to Freedman presented a status report on University, Co-chairs the progess of the committee. The com- conduct the study as a subpanel of both Committee on Biomolecular Materials and the astronomy survey and the Physics 2010 mittee is on track to release its report this Processes2 survey. Regardless of the final approach, autumn. [It has since been released; see Arup Chakraborty, Massachusetts Institute of he said, the fact that gravity physics is so article in this issue.] Technology, Chair encompassing is a tribute to how much Beyond Einstein Program Assessment Committee on Radio Frequencies the field has evolved. Committee committee co-chair Charles Paul A. Vanden Bout, National Radio Wick Haxton gave an overview of a Kennel then discussed the upcoming Astronomy Observatory, Chair possible nuclear physics volume of the committee meeeting with the Board. He Jeffrey Piepmeier, NASA Goddard Space Flight decadal survey, to be called Nuclear acknowledged the difficult task facing his Center, Vice Chair Physics 2010 (NP2010). Professor Haxton committee and asked the Board for its Condensed-Matter and Materials Physics described the long-range planning effort assistance in reaching out to and engaging 2010 (CMMP 2010)3 being undertaken by the nuclear science both the physics and astronomy commu- Mildred S. Dresselhaus, Massachusetts Institute community under the auspices of the joint nities (see related article in this issue). of Technology, and William J. Spencer, NSF/DOE Nuclear Science Advisory Jose Onuchic gave an energetic pre- SEMATECH, Co-chairs Committee. He suggested that NP2010 sentation on the upcoming study on the MRSEC Impact Assessment Committee should not begin until after this commu- forefronts of research at the intersection Matthew V. Tirrell, University of nity process is completed and that—if the of the physical and life sciences. NSF, California at Santa Barbara, Chair NRC study were to add real value—it NIH, and DOE have agreed to support NASA Astrophysics Program Assessment should (1) focus on framing nuclear this project; the BPA is collaborating with Committee1 physics within the broader context of the NRC’s Board on Life Sciences. When the Kenneth H. Keller, University of Minnesota, Chair, and Martha P. Haynes, Cornell physical sciences and (2) examine the project is launched in early 2007, the two University, Vice Chair global context for the U.S. efforts and Boards will begin work on convening a provide guidance on the U.S. role in the committee of appropriate experts. There Materials Synthesis and Crystal Growth Committee worldwide effort. will likely be some membership overlap Paul S. Peercy, University of Wisconsin at with the BMAP committee. Allan MacDonald shared some obser- Madison, Chair vations about what an overview volume in BPA staff member Timothy Meyer led Plasma Science 20103 Physics 2010 might look like. For instance, a discussion of a potential review of a plan Steven Cowley, University of California at Los for U.S. fusion community involvement in attracting new people to the field and Angeles, and John Peoples, Fermi National educating students are issues with which the ITER science program. Inspired by a Accelerator Laboratory, Co-chairs all physicists must grapple. letter from DOE Under Secretary for Plasma Science Committee Science Raymond Orbach to the National After breaking for lunch, committee Riccardo Betti, University of Rochester, Chair chair Matthew Tirrell updated the Board Academies, the study would evaluate the Rare-Isotope Science Assessment on the progress of the MRSEC Impact preliminary planning exercise outlined in a Committee document prepared by the U.S. Burning Assessment Committee, a project that is John F. Ahearne, Sigma Xi and Duke examining the past and future roles of the Plasma Organization and help frame it in University, and Stuart J. Freedman, University NSF Materials Research Science and a broader context. of California at Berkeley, Co-chairs With Wendy Freedman and Roger Engineering Center program in advancing Solid State Sciences Committee materials research. The committee is Angel, BPA staff member Brian Dewhurst Peter F. Green, University of Michigan, Chair, grappling with the general issue of distin- led a discussion on a potential update of and Barbara Jones, IBM Almaden Research guishing the activities enabled by the the 1990s report on the federal funding of Center, Vice Chair center-based program from those with astronomy. The new study might also § other support. The committee is finishing focus on the increasing importance of 1Joint with Space Studies Board public/private partnerships in ground- up its report and will likely send it to 2Joint with Board on Life Sciences review in January 2007. See “BPA Meeting” on page 8 3Elements of the new survey Physics 2010 4 BPA News • Winter 2006
Rare-Isotope Science matter important to theories of neutron- Rare-Isotope Science (continued from page 1) star crusts. Fundamental symmetries of nature. Assessment Committee Experiments addressing questions of the (2016, according to current DOE plans). fundamental symmetries of nature will John F. Ahearne, Co-chair Sigma Xi and Duke University Despite the uncertainty inherent in pre- similarly be conducted at a FRIB through Stuart J. Freedman, Co-chair dicting what will be the important scien- the creation and study of certain exotic University of California at Berkeley tific questions in the far future, a powerful isotopes. These nuclei could enable Ricardo Alarcon new rare-isotope facility could resolve important experiments on basic interac- Arizona State University scientific issues of clear importance. tions because aspects of their structure Peter Braun-Munzinger A rare-isotope facility produces beams greatly magnify the size of the symmetry- GSI of unstable atomic nuclei for direct study breaking processes being probed. For Adam S. Burrows or can use them in subsequent reactions example, a possible explanation for the University of Arizona to produce even more exotic nuclear observed asymmetry between matter and Richard F. Casten species. The committee identified several antimatter in the universe could be stud- Yale University key science drivers. ied by searching for a nonzero permanent Yanglai Cho Nuclear structure. A FRIB would offer a electric dipole moment larger than Stan- Argonne National Laboratory (retired) laboratory for exploring the limits of nuclear dard Model predictions in heavy radioac- [Unable to participate because of illness] existence and identifying new phenomena, tive nuclei. Gerald T. Garvey with the possibility that a more broadly The committee concluded that nuclear Los Alamos National Laboratory Wick C. Haxton University of Washington Robert L. Jaffe Massachusetts Institute of Technology Noemie B. Koller Rutgers University Stephen B. Libby Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Shoji Nagamiya Japan Proton Accelerator Research Complex Witold Nazarewicz University of Tennessee Michael Romalis Princeton University Paul Schmor applicable theory of nuclei will emerge. structure and nuclear astrophysics consti- TRIUMF FRIB would investigate new forms of tute a vital component of the nuclear Michael C.F. Wiescher nuclear matter such as the large neutron science portfolio in the United States. University of Notre Dame excesses occurring in nuclei near the neu- Failure to pursue a U.S. FRIB would likely Stanford E. Woosley tron drip line, thus offering the only labora- lead to a forfeiture of U.S. leadership in University of California at Santa Cruz tory access to matter made essentially of nuclear-structure-related physics and Staff pure neutrons; a FRIB might lead to would curtail the training of future U.S. Donald C. Shapero, Director breakthroughs in the ability to fabricate nuclear scientists. Pamela Lewis, Program Associate the super-heavy elements with larger The committee concluded that a U.S. Timothy I. Meyer, Senior Program Officer neutron numbers that are expected to facility for rare-isotope beams of the kind exhibit unusual stability in spite of huge described to the committee would be ity for the United States. electrostatic repulsion. complementary to existing and planned The committee’s final report was Nuclear astrophysics. A FRIB would international efforts (see figure), particu- publicly released on Friday, December lead to a better understanding of key issues larly if based on a heavy-ion linear accel- 8, 2006, in unedited, prepublication by creating exotic nuclei that, until now, erator. With such a facility, the United form. The co-chairs gave a public have existed only in nature’s most spectacu- States would be a partner among equals in presentation in Chicago at a morning lar explosion, the supernova. It would offer the exploration of the world-leading session of the Nuclear Science Advisory new glimpses into the origin of the elements, scientific thrusts listed above. The com- Committee’s task force on radioactive- which are produced mostly in processes mittee concluded that the science ad- isotope beams. The event was attended very far from nuclear stability and which are dressed by a rare-isotope facility, most by more than 40 people and was fea- barely within reach of present facilities. A likely based on a heavy-ion driver using a tured in an article in the Chicago Tri- FRIB would also probe properties of nuclear linear accelerator, should be a high prior- bune. ■ BPA News • Winter 2006 5
U.S. economic engine, this study will Materials Synthesis and Crystal Growth address the needs of the MSAC field Natalia J. Melcer, BPA Staff and recommend strategies for realizing cesses; (c) essential elements of nationally- its full potential. coordinated materials synthesis capabili- The chair of the NRC has recently nder the auspices of the Solid ties; and (d) domparisons to levels of effort appointed members to the committeee. State Sciences Committee of the in other countries The committee will be led by Paul UBoard on Physics and Astronomy, Several issues frame this study and Peercy, Dean of Engineering at the a new study committee is being formed to relate to the U.S. capability to create and University of Wisconsin. Fifteen other assess the status of new materials synthe- characterize new materials. First, the basic experts in science, engineering, and sis and crystal growth (MSAC) in the research capability of U.S. industry is policy will fill out the committee. ■ United States and to identify areas of waning, and with it, the domestic capability opportunity for future research. This for creating new materials and growing Materials Synthesis and Crystal study will identify and articulate the role them in crystalline form suitable for char- Growth Committee that MSAC plays in advancing research in acterization and analysis. Second, materials Paul Peercy, Chair condensed-matter and materials physics characterization capabilities are very University of Wisconsin at Madison and the physical sciences in general, strong and growing. Third, the opportu- highlight new opportunities that are nity to exploit strong U.S. characterization Collin Broholm The Johns Hopkins University intellectually exciting and ripe for scien- capabilities for the identification of materi- tific breakthroughs, and outline enhance- als with new properties is constrained by Robert Cava ments to the materials research enterprise the limited domestic supply of new materi- Princeton University that will improve the productivity and als. And finally, strong capabilities for new James Chelikowsky capability for MSAC. Further, U.S. capa- materials creation have emerged in Japan University of Texas at Austin bilities in this area will be benchmarked and Europe, placing the United States at a Zachary Fisk against foreign competition. Other competitive disadvantage. Given the rise of University of California at Irvine factors to be considered include the these issues, a study is timely to articulate a Patrick Gallagher historical roles of industry, university, vision forward for the field to capitalize on National Institute of Standards and and government laboratories in MSAC, current expertise and characterization Technology the role of crystal growth for both capabilities in the United States. Laura Greene scientific and commercial applications, The activities falling under MSAC are University of Illinois at and the professional status of crystal broad: They span traditional academic Urbana-Champaign growers in the United States. Specifi- disciplines such as chemistry, materials Eric Isaacs cally, the committee is charged with the science, and physics, and they are spread Argonne National Laboratory following tasks: over different types of institutions such as Peter Littlewood 1. Define the research area of new university, government, and industrial Cambridge University materials and crystal growth, framing the research labs. They also span subject Laurie McNeil activities and intellectual impact in the matter such as electronic, magnetic, opti- University of North Carolina at broader context of the condensed-matter cal, and structural phenomena. MSAC Chapel Hill and materials sciences. impacts areas of research such as super- Joel S. Miller 2. Assess the health of the collective conductors, novel magnets, low-dimen- University of Utah U.S. research activities in new materials sional systems, quantum-critical systems, and crystal growth. optical materials, and semiconductors. Loren Pfeiffer Alcatel-Lucent 3. Articulate the relationship between Going forward, the committee will the synthesis of bulk and thin-film materi- conduct its first data-gathering meeting Ramamoorthy Ramesh als and measurement-based research; at the National Academies’ Keck Center University of California at Berkeley identify appropriate trends. in Washington, D.C., early in 2007. At Arthur Ramirez 4. Identify future opportunities for this meeting, the committee will hear Alcatel-Lucent new materials and crystal growth research from its sponsors, the National Science Hidenori Takagi and discuss the potential impacts on other Foundation and the Department of University of Tokyo sciences and society in general. Energy, and other stakeholders. The Dan Thoma 5. Recommend strategies to address committee is also planning town hall Los Alamos National Laboratory these opportunities, including discussion meetings for broad community input on of the following issues: (a) existing efforts this topic at professional society meetings Staff to improve accessibility to and distribu- in 2007. To create a robust future for Donald C. Shapero, BPA Director tion of samples; (b) technology transfer condensed matter science and technol- Natalia J. Melcer, Program Officer from basic research to commercial pro- ogy and fully enable its role in fueling the Pamela A. Lewis, Program Associate 6 BPA News • Winter 2006
CMMP 2010 Interim Report Committee on Condensed-Matter materials are made of simple, well-under- and Materials Physics 2010 Natalia J. Melcer, BPA Staff stood constituents, and yet their aggregate n September 14, 2006, the behaviors are stunningly diverse and often CMMP2010 committee released deeply mysterious. The relationship Mildred S. Dresselhaus, Co-chair Oits interim report, Condensed- between the properties of the individual Massachusetts Institute of Technology Matter and Materials Physics: The Science and the behavior of the whole is very William J. Spencer, Co-chair of the World Around Us, summarizing subtle and difficult to uncover and lies at SEMATECH (retired) eight challenges for condensed matter and the heart of CMMP. The challenge is to materials physics in the coming decades. understand how collective phenomena Gabriel Aeppli University College London CMMP 2010 is part of the Board on emerge, to discover new ones, and to Physics and Astronomy’s Physics 2010 determine which microscopic details are Samuel Bader survey of all the branches of physics. Two unimportant and which are essential. Argonne National Laboratory reports in the physics survey have been 2. How will we generate power in the William Bialek completed to date: Revealing the Hidden future? Our nation must develop cheap, Princeton University Nature of Space and Time: Charting the renewable energy sources to reduce our Course for Elementary Particle Physics and dependence on fossil fuels while minimiz- David Bishop Controlling the Quantum World. ing carbon emissions and other harm to Bell Labs / Lucent Technologies The CMMP 2010 committee, chaired the environment. Promising technologies Anthony Cheetham by Mildred S. Dresselhaus (MIT) and for solar energy, hydrogen fuel cells, solid University of California at Santa Barbara William J. Spencer (SEMATECH, retired), state lighting, rechargeable batteries, and is charged to review recent accomplish- improved nuclear power will play critical James P. Eisenstein California Institute of Technology ments and new opportunities in the field; roles, but we also need fundamentally new identify potential future impacts on other approaches. To meet our needs, many Hidetoshi Fukuyama scientific fields; consider how CMMP profound scientific challenges require Tokyo University of Science contributes to meeting national societal urgent attention. CMMP is strongly Peter Green needs; identify, discuss, and suggest positioned to help address these chal- University of Michigan priorities for construction, purchase, and lenges. Investment over a broad front and operation of tools and facilities; examine collaboration with other disciplines and Randall Hulet the structure and level of the current policy makers are needed to meet this Rice University research effort and funding; and make immense challenge. Heinrich Jaeger recommendations on how to realize the 3. What is the physics of life? The University of Chicago full potential of CMMP research. study of living matter poses special chal- Steven Kivelson The committee received broad input lenges for CMMP because the constituent Stanford University on its charge through town meetings held biomolecules are far more complex than at the March meeting of the American the atoms or molecules that form most Andrea Liu Physical Society, the spring meeting of the materials. CMMP will continue to catalyze University of Pennsylvania American Chemical Society, and the advances in biology and medicine by Paul McEuen spring meeting of the Materials Research providing new methods for quantitative Cornell University Society. Committee members also con- measurement. At the same time, the study ducted small focus group sessions at of biological systems broadens the hori- Karin Rabe State University of New Jersey, Rutgers various institutions around the country zons of physics. The unparalleled specific- for informal discussion on the future of ity and robust functioning of biomolecular Thomas Theis CMMP research. systems generate new theoretical ideas IBM T.J. Watson Research Center To address its charge, the committee and inspire the creation of novel materials BPA Staff released an interim report highlighting and devices. In its ability to analyze com- Donald C. Shapero, Director eight challenges that frame the future of plex systems by identifying their essential Natalia J. Melcer, Program Officer the field. Meeting these challenges will and general features, physics will be Caryn J. Knutsen, Senior Program Assistant lead to significant advances in both funda- indispensable in sifting through the vast mental science and materials-based trove of accumulating data to tackle the not change with time. Yet much of the technology. Highlights from the eight origins of the ultimate emergent phenom- richness of the world around us arises challenges identified by the committee ena: life and consciousness. from systems far from equilibrium. Phe- follow: 4. What happens far from equilibrium nomena such as turbulence, earthquakes, 1. How do complex phenomena and why? Isolated systems evolve toward fracture, hurricanes, and life itself occur emerge from simple ingredients? Most equilibrium, a state in which properties do See “CMMP 2010” on page 14 BPA News • Winter 2006 7
Controlling the Quantum World Committee on Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics 2010 Michael H. Moloney, NMAB Staff (1) Revolutionary new methods to mea- Ed. Note: This article is largely inspired by sure the nature of space and time with the Executive Summary of the report. Philip H. Bucksbaum, Co-chair extremely high precision have emerged University of Michigan tomic, molecular, and optical within the last decade from a convergence (AMO) science demonstrates of technologies in the control of the Robert Eisenstein, Co-chair Apowerfully the ties of fundamental coherence of ultrafast lasers and ultracold Gordon A. Baym physics to society. Its very name reflects atoms. This new capability creates un- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign three of 20th century physics’ greatest precedented new research opportunities. (2) Ultracold AMO physics was the most C. Lewis Cocke advances: the establishment of the atom Kansas State University as a building block of matter; the develop- spectacularly successful new AMO re- ment of quantum mechanics, which made search area of the past decade and it led Eric A. Cornell it possible to understand the inner work- to the development of coherent quantum University of Colorado / JILA ings of atoms and molecules; and the gases. This new field is poised to make E. Norval Fortson invention of the laser. Navigation by the major contributions to resolving impor- University of Washington stars gave way to navigation by clocks, tant fundamental problems in condensed Keith Hodgson which in turn has given way to today’s matter science and in plasma physics, Stanford Linear Accelerator Center navigation by atomic clocks. Laser sur- bringing with it new interdisciplinary gery has replaced the knife for the most opportunities. Anthony M. Johnson delicate operations. Our nation’s defense (3) High-intensity and short-wavelength University of Maryland at Baltimore County depends on rapid deployment using global sources such as new x-ray free-electron Steven Kahn positioning satellites, laser-guided weap- lasers promise significant advances in Stanford Linear Accelerator Center ons, and secure communication, all AMO science, condensed matter physics Mark A. Kasevich derived directly from fundamental ad- and materials research, chemistry, medi- Stanford University vances in AMO science. Homeland cine, and defense-related science. security relies on a multitude of screening (4) Ultrafast quantum control will unveil Wolfgang Ketterle technologies based on AMO research to the internal motion of atoms within Massachusetts Institute of Technology detect toxins in the air and hidden weap- molecules and of electrons within atoms Kate Kirby ons in luggage or on persons, to name a to a degree thought impossible only a Harvard-Smithsonian Center few. New drugs are now designed with decade ago. This is sparking a revolution for Astrophysics the aid of x-ray scattering to determine in the imaging and coherent control of Pierre Meystre their structure at the molecular level using quantum processes and will be among the University of Arizona AMO-based precision measurement most fruitful new areas of AMO science in techniques. And the global economy the next 10 years. Christopher Monroe University of Michigan depends critically on high-speed telecom- (5) Quantum engineering on the munication by laser light sent over thin nanoscale of tens to hundreds of atomic Margaret M. Murnane optical fibers encircling the globe. These diameters has led to new opportunities for University of Colorado / JILA advances, made possible by the scientists atom-by-atom control of quantum struc- William D. Phillips in this field, touched many areas of soci- tures using the techniques of AMO sci- National Institute of Standards and etal importance in the past century, and ence. There are compelling opportunities Technology AMO scientists have been rewarded with in both molecular science and photon Stephen T. Pratt numerous Nobel prizes over the past science that are expected to have far- Argonne National Laboratory decade, including the 2005 prize in phys- reaching societal applications. ics. (6) Quantum information is a rapidly K. Birgitta Whaley Controlling the Quantum World: The growing research area in AMO science and University of California at Berkeley Science of Atoms, Molecules, and Photons is one that faces special challenges owing to its Neal Lane, Senior Consultant the latest volume in the Physics 2010 potential application in data security and Rice University decadal survey. It concludes that research encryption. Multiple approaches to quan- Neil Calder, Consultant in AMO science and technology is thriving tum computing and communication are Stanford Linear Accelerator Center and it identifies, from among the many likely to be fruitful in the coming decade, important and relevant issues in AMO and open international exchange of people Staff science, six broad grand challenges that and information is critical in order to realize Donald C. Shapero, Director the maximum benefit. Brian D. Dewhurst, Senior Program Associate succinctly describe key scientific opportu- Pamela Lewis, Program Associate nities available to AMO science. See “Quantum World” on page 9 Michael H. Moloney, Senior Program Officer 8 BPA News • Winter 2006
BPA Meeting paper discusses, for instance, options for Hezir and Thomas Theis made several handling the increasingly long lead time observations. They suggested that the (continued from page 3) required for development of large facility BPA might help to examine the situation projects as well as strategies for dealing by looking at a case study in condensed- based astronomy. with uncertain cost risks. The discussion matter and materials research and assess- Near the end of the afternoon, Martha will continue with the broader community ing the opportunities for connecting the Haynes described the NRC review of the at a special session planned for the Janu- research programs across the three Board by its parent, the Division on ary 2007 meeting of the American Astro- different sectors. Engineering and Physical Sciences. The nomical Society. Erich Ippen presented some prelimi- Board underwent a similar review three years ago. As part of the review, letters will be sent out to the Board’s sponsors, other stakeholders, and past members to solicit feedback on the BPA. Closing the day, invited guest Daniel Savin reviewed a recent NASA workshop on laboratory astrophysics. He said that the astronomy community needs addi- tional spectroscopic data for higher precision interpretation of current obser- vations. The Board speculated about the scope of a potential NRC study and discussed the role that it might play in this area. There are clear connections from laboratory astrophysics to astronomy, AMO science, and plasma physics. The next day of the Board meeting opened with a report from Roger Blandford on the NSF “senior review” of the ground- based astronomy program. Professor Blandford reviewed the key findings and recommendations of the report. As- tronomy is poised for dramatic advances in the understanding of the universe. Realizing The autumn 2006 meeting of the Committee on Radio Frequencies was held in Socorro, this potential requires continual life-cycle New Mexico at the Very Large Array Operations Center (image courtesy D.B. Lang). investment in increasingly complex and expensive NSF-supported ground-based Paul Peercy presented an update on the nary thinking about the topic of quantum facilities while maintaining basic grant Materials Synthesis and Crystal Growth information science; the field has moved support. Fiscal constraints continue to limit Committee that is being formed under the dramatically forward and includes much the ability to initiate new projects and to auspices of the Board’s Solid State Sciences more than just quantum computing and operate all existing facilities at their current Committee (see related article in this issue). cryptopgraphy. levels of support. Dr. Blandford’s committee Committee on Radio Frequencies Finally, James Brau discussed a poten- had the daunting task of evaluating the relative member David DeBoer then reviewed the tial role for the BPA in helping to organize merits of the diverse array of NSF-funded activities of the committee and the pend- an international symposium on supercon- observatories. The committee’s report em- ing launch of its own decadal-style scien- ducting radio-frequency technology. This phasized that realistic planning is essential and, tific assessment project. The study will new technology is playing an important going forward, a coherent national astronomy examine the current scientific uses of the and international role in the design of enterprise will be crucial. electromagnetic spectrum and will frame major new accelerators for a wide variety As co-chair of the Board’s Committee the future outlook for both the research of purposes, ranging from materials on Astronomy and Astrophysics, C. and policy-making communities. physics and nuclear physics to high- Megan Urry led a discussion about the The Board then discussed several energy particle physics. next astronomy and astrophysics survey. emerging topics in which it could play a With a warm thank-you to everyone She described a white paper that her potential role in the future. In the area of for participating, Professor Sargent ad- committee is developing that charts fostering innovation in the physical sci- journed the meeting. The Board will meet several options for the timing and imple- ences through partnerships among gov- next in Washington, D.C., on April 27-28, mentation of the survey. This advisory ernment, university, and industry, Joseph 2007. ■ BPA News • Winter 2006 9
Quantum World continue to make exceptional advances becoming increasingly difficult. in science and in technology for many (7) In any scientific field where progress is (continued from page 7) years to come. extremely rapid, it is important not to lose (4) In view of its tremendous importance sight of the essential role played by theo- Surmounting these challenges will to the national well-being broadly de- retical research. Programs at the federal require important advances in both fined—that is, to our nation’s economic agencies that support AMO theory have experiment and theory. Each of these strength, health care, defense, education, been and remain of critical importance. science opportunities is linked closely to and domestic security—an enhanced NSF plays a critical and leading role in this the new tools that will also help in meeting area, but its support of AMO theoretical critical national needs. The key future physics is insufficient. opportunities for AMO science presented (8) AMO science is an enabling compo- by these six grand challenges are based on nent of astrophysics and plasma physics the rapid and astounding developments in but is not adequately supported by the the field, a result of investments made by funding agencies charged with responsi- the federal R&D agencies in AMO re- bility for those areas. search programs. These compelling (9) The number of American students grand challenges in AMO research are choosing physical science as a career is discussed in more detail in the report, dangerously low. Without remediation, which also highlights the broad impact of this problem is likely to create an unac- AMO science and its strong connections ceptable “expertise gap” between the to other branches of science and technol- United States and other countries. ogy and discusses the strong coupling to (10) Scientists and students in the United national priorities in health care, eco- States benefit greatly from close contact nomic development, the environment, with the scientists and students of other national defense, and homeland security. nations. Vital interactions include the The report offers 10 conclusions on training of foreign graduate students, government support for AMO science international collaborations, exchange based on data on funding, demographics, visits, and meetings and conferences. and program emphasis collected from These interactions promote excellent federal agencies: science, improve international under- (1) Given the budget and programmatic standing, and support the economic, constraints, the federal agencies ques- investment program in research and educational, and national security needs tioned in this study have generally education in physical science is critical, of the United States. managed the research profile of their and such a program will improve the Finally, the report offers six recom- programs well in response to the oppor- country’s ability to capture the benefits of mendations motivated by its findings on tunities in AMO science. In doing so, AMO science. the science opportunities and the pro- the agencies have developed a combina- (5) Historically, support for basic research grammatic conclusions that form a strat- tion of modalities (large groups; centers has been a vital component of the nation’s egy to realize fully the potential at the and facilities; and expanded single- defense strategy. Therefore, the recent frontiers of AMO science: investigator programs). Much of the decline in funding for basic research at the (1) In view of the critical importance of funding increase that has taken place at defense-related agencies is troubling. the physical sciences to national economic DOE, NIST, and NSF has been to benefit (6) The extremely rapid increase in tech- strength, health care, defense, and domes- activities at research centers. The nical capabilities and the associated in- tic security, the federal government overall balance of the modalities for crease in the cost of scientific instrumen- should embark on a substantially in- support of the field has led to outstand- tation have led to very significant added creased investment program to improve ing scientific payoffs. pressures (over and above the usual education in the physical sciences and (2) The breadth of AMO science and of Consumer Price Index inflationary pres- mathematics at all levels and to strengthen the agencies that support it is very impor- sures) on research group budgets. In significantly the research effort. tant to future progress in the field and has addition, not only has the cost of instru- (2) AMO science will continue to make been a key factor in its success so far. mentation increased but also the com- exceptional contributions to many areas (3) Since all of the agencies report that plexity and challenge of the science make of science and technology. The federal they receive many more proposals of investigation much more expensive. This government should therefore support excellent quality than they are able to “science inflator” effect means that while programs in AMO science across disci- fund, it is clear that AMO science re- it is now possible to imagine research that plinary boundaries and through a multi- mains rich with promise for outstanding was unimaginable in the past, finding the plicity of agencies. future progress. AMO science will resources to pursue that research is See “Quantum World” on page 10 10 BPA News • Winter 2006
Ethanol who calculate a positive net energy balance gallons of cellulosic ethanol. Clearly, cellu- remain skeptical that corn ethanol is a long- losic ethanol will not play a large role in our (continued from page 1) term solution. The relatively small energy energy budget any time soon. gain, the uncertain status of GHG emissions, The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) cellulosic ethanol. and issues like soil erosion and effects on has set a goal of using biofuels, primarily A Red Herring: The Net Energy Balance of food prices remain worrisome. ethanol, to reduce gasoline consumption Corn Ethanol A Potential Solution: Cellulosic 30% by 2030. A recent joint study by the The lower heating value for ethanol is Technology U.S. Department of Agriculture and DOE measured to be 21.2 MJ/L. Naturally, we One potential way forward is cellulosic (April 2006) concluded that the United then ask, How much energy does it take to technology. This approach breaks cell walls States does indeed have the land resources produce a liter of ethanol? The Farrell study down into, among other things, cellulose to produce enough biomass to meet more estimates that the agricultural phase of corn and lignin. Lignin, a combustible material, than one-third of the current demand for ethanol costs around 5.5 MJ (nearly half of can be used instead of coal and natural gas transportation fuels. The study did not which comes from fertilizers containing to power biorefinery plants while designer consider potential advances in cellulosic nitrogen) and the biorefinery phase costs enzymes can be used to break cellulose technology and did not try to estimate around 15.2 MJ (more than 90% of which down into sugars. effects on U.S. GHG emissions. comes from coal and natural gas use). The To illustrate the promise of cellulosic When I asked staff members at the net energy balance is, so far, positive and ethanol Kammen’s group simulated what Academies what they considered ethanol’s tiny (+0.5 MJ), but there is still one missing the lifecycle of cellulosic ethanol might look future to be, several seemed to enjoy bring- component of the equation: coproducts. like if switchgrass were used as a biomass ing to my attention all of the ethanol studies The production of ethanol from corn crop. Switchgrass has several virtues: It uses published in the 1970s—only to be forgotten necessarily involves the production of water efficiently, is indigenous to the Great just a few years later. Time will tell if this carbon dioxide and food products (e.g., Plains, and is already used by farmers to latest push for ethanol has lasting momen- dried distiller grains) which can be used to help control soil erosion. Furthermore, tum. ■ feed livestock. These coproducts have a increased use of switchgrass would not market value and displace energy use affect food prices. elsewhere, so Kammen et al. allot an energy Agricultural costs for growing switch- Quantum World credit of 4.1 MJ/L. This leaves the energy grass are also less than for growing corn, (continued from page 9) balance at +4.6 MJ for each liter of ethanol and lignin can be burned to power the produced. Failing to consider coproducts, biorefinery plants, so the total energy costs (3) Basic research is a vital component of as well as using older farming data, has led for cellulosic ethanol come out to only the nation’s defense strategy. The De- other groups to claim a negative energy 3.2 MJ/L (compared with 20.7 MJ/L for partment of Defense, therefore, should balance. corn). And, of course, there is an energy reverse recent declines in support for 6.1 One thing all of the studies agree on is coproduct credit of 4.8 MJ/L, which leads to research at its agencies. that ethanol reduces the consumption of a +22.8 MJ net energy balance. This would (4) The extremely rapid increase in the petroleum, and the Farrell group estimates indicate an energy output more than eight technical capability of scientific instru- the reduction to be around 95%. This times greater than the energy input. mentation and its cost has significantly comes at the cost of increasing our depen- Though these numbers come from prelimi- increased pressures (over and above the dence on coal and natural gas, however. nary estimates for how a biorefinery based usual Consumer Price Index inflationary
Looking CO2, CH4 and N2O emissions, on cellulosic technology might perform, the pressures) on research budgets. The the Kammen group calculates that, in terms results are very encouraging. federal government should recognize this of global warming potential, for each MJ of Along with a significantly better net fact and plan budgets accordingly. ethanol produced, distributed and com- energy balance, this scenario reduces GHG (5) Given the critical role of theoretical re- busted, the equivalent of 77 grams of CO2 emissions by an estimated 88% compared search in AMO science, the funding agencies are emitted. The estimated uncertainty for with emissions from gasoline. Unfortu- should reexamine their portfolios in this area to this calculation ranges from +29% to -36%, nately, with no commercial plants in opera- ensure that the effort is at proper strength in which places it within error bars of the tion, these estimates are highly uncertain. workforce and funding levels. greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from Additionally, it is not clear how expensive (6) The federal government should imple- gasoline use, which are calculated to release the enzymes being developed will turn out ment incentives to encourage more U.S. the equivalent of 94 grams of CO2 for each MJ. to be. students, especially women and minori- The focus on the question of whether The Big Picture ties, to study the physical sciences and the net energy balance is positive or negative In 2004, the United States consumed 140 take up careers in the field. It should has led many in the public to believe that billion gallons of gasoline and 3.4 billion continue to attract foreign students to this is the relevant question for determining gallons of ethanol, while a demonstration study physical sciences and strongly whether we should be making and subsidiz- plant from the Iogen Corporation in Ot- encourage them to pursue their scientific ing corn ethanol. But even the scientists tawa, Canada, produced only 1 million careers in the United States. ■ BPA News • Winter 2006 11 Other Selected Activities at the National Academies T.I. Meyer, BPA Staff in our understanding of basic chemical Initiatve (NNI), A Matter of Size: Triennial processes in biology, the environment, Review of the NNI. The NNI was created n addition to the Board on Physics and and human creations will be achieved. in 2000 to focus and coordinate the Astronomy, the National Research This report reviews the current state of nanoscience and nanotechnology research ICouncil of the National Academies is chemical imaging technology, identifies and development activities being funded comprised of more than 75 other boards. promising future developments and their by several federal agencies. To take stock Some of their ctivitiesof interest to the applications, and suggests a research and of the progress of the NNI, Congress, physics and astronomy community are educational agenda to enable break- directed the NRC to carry out a review of described here. through improvements. The report high- the program every 3 years. This report The Academies’ Committee on Sci- lights advances in chemical imaging that presents the results of the first of those ence, Engineering, and Public Policy could have the greatest impact on critical reviews, which addresses the economic convened a committee to investigate the problems in science and technology. impact of nanotechnology developments status of women in academia, focusing on At the end of November 2006, the and provides a benchmark of U.S. re- science and engineering departments. NRC’s Space Studies Board (SSB) convened search and development efforts relative to Led by Donna Shalala, president of the a workshop to broadly discuss the success those undertaken by foreign competitors. University of Miami, the study committee and impact of its host of decadal surveys for In addition, the report offers an assess- published its final report, Beyond Bias and each of the fields of space science. A three- ment of the current status of responsible Barriers: Fulfilling the Potential of Women day public workshop was held that featured development of nanotechnology. in Academic Science and Engineering, in invited presentations and discussions on the The NRC’s Board on Mathematical September 2006. The report was covered use of NRC decadal surveys for developing Sciences and their Applications has in a wide variety of media outlets and and implementing scientific priorities in convened a committee that will examine added to the important national discus- astronomy and astrophysics, planetary the demand for high-end computing sion. The committee developed findings science, solar and space physics, and Earth and data-intensive computation in four about and recommendations for recruit- science. The workshop addressed lessons fields of science and engineering (astro- ing, hiring, promoting, and retaining learned from the most recent surveys in physics, atmospheric sciences, evolu- women scientists and engineers in aca- these fields and potential approaches for tionary biology, and chemical separa- deme. The report provides specific action future surveys so as to enhance their real- tions and reactor engineering). The points for faculty, department chairs and ism, utility, and endurance. A factual sum- study will (1) review the most pressing deans, academic leaders, funding organi- mary of what occurred at the workshop is in scientific questions and technological zations, higher education organizations, preparation. problems identified for those fields in scientific and professional societies, The NRC’s Board on Chemical Sciences other sources (e.g., decadal surveys); (2) journals, and government officials. and Technology is undertaking a study identify the subset of those challenges The NRC’s Board on Chemical Sci- examining benchmarks in chemical sciences for which an extraordinary advance- ence and Technology recently released a and engineering. Under the leadership of ment in understanding is difficult or report entitled Visualizing Chemistry: The George Stephanopolous (MIT), the com- impossible without cutting-edge compu- Progress and Promise of Advanced Chemi- mittee is performing an international tation-intensive and/or data-intensive cal Imaging. Scientists and engineers have benchmarking exercise to determine the capabilities; (3) identify some of the long relied on the power of imaging standing of the U.S. research enterprise likely impacts of making progress on as techniques to help see objects invisible to relative to its international peers in the field many of these scientific questions and the naked eye and thus to advance scien- of chemical engineering. The benchmarking technological problems as possible and tific knowledge. Chemical imaging has a exercise will address the following questions: the contribution that computation- variety of applications for almost every (1) What is the position of U.S. research in intensive and data-intensive capabilities facet of our daily lives, ranging from chemical engineering relative to that in other can make to that progress; and (4) medical diagnosis and treatment to the regions or countries? (2) What are the key identify and categorize the mathemati- study and design of material properties in factors (human resources, equipment, cal and algorithmic characteristics of new products. To continue receiving infrastructure, etc.) influencing relative U.S. these important scientific questions and benefits from these technologies, sus- performance in chemical engineering? (3) technological problems. The committee tained efforts are needed to facilitate On the basis of current trends in the United will also identify, where possible, those understanding and manipulation of com- States and worldwide, extrapolate to the U.S. characteristics that cut across disci- plex chemical structures and processes. relative position in the near and longer-term plines. The project is sponsored by the By linking technological advances in future. The project is sponsored by NSF. National Coordination Office for Net- chemical imaging with a science-based The NRC’s National Materials Advi- working and Information Technology approach to using these new capabilities, sory Board recently completed the first Research and Development in the it is likely that fundamental breakthroughs review of the National Nanotechnology Executive Office of the President. ■ 12 BPA News • Winter 2006
examine the five Beyond Einstein mis- Beyond Einstein Program Assessment Committee sions. The committee will be holding Brian D. Dewhurst, BPA Staff four town hall meetings across the country in order to gather input from n fall 2006, NASA and the Department research for a potential dark energy interested members of the science of Energy (DOE) requested that the probe, and both NASA and DOE have community. The first of these meetings ISpace Studies Board (SSB) and BPA taken steps toward a joint NASA-DOE will be held February 1st, in Irvine, CA. initiate a study to assess the five missions Joint Dark Energy Mission (JDEM). Committee Membership of the Beyond Einstein program and While the NRC has recommended all Reflecting the broad appeal of the recommend one for first development five of these missions in either Astronomy science addressed by the Beyond and launch. This study is now under way, and Astrophysics in the New Millennium or Einstein mission suite, the NRC’s Be- and is expected to be released in Septem- Connecting Quarks with the Cosmos, the yond Einstein Program Assessment ber 2007. NRC has never prioritized all five missions Committee includes both physicists and The NRC’s 2000 astronomy and in this suite. astronomers as well as several project- astrophysics decadal survey, Astronomy In response to a NASA “funding management specialists with expertise in and Astrophysics in the New Millennium, wedge” that is expected to open in fiscal planning, costing, and executing space- identified a number of key scientific goals. year 2009, NASA and DOE requested that based science projects. The committee Among these were to determine the large- the NRC assess the five Beyond Einstein is co-chaired by Charles F. Kennel and scale properties of the universe—the missions and recommend one for first Joseph H. Rothenberg. Dr. Kennel is amount, distribution, and nature of its launch and development. This NRC study Distinguished Professor and former matter and energy, its age, and the history will use a set of criteria, including potential director at the Scripps Institution of of its expansion; to understand the forma- scientific impact and technical readiness, Oceanography and director of the tion and evolution of black holes; and to to examine the five Beyond Einstein Environment and Sustainability Initiative study the dawn of the modern universe, missions. at the University of California, San when the first stars and galaxies formed. Statement of Task Diego. Mr. Rothenberg is currently A subsequent NRC report, Connecting The committee is charged to address president and a member of the board of Quarks with the Cosmos, identified the the following tasks: directors of Universal Space Network. science connections between the fields of 1. Assess the five proposed Beyond He spent 17 years with Grumman Aero- astronomy and astrophysics and funda- Einstein missions (Constellation-X, Laser space and held a number of spacecraft mental physics. In 2003, building on these Interferometer Space Antenna, Joint Dark development, test, operations, and reports, NASA and the astronomy and Energy Mission, Inflation Probe, and management positions for both the astrophysics communities prepared a Black Hole Finder Probe) and recom- Solar Max Mission and Orbiting Astro- roadmap entitled “Beyond Einstein: From mend which of these five should be devel- nomical Observatory projects. the Big Bang to Black Holes” and pro- oped and launched first, using a funding Community Engagement posed a set of five space science missions, wedge that is expected to begin in FY The committee is obtaining input on including two Einstein Great Observato- 2009. The criteria for these assessments Beyond Einstein mission concepts at its ries (Constellation-X and the Laser Inter- include: (a) Potential scientific impact data-gathering meetings and is seeking ferometer Space Antenna) and three within the context of other existing and broader input from the science commu- Einstein Probes (Inflation Probe, the Joint planned space-based and ground-based nity through a series of Town Hall Dark Energy Mission, and the Black Hole missions; and (b) Realism of preliminary meetings. These town hall meetings will Finder Probe). These missions address technology and management plans, and take place during February and March dark energy, black holes, gravitational cost estimates. 2007 across the country. The first radiation, properties of the cosmic micro- 2. Assess the Beyond Einstein mis- meeting will be February 1, 2007, at wave background radiation, and other sions sufficiently so that they can act as Arnold and Mabel Beckman Center of science questions. The Beyond Einstein input for any future decisions by NASA the National Academies in Irvine, Cali- program also includes technology devel- or the next Astronomy and Astrophysics fornia. Additional town-hall meetings opment, theory, and education programs Decadal Survey on the ordering of the will be scheduled for Chicago, Boston, to support the flight missions. In addition, remaining missions. This second task and Baltimore. These meetings are the DOE’s Office of Science has had a element will assist NASA in its invest- open to the public, and advance regis- growing interest in exploring questions ment strategy for future technology tration is suggested for those planning to about dark energy and dark matter, as development within the Beyond Einstein make specific remarks; open-micro- evidenced in the NRC report, Revealing Program prior to the results of the phone sessions will be included as well. the Hidden Nature of Space and Time: Decadal Survey. Additional information can be found Charting the Course for Elementary Particle This NRC study will use a set of on the committee’s website at
Beyond Einstein Program Christine Mirzayan Graduate groups to refine the topic, determine the Assessment Committee1 category and identification of speakers, and Fellowship Program develop a plan of action. This exercise helps he Christine Mirzayan Science & fellows gain a better understanding of the Charles F. Kennel, Co-chair Technology Policy Graduate Fellow- dynamics of committees like National Scripps Institution of Oceanography Tship Program of the National Acad- Academies committees and of the chal- Joseph H. Rothenberg, Co-chair emies is designed to engage graduate sci- lenges of putting together an activity similar Universal Space Network ence, engineering, medical, veterinary, to a congressional hearing. Eric G. Adelberger business, and law students in analysis that After the first week, the fellows train- University of Washington informs the creation of science and technol- ing and educational experience continues Bill Adkins ogy policy and to familiarize them with the and includes weekly events such as Adkins Strategies, LLC interactions of science, technology, and lunches with each of the three Academies’ government. presidents, field trips, briefings, as well as Thomas Appelquist Yale University Each fellow is assigned to a senior staff seminar series development and collabo- member who acts as his or her mentor. The ration. Fellows are encouraged to inde- David A. Bearden mentor provides guidance and ensures that pendently seek activities outside the Aerospace Corporation the fellow’s time is focused on substantive National Academies as well. These activi- Mark Devlin projects and activities. In addition, the ties often include congressional hearings, University of Pennsylvania fellows are briefed by organizations in seminars at other think tanks, shadowing Joseph Fuller, Jr. Washington other than the National Acad- federal officials or others involved in S&T Futron Corporation emies who influence, make, or report on policy. Karl Gebhardt science and technology (S&T) policy. The fellows’ educational activities en- University of Texas A key activity of the fellowship program compass all of these activities as well as the William C. Gibson is a seminar series that is developed, de- activities within their program unit. For Southwest Research Institute signed, and implemented by the fellows more information on eligibility and to apply Fiona A. Harrison themselves. Fellows select three science and for the fellowship, please see the fellowship California Institute of Technology technology policy topics to be the basis of online at
CMMP 2010 to 30 years, electronic circuit elements creativity, versatility, and sense of won- will shrink to the size of single atoms. der needed to meet the challenges (continued from page 6) Even before this fundamental limit is ahead. far from equilibrium. While much is reached, electronic circuits will have to The interim report concludes with understood about systems at or near operate in a new regime in which quan- both optimism and concern: “Domestic equilibrium, we are just beginning to tum mechanics cannot be ignored. New funding for basic research in CMMP has uncover the basic principles governing approaches to communications and been essentially flat for the past decade. such systems. Breakthroughs in this information processing will have to be The field is growing, as evidenced by the area of CMMP research would affect invented, and CMMP will work with increase in total publications, but the virtually every discipline in the physical other disciplines to enable this transi- U.S. output remains flat…. CMMP is an sciences, the life sciences, and engineer- tion. CMMP, the science that launched important area because of its tight ing. coupling to society, economic growth, 5. What new discoveries await us in and national objectives.... To remain the nanoworld? Nanometer-scale mate- among the world leaders in CMMP, the rials straddle the border between the United States should be participating molecular and the macroscopic. They more fully in the growth of the field…. are small enough to exhibit quantum The U.S. research community still ben- properties reminiscent of molecules but efits from the science conducted and the large enough for their size and shape to scientists trained years ago; the lower be designed and controlled. Further- levels of current funding will have in- more, many of the atoms in a nanoscale creasing impact in the future. object are on the surface, available to “The challenges presented in this catalyze chemical and biological reac- interim report outline some of the tions and alter nearly every material exciting questions that will drive the property. Understanding the physical continued vitality and growth of CMMP and conceptual challenges of nanoscale in the coming decades. The fundamental materials will transform the field from a scientific questions, the close interplay frontier science to a mature discipline between theoretical and experimental and will have a revolutionary impact on research, and the technological applica- fields from materials to information, tions that will contribute to solving and from energy to biology. important societal problems all drive 6. How can we extend the frontiers enthusiasm in the field….With sufficient of measurement and prediction? The the information age, will play a pivotal resources, the United States will quest to observe, predict, and control role in determining its future. strengthen an indispensable component the arrangements and motions of the 8. How can we inspire and teach of the nation’s capacity for economic particles that constitute condensed- others? CMMP describes and shapes competitiveness—its leadership in matter systems is central to the CMMP the world we see. Many of us benefit CMMP basic research.” enterprise. The constituent particles from the torrent of new and improved The interim report can be down- span an enormous range of sizes, and electronic devices, but few are aware loaded free of charge at
Final Report of the MRSEC Impact Assessment Committee Assessment Impact MRSEC the of Report Final
Final Report of the CMMP 2010 Committee 2010 CMMP the of Report Final
Final Report of the Plasma 2010 Committee 2010 Plasma the of Report Final
Coming Soon: Coming
Scientific Opportunities with a Rare-Isotope Facility in the United States United the in Facility Rare-Isotope a with Opportunities Scientific
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