BPA NEWS Board on Physics and Astronomy • The National Academies • Washington, D.C. • 202-334-3520 • national-academies.org/bpa • Winter 2005-2006 Plasma 2010: An Assessment of and Outlook for Plasma Science
n assessment of plasma science in vanced understanding, scientists are opportunities well to policy makers and the United States is being con- poised to address key questions in the scientists in other fields: Aducted as part of the decadal areas of plasma turbulence and self- 1. Assess the progress and achieve- assessment and outlook Physics 2010. organization, plasma dynamics with ments of plasma science over the past Since publication of the previous asymmetric magnetic fields, extreme decade. decadal study of this area in 1995, the and unusual plasma states, and nonlin- 2. Identify the new opportunities and field has undergone rapid advances and ear plasma interactions with intense the compelling science questions for significant changes—ranging from a electromagnetic fields. One of the areas plasma science, frame the outlook for refocused mission of the DOE fusion of greatest promise is the effort to the future, and place the field in the science program to new plasma pro- achieve sustainable fusion power; this context of physics as a whole. cessing technologies arriving in the goal cannot be realized without an 3. Evaluate the opportunities and commercial marketplace to significant integrated approach to the science and challenges for the applications of plasma advances in understanding how to technology challenges. science to fusion and other fields. confine plasmas. A new field called With support from DOE, NSF, and 4. Offer guidance to the government high-energy-density physics has been NASA, the National Research Council research programs and the scientific defined that foretells new connections formed a committee with broad exper- communities aimed at addressing these between astrophysical phenomena and tise in plasma science and neighboring challenges and realizing these opportu- laboratory experiments. It is timely and areas. The Plasma 2010 Committee will nities. important to identify the compelling address the following tasks in a report The committee met for the first time science opportunities in plasma science that will communicate the scientific on September 30-October 1, 2005, in and to frame a strategy for realizing See “Plasma 2010” on page 10 them. Also, recommendations from the last decadal study have been imple- mented by the agencies and an assess- Innovation and U.S. Competitiveness ment to provide feedback is now appro- Natalia J. Melcer, NRC Staff implement each of those actions? priate. To answer these questions, the Na- Previous NRC studies played an n October 12, 2005, the National tional Academies convened a committee important role in defining the fields of Academies released a report of 20 members consisting of CEOs, uni- plasma and fusion science and identified focused on a comprehensive, versity presidents, Nobel prize winners, research opportunities at the frontier. O coordinated federal effort to bolster U.S. and former presidential appointees. In On the basis of new insights and ad- competitiveness and preeminence in science only 10 weeks, the committee collected and technology. The report, titled Rising data and information, heard from experts, Above the Gathering Storm: Energizing and and prepared a lengthy report on the Employing America for a Brighter Economic topic. The recommendations from 13 In this issue: Future, was requested by Senators Lamar issue papers related to the present study • Plasma 2010. Page 1 Alexander (R-TN) and Jeff Bingaman (D- were collected in advance of the first and NM) of the Senate Energy and Natural only meeting to review the work of others. • Innovation. Page 1 Resources Committee, with endorsement by At that meeting, the committee held five Representatives Sherwood Boehlert (R-NY) focus groups in K-12 education, higher • Highlights of the Autumn and Bart Gordon (D-TN) of the House education, research, innovation and BPA Meeting. Page 2 Science Committee. The senators requested workforce issues, and national and home- answers to the following: What are the top land security. The contributions of more • AMO 2010. Page 5 10 action items, in priority order, that federal than 60 experts at the focus group ses- policy makers could take to enhance the sions were combined with the literature • Radio Frequencies. Page 7 science and technology enterprise so that and committee interviews to afford more the United States can successfully compete, than 150 recommendations and imple- • NSF Materials Research prosper, and be secure in the global com- mentation steps. However, following its Centers. Page 9 munity of the 21st century? What strategy, own discussions, each focus group identi- with several concrete steps, could be used to See “Innovation” on page 6 2 BPA News • Winter 2005-2006
Board on Highlights of the Fall Meeting of the Board on Physics and Astronomy Physics and Astronomy Burton Richter, Chair Stanford University he Board on Physics and As- meeting, the Board met in three separate tronomy met for its annual autumn groups to address these different areas. Anneila I. Sargent, Vice Chair California Institute of Technology Tmeeting on November 6-7, 2005, at Reconvening as a group, the Board Elihu Abrahams the Beckman Center of the National heard a presentation from Michael S. Rutgers University Academies in Irvine, California. Calling Turner, Assistant Director for Math- Jonathan Bagger the meeting to order, chair Burton Richter ematical and Physical Sciences at NSF. The Johns Hopkins University thanked everyone for making the trip; he Dr. Turner described the broader Ronald C. Davidson then provided some perspectives on the landscape surrounding physics and Princeton University meeting agenda. Organized around a set astronomy and commented on the Raymond J. Fonck of three working groups, this Board meet- impact of the physical sciences during University of Wisconsin at Madison ing would focus on developing new strate- the 20th century. Commenting that Andrea M. Ghez gic thrusts for the Board as well as identi- “the 20th century is a hard act to fol- University of California at Los Angeles fying important connections to other low,” he shared his personal articualtion Peter Green activities within the National Research of bold dreams for science in the next University of Michigan Council. century. His list included topics ranging Laura H. Greene Before breaking out into the three from providing sustainable energy to University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign groups, the Board discussed its current power our planet to reconciling quan- Wick Haxton portfolio of activities. tum theory and general relativity to University of Washington C. Megan Urry, co-chair of the Com- revealing new mysteries of the quantum Frances Hellman mittee on Astronomy and Astrophysics, world and new states of matter. He University of California at Berkeley led a preliminary discussion on the out- then characterized some of the ob- Erich P. Ippen Massachusetts Institute of Technology look for astronomy and astrophysics. She stacles that science will likely face, described the growing challenge of sup- including the need for priority-setting Marc A. Kastner Massachusetts Institute of Technology porting large-facility operations at the and global coordination in an increas- Christopher F. McKee National Science Foundation’s Astronomy ingly interconnected world. University of California at Berkeley Division. Because maintaining and oper- On the second day of the meeting, the Jose Onuchic ating the current suite of capital invest- three working groups reported back to University of California at San Diego ments occupies nearly 80 percent of the the full Board, followed by an extended Julia M. Phillips division’s budget, it is difficult to identify discussion. Sandia National Laboratories resources to exploit cutting-edge opportu- Meg Urry summarized the discussions William Phillips nities. NASA is still developing a new of the astronomy breakout session. In National Institute of Standards and Technology strategic approach to astronomy and terms of the NSF’s role in supporting the Thomas N. Theis astrophysics, she said, and therefore it was field, the group discussed the in-progress IBM Thomas J. Watson Research Center difficult to predict what level of resources senior review and the process by which C. Megan Urry could be carried forward. large research facilities are identified, Yale University Jonathan Bagger presented some prioritized, and proposed for construc- BPA Staff preliminary remarks about the physics tion in NSF’s Major Research Equipment Donald C. Shapero, Director side of the Board’s portfolio. He noted and Facilities Construction Account. In Van An, Financial Associate that while the Board’s decadal survey of thinking about NASA, the group consid- Brian D. Dewhurst, Senior Program Associate David B. Lang, Research Assistant physics (Physics 2010) was well under way, ered the existing advice on relative science Pamela Lewis, Program Associate there were a number of important issues priorities and implementation strategies. Phillip D. Long, Senior Program Assistant to consider, such as interdisciplinary As science demands larger and more Natalia J. Melcer, Program Officer Timothy I. Meyer, Senior Program Officer research, international benchmarking, a complex facilities to explore the frontiers, Robert L. Riemer, Senior Program Officer holistic view of physics, and contemporary independent reviews of cost and schedule § articulation of the role of physics in society. will be even more important. In addition, The Board on Physics and Astronomy is a continuing Frances Hellman introduced the the scientific opportunities since the last interdisciplinary body with expertise spanning the longer-term strategic outlook for the decadal survey have expanded with the various subfields of physics, astronomy, and astrophysics. It serves as a focal point in the National Board, mentioning issues such as eco- discovery and prominence of dark energy. Research Council for issues connected with these fields. nomic competitiveness and educating the As the astronomy and astrophysics com- The activities of the Board are supported by funds from the National Science Foundation, the Department of next generation of scientists, engineers, munity considers how best to improve the Energy, the National Aeronautics and Space and teachers. decadal survey process, the Board should Administration, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and private and other sources. During the afternoon session of the explore new approaches as well. BPA News • Winter 2005-2006 3
Jonathan Bagger described the key and astronomy. To be most effective, points of discussion in the physics such a report should be prepared for a Committees of the breakout session. For instance, the group general audience. Board on Physics and considered the emerging interfaces and Finally, Frances Hellman discussed the Astronomy cross-connects with other areas of science highlights of the future-outlook breakout that the Board might consider exploring. session, echoing many of the same points Committee on One approach would be to organize as Meg Urry and Jonathan Bagger. Re- Astronomy and Astrophysics discussions with other elements of the flecting on the active portfolio of the C. Megan Urry, Yale University, and Roger D. Blandford, Kavli Institute for National Academies in areas such as Board, her group considered several Particle Astrohysics and Cosmology, materials science and engineering, energy cross-cutting issues: education and com- Co-chairs and the environment, biological physics, munication of science to the public and solid-state chemistry, computational the need for metrics, including interna- Committee on Atomic, Molecular, science, and science education. tional benchmarking. The National and Optical Sciences Pierre Meystre, University of Arizona, Chair The group also considered the ongoing Acaemies’ recent report Rising Above the decadal survey of physics, Physics 2010, Gathering Storm highlighted both of these Plasma Science Committee from a broader perspective. Analyses of issues and their strong interplay with a Cary B. Forest, University of Wisconsin at the major subfields of physics (atomic, discussion of national competitiveness. Madison, Chair molecular, and optical physics; con- The Board might consider undertaking a densed-matter and materials physics; study to identify in what areas of physics Committee on Radio Frequencies Karen St. Germain, Naval Research elementary-particle physics, nuclear the nation should excel, or perhaps what it Laboratory, Chair physics, and plasma physics) are either would take to achieve world leadership in under way or are planned to begin over certain areas. Solid State Sciences Committee the next few years. Considering the Communicating science to the public Marc A. Kastner, Massachusetts Institute of breadth of physics, a number of other was a second important topic of discus- Technology, Chair, and Peter F. Green, University of Texas at Austin, Vice Chair important areas of inquiry were identified sion. The NAS president has recently (such as cosmic-ray physics, neutrino encouraged the NRC to consider methods Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics astrophysics, gravitational physics, and for expanding the dialogue with the public, 2010 (AMO 2010)* fluid physics); the group considered ways emphasizing that the discussion efforts for Phillip Bucksbaum, University of to include these areas in the existing most reports are widely perceived as Michigan, and Robert Eisenstein, planned efforts. However, a significant monologues. For instance, the group Co-chairs part of the intellectual activity within considered ways to make reports pre- Condensed-Matter and Materials physics is taking place at interfaces with pared under the Board’s auspices more Physics 2010 (CMMP 2010)* other fields and in emerging areas, such as broadly accessible, both in content and in Mildred S. Dresselhaus, Massachusetts particle astrophysics, biological physics, access. In particular, the group discussed Institute of Technology, and William J. high-energy-density physics, accelerator the need for a more coordinated online Spencer, SEMATECH, Co-chairs science and technology, and computa- and Web presence for BPA reports. Some Elementary Particle Physics 2010 (EPP 2010)* tional physics. While the first of these is reports might even communicate well to Harold T. Shapiro, Princeton University, well treated in the existing Connecting high-school or college students interested Chair, and Sally Dawson, Brookhaven Quarks with the Cosmos report, it will be in science. Connecting these thoughts to National Laboratory, Vice Chair important to include the other areas in the issue of science education, the group Physics 2010. discussed possibilities for the Board to MRSEC Impact Assessment Committee Matthew V. Tirrell, University of California In order to reflect the unity of physics, participate in a broadly based assessment at Santa Barbara, Chair the group discussed ways to explore the of the effectiveness of science education. impact of physics on society. For in- Wrapping up the day’s discussions, Plasma Science 2010* stance, the Board might consider a physics Vice Chair Anneila Sargent outlined the Steven Cowley, University of California at and society volume of Physics 2010 that key action items from these discussions Los Angeles, and John Peoples, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, Co-chairs could assess “what physics is good for” in and thanked everyone for their partici- areas such as energy, national security, the pation and creativity. She suggested that Rare Isotope Science Assessment environment, education, technology, the Board consider inviting chairs of Committee health, culture, and economics. The related units of the NRC to future John F. Ahearne, Sigma Xi and Duke Board could even consider convening a meetings to more fully explore interdis- University, and Stuart J. Freedman, truly interdisciplinary panel to make these ciplinary activities as well as to become University of California at Berkeley, Co-chairs types of assessments in a credible way. educated about both sides of the inter- The group also considered the value of an face. With a warm California sun high ❧❧❧ overarching report that could capture the overhead, the Board retired for a pleas- broad connecting themes of both physics ant luncheon and adjourned. ■ *Elements of the new survey Physics 2010 4 BPA News • Winter 2005-2006 First Report from Physics 2010: AMO2 010 Committee Issues Interim Report Phil Bucksbaum and Robert Eisenstein, Co-chairs, and Michael H. Moloney, NRC Staff
he BPA’s Physics 2010 decadal ment with the broader R&D community surement techniques. And the global survey is under way. Studies have and its sponsors, with the release of its economy depends critically on high-speed commenced in elementary particle final report in mid-2006. telecommunication by laser light sent over T 1 physics, plasma science, and atomic, thin optical fibers encircling the globe. molecular, and optical (AMO) science. Controlling the Quantum World of AMO scientists are proud of their The AMO 2010 study is focused on Atoms, Molecules, and Photons: An central role in science and society in the identifying the most compelling opportu- Interim Report twentieth century, and they have has been nities in AMO science and technology rewarded with numerous Nobel prizes over roughly the next decade. The charge over the past decade, including the 2005 for the study was devised by BPA’s stand- prize in physics. But in this report we ing committee on Atomic, Molecular, and look to the future. At the beginning of the Optical Science (CAMOS) in consultation new millennium, what new answers do we with the study’s sponsors, the Department seek? What knowledge must we obtain? of Energy and the National Science Foun- Because of all that was learned in the last dation. The committee carrying out the century about the mysterious and AMO 2010 study, which held its first counterintuitive nature of quantum meeting in April 2005, has been asked to mechanics, we are now at the dawn of a assess the state of AMO science, empha- new kind of quantum revolution, in which sizing recent accomplishments and identi- coherence and control are the watchwords. fying new and compelling scientific ques- Time of flight images showing a fermionic condensate. Courtesy of The universe is still a mysterious place. tions. JILA/University of Colorado. How can we determine the properties of Atomic, molecular, and optical The charge for this study requests an the fundamental forces of nature that (AMO) science illustrates powerfully the interim report to summarize the shape the universe? What can we say ties of fundamental physics to society. Its committee’s opinion on the key opportu- about the most fundamental features of very name comes from three of the nities in forefront AMO science and in our natural world? What are the symme- twentieth century’s greatest advances: the closely related critical technologies. The tries that govern the behavior of the establishment of the atom as the building interim report, the first of the Physics 2010 universe from the subatomic scale to the block of matter; the development of series, was released on November 15, cosmic? New AMO technology will help quantum mechanics, which made it 2005. It presents opportunities in AMO in provide answers in the coming decades— possible to understand the inner workings terms of six grand challenges laid out in in precision laboratory measurements on of atoms and molecules; and the invention the form of six questions. The report also the properties of atoms, in giant gravita- of the laser. Advances made possible by identifies how AMO science supports tional observatories on Earth, or in even the scientists in this field touch almost national R&D priorities. larger observatories based in space. every sphere of societal importance in the The committee has solicited and Tremendous advances in precision time- past century. Navigation by the stars gave continues to welcome input from the keeping also place us at the threshold of way to navigation by clocks, which in turn AMO community and the broader scien- answering some of these questions. has given way to today’s navigation by tific and physics communities. The com- Society has other urgent needs, which atomic clocks. The laser has replaced the mittee hopes that the release of the in- AMO physics is poised to address. How knife for the most delicate surgery. Our terim report will also generate further will we meet our energy needs as Earth’s nation’s defense depends on rapid deploy- input from colleagues, and e-mail com- environment changes and its natural ment using global positioning satellites, ments can be sent to
Innovation include enhancing intellectual property protec- 2007 at CERN in Switzerland, researchers are (continued from page 1) tion, enacting a stronger research and develop- looking to Europe as the “place to be” and that ment tax credit, providing tax incentives for the United States would likely lose its lead for fied the top three actions it considered U.S.-based innovation, and ensuring ubiqui- the first time in high-energy physics. necessary to compete, prosper, and be secure tous broadband Internet access. The Senate Committee on Commerce, in the 21st century. The report has generated significant Science and Transportation held a hearing In its final report, the committee provided interest in the topic of America’s competitive- entitled “The Future of Science” on November four recommendations along with 20 specific ness and was well-received by the congres- 18, 2005. The committee heard from science implementation actions. The four recommen- sional sponsors. Shortly after the report’s leaders Peter Agre, vice chancellor for science dations focused on K-12 education, research, release, congressional hearings were held. The and technology at Duke University; Eric higher education, and economic policy. The first hearing, entitled “Innovation in Energy Cornell, senior scientist at NIST; James Heath, recommendations and implementation actions Technologies and Impacts on Global Competi- professor of chemistry at California Institute of are highlighted below. tiveness,” took place in the Senate Energy and Technology; and Samuel Ting, professor of To achieve the first recommendation, to Natural Resources Committee on October 18, physics at Massachusetts Institute of Technol- “increase America’s talent pool by vastly 2005. Mr. Norman Augustine, retired chair- ogy. While the hearing was focused on changes improving K-12 science and mathematics man and CEO of Lockheed Martin Corpora- in the U.S. research community, the central education,” the committee proposes creation tion and chairman of the study committee, and themes of the NRC report were reiterated by of a merit-based scholarship program for both the senators and the witnesses. undergraduates interested in pursuing degrees The report release was also promoted in the physical or life sciences, engineering, or through the American Chemical Society’s mathematics. After graduation, the students Science and the Congress Project. On October would be required to work for at least 5 years 27, 2005, the ACS in conjunction with the in public schools. Another action proposed by National Academies and the U.S. Senate High- the committee is to strengthen the skills of Tech Task Force presented a briefing on the current K-12 teachers through training and report for over 120 congressional staff. After an education programs. introduction by Senator Alexander, presenta- The second recommendation seeks to tions were made by report committee mem- sustain and strengthen the nation’s commit- bers on the recommendations and implemen- ment to long-term basic research. Specific tation actions. actions include increasing the federal invest- In related activities in Washington, the ment in basic research by 10 percent each year House Democratic Caucus on November 15 over the next 7 years, new research grants to unveiled its Innovation Agenda, and on De- early-career researchers, and allocating 8 cember 6, the U.S. Department of Commerce percent of federal agency research budgets to hosted the National Summit on Competitive- high-risk, high-payoff research. The commit- ness. Both events focused on recommenda- tee also recommended the formation of a tions similar to those of the Gathering Storm DARPA-like entity within DOE, called ARPA- report on trying to improve America’s com- E, to focus on research and development Dr. Ralph Cicerone, president of the National petitiveness. On January 25, 2006, Senators programs to meet long-term energy chal- Academy of Sciences and chair of the National Domenici, Bingaman, Alexander, Mikulski, lenges. Research Council, were witnesses for the and Hutchison announced the introduction of To develop, recruit, and retain top stu- hearing. the Protecting America’s Competitive Edge dents, scientists, and engineers from both the At the Senate hearing, Mr. Augustine (PACE) Act. The PACE Act is a package of United States and abroad, the committee presented the committee’s views and recom- three bills that seeks to implement all 20 identified multiple implementation actions. mendations. He indicated that the committee recommendations of the Academies’ Gather- These include awarding new undergraduate had identified two key challenges linked to a ing Storm report. In less than a week since and graduate scholarships for U.S. citizens strong science and engineering enterprise: being introduced, it has gathered over 50 pursuing science and engineering degrees, creation of high-quality jobs and realizing cosponsors in the Senate and has garnered providing a one-year automatic visa extension clean, affordable, reliable energy. The recom- bipartisan support. The total cost of the bills is to international students who receive science mendations address these challenges and are estimated at $9.5 billion in the first year, in- and engineering doctoral degrees in the United viewed as a “coherent set of high-priority creasing slightly over a 7-year period. On States for them to seek employment, and actions; to emphasize one or neglect another January 31, 2006, President Bush demon- reforming the deemed-export control system would substantially weaken the package.” strated his support by announcing the as it affects international students and scholars. Senator Pete Domenici (R-NM) asked American Competitiveness Initiative during The final recommendation seeks to ensure about the future of high-energy physics in the his State of the Union address. The key that the United States is the premier place in United States. Mr. Augustine replied that with elements of this initiative parallel the recom- the world for innovation. Specific actions the Large Hadron Collider coming online in mendations of the Academies’ report. ■ BPA News • Winter 2005-2006 7 Listening for Good Science Above the Noise David B. Lang, NRC Staff
hile we go about our daily lives product that uses electricity. In cer- electromagnetic spectrum with guid- using mobile phones, wireless tain urban areas, particularly in the ance and input from NSF, NASA, and WInternet networks, and global United States, the Middle East and the wider research communities. At positioning system (GPS) devices, Japan, important frequencies are so the frequencies where radio science is trillions of cycles of man-made radio polluted by strong RFI that measure- protected, other users must not inter- waves travel through our bodies every ments across those areas are nearly fere with their observations or must second. It’s a fact of modern life, but useless. This creates gaps in informa- coordinate their use with the science what consequences does this have for tion about soil moisture, vegetative community, depending on the level of the scientific endeavors that have respiration, ice cover, and water protection mandated by the FCC. historically been the drivers for radio vapor, among others. In practice, however, this regula- technologies? A radio astronomer can avoid tory protection does not entirely The radio-astronomy and Earth these problems somewhat by geo- protect science instruments from RFI. remote-sensing disciplines require graphical placement and topologically For example, at the 22.235-GHz researchers to listen for extraordinarily shielding an observatory, but research water vapor line, improperly filtered faint signals emitted from sources can still be impaired by space- and transmitters can produce out-of-band across the wide universe, including the airborne communications. Even emissions in this protected band Earth itself. The information contained though astronomers keep track of a through harmonics or otherwise, in these signals gives invaluable clues to multitude of manmade satellites which become quite problematic for help deduce the behavior of Earth’s orbiting Earth, aircraft communica- sensitive Earth science measurements. natural systems and that of the cosmos. tions are still problematic, and there RFI can be especially detrimental While researchers take every possible are few places in the United States when it does not entirely obscure the step to increase the sensitivity of their where the sky is free of aircraft. This natural signals that researchers are instruments, they cannot sample problem threatens to worsen; the studying. Small variations can be- sources from a site free of radio fre- Federal Communications Commission come indistinguishable from the quency interference (RFI), leaving data (FCC) and Federal Aviation Adminis- natural signal itself, corrupting the susceptible to pollution. Radio as- tration are considering allowing mo- scientists’ data in unknown ways. The tronomy has a very distinguished tradi- bile phones and other radio commu- corrupted data could then be fed into tion: from revealing the remnants of the nications devices to be used by pas- weather and climate models, produc- big bang to showing the afterglows of sengers on aircraft. This individual ing inaccuracies in weather forecasts superenergetic gamma-ray bursts, radio convenience could affect quite a few and other data products. Somewhat observers have provided science with people not on the airplane! ironically, the emergence of commer- insights unobtainable with other types of Scientists have adapted numerous cial services that rely on remote- telescopes. Of the 10 astronomers who technical techniques to work around sensing data to help advise the agri- have won the Nobel Prize, 6 of them manmade RFI as well, a process also cultural industry has started to apply used radio telescopes for the work that known as RFI mitigation, and depend- competing market pressures on out- won them the prize. However, the radio ing on whether they are looking up of-band emissions. signals arriving on Earth from astro- (radio astronomy) or down (remote Rising consumer and governmental nomical objects are extremely weak: sensing), their approaches can be demand for wider spectrum use threat- millions (or billions) of times weaker somewhat different. Through a vari- ens these sciences, despite the regula- than the signals used by communication ety of complex algorithms and meth- tory framework. If the United States systems. ods, including advanced filtering and wishes to reap continued benefits from So how do you separate the weak statistical analysis, researchers are the sizeable investment and leadership natural signals from persistent but able to remove a substantial amount role it currently holds in radio as- variable artificial ones? Sometimes of RFI from their data. tronomy and Earth remote sensing, it is you can’t. The receive-only radio astronomy vital that the basic requirements of these The positioning of the natural and earth-science services (also called sciences are recognized and protected. signal to be observed necessarily “passive services”) are not fully en- The National Academies’ Committee on means that different sources of inter- croached by artificial RFI. They do Radio Frequencies plays a role in this ference will be present. Earth remote enjoy some protection from the FCC process by providing commentary and sensing scientists need to worry about and the National Telecommunications feedback from the perspective of the radar relays, communication net- and Information Administration scientific community in proposed works, and just about every consumer (NTIA) which regulate usage of the changes in the regulations. ■ 8 BPA News • Winter 2005-2006
AMO Science This could lead to computers capable of · Contributing to the development of solving problems that are intractable on therapies and diagnostic systems that (continued from page 5) any imaginable extension of today’s enhance the health of the nation’s computers but that are important in people. ·Can we control the inner workings of areas from basic science to national · Educating in science, mathematics, a molecule? In the next decade we will security. Quantum communication and engineering to ensure a scientifi- begin to observe the processes of nature might provide some security against cally literate population and qualified as they play out over times shorter than interception beyond anything possible in technical personnel who can meet a millionth of a billionth of a second today’s cyber infrastructure. These national needs, (less than 1 femtosecond—that is, in the applications are based on the strangest · Enhancing our ability to understand attosecond regime). This remarkable and least intuitive concepts of quantum and respond to global environmental new capability is enabled by advances in physics, such as Einstein’s action-at-a- issues. ultrafast laser- and accelerator-based x- distance, which allows teleportation and · Participating in international partner- ray strobes, which can detect the mo- the remote transfer of information ships that foster the advancement of tion of electrons in atoms and mol- without physical contact. Quantum scientific frontiers and accelerate the ecules. Scientists anticipate the possibil- computing is forcing us to explore both progress of science across borders. ity of capturing images of motion inside theoretical and experimental quantum · Contributing to the mission goals of a molecule or of using the laser to mechanics at their deepest levels. federal agencies. manipulate matter on the atomic scale. Should quantum computers be realized, An essential part of maintaining the These previously unavailable tools of they would be as different from today’s country’s leadership in AMO science, quantum control and feedback could high-speed digital computers as those and one of the White House’s R&D help them to tailor new molecules for machines are from the ancient abacus. priorities, is to train and to equip the applications in health care, energy, and These key future opportunities are next generation of American scientists. security. based on rapid and astounding develop- The committee is compiling data on · How will we control and exploit the ments in the field of AMO science, a funding, demographics, and program nanoworld? The nanoworld lies in the result of investments made by the fed- emphasis from the federal agencies to transition region between our familiar eral government’s R&D agencies in the help it assess the current state of AMO classical world of relatively well-behaved work of AMO researchers. The com- science in the United States. The macroscopic objects and the quantum mittee will discuss these compelling committee’s conclusions will address world of atoms and molecules. These research challenges in more detail in the priorities for investments in this area, as nanostructures have counterintuitive final report and will highlight the broad well as how the U.S. research enterprise but useful optical properties that come impact of AMO science and its strong might realize the full potential of AMO from their subwavelength dimensions. connections to other branches of sci- science. Scientists see unique opportunities to ence and technology. The strong cou- The final AMO 2010 decadal report is tailor material properties for efficient pling to national priorities in health care, scheduled for release in mid-2006. In the optical switches, light sources, or photo- economic development, the environ- meantime, community input links and electric power generators. Negative ment, national defense, and homeland other public information about AMO 2010 index nanomaterials could dramatically security will also be discussed. can be found at the National Academies improve optical microscopes or reduce The linkages to national R&D goals Web site.2 Each of the grand challenges the feature size in chip fabrication. are clear. The White House set forth identified by the committee in this interim Other applications include photonic the country’s R&D priorities in the July report will be explored in depth in the crystals, single-photon sources and 8, 2005, memorandum of the science final report. In the committee’s view, detectors, environmental monitoring, advisor to the President and the director there can be no doubt that realizing these and biomedical optics, with applications of the Office of Management and Bud- key opportunities in AMO science is a such as killing cancerous cells via local- get. AMO scientists contribute to these vital national priority. ■ ized optical absorption and heating. national priorities in several key areas: · What lies beyond Moore’s law? · Advancing fundamental scientific 1For further detail on the connections Today’s computers are doubling in discovery to improve the quality of life. between AMO science and society’s needs, performance every year or two. This · Providing critical knowledge and see National Research Council, Atoms, will end when the ever-shrinking size of tools to address national security and Molecules, Light: AMO Science Enabling the electronic components approaches the homeland defense issues and to Future, Washington, D.C.: The National level of individual molecules and atoms. achieve and maintain energy indepen- Academies Press (2002), available at
Assessing the Impact of NSF’s Materials Research Committee to Assess the Impact of NSF’s Materials Research Center Program Center Program T.I. Meyer, NRC Staff (3) support for shared experimental facilities, properly staffed, equipped and Matthew V. Tirrell , Chair University of California at Santa Barbara he Materials Research Science and maintained, and broadly accessible to Engineering Center (MRSEC) users. Kristi S. Anseth Tprogram was established by the On the occasion of its 10-year anni- University of Colorado at Boulder National Science Foundation (NSF) in its versary, there is a need to assess the Meigan Aronson Department of Materials Research in MRSEC program’s performance and to University of Michigan 1994. The goal of this initiative was to determine a vision for its future in the modern era. Recognizing this need, NSF David M. Ceperley provide focused support for complex University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign interdisciplinary materials research and made an informal request to the Na- education initiatives at the university tional Research Council. In response, Paul M. Chaikin level. Awards granted under the pro- the NRC convened a panel of experts to New York University gram provide support for a 6-year conduct this impact assessment under Ronald C. Davidson period, the last 2 years of which face an the auspices of the Board on Physics Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory external review under recompetition and Astronomy (BPA); for the project, the BPA is informally collaborating with Duane B. Dimos, SSSC Liaison requirements in the program’s language. Sandia National Laboratories Historically, the MRSEC program is a the Board on Science Education and the descendant of the Interdisciplinary National Materials Advisory Baord. The Edith M. Flanigen Laboratories (IDLs) begun by the Ad- task before the MRSEC Impact Assess- UOP, LLC (retired) vanced Research Project Agency under ment Committee is to Thomas F. Kuech the Department of Defense in 1960. The 1. Assess the performance and University of Wisconsin at Madison IDL program was intended to support impact of the National Science Diandra Leslie-Pelecky interdisciplinary research in materials Foundation’s Material Research Science University of Nebraska at Lincoln science, mainly for military uses. and Engineering Center (MRSEC) pro- Though obvious changes and transitions gram; Bruce H. Margon have been made in U.S. materials sci- 2. On the basis of current trends Space Telescope Science Institute ence programs since then, the MRSEC and needs in materials and condensed Andrew Millis program’s current ambitions reflect its matter research, recommend future Columbia University origins. directions and roles for the program. Venkatesh Narayanmurti The primary purpose of the MRSEC The assessment will evaluate the Harvard University program is to undertake materials program’s performance and impact and research of a scope and complexity that frame an outlook for its future. Factors to Ralph G. Nuzzo would not be feasible under traditional be considered will include the role of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign funding of individual research projects. MRSECs in enabling multidisciplinary Douglas D. Osheroff NSF support is intended to reinforce the research, supporting instrumentation Stanford University base of individual investigator and small development, providing research and Stuart S.P. Parkin group research by providing the flexibil- education infrastructure, and facilitating IBM Almaden Research Center ity to address topics requiring an ap- collaboration and cooperation between proach of broad scope and duration. To researchers and industry. The committee Julia M. Phillips, BPA Liaison the extent consistent with the size of the will complete its work over the course of Sandia National Laboratories center, MRSECs incorporate the follow- about 18 months. Lyle H. Schwartz ing activities: (1) programs to stimulate In addressing its task, the committee Air Force Office of Scientific Research (retired) interdisciplinary education and the will consider the past and future impact James C. Williams development of human resources (in- and performance for the MRSEC pro- Ohio State University cluding support for underrepresented gram in some of the following areas of groups) through cooperation and col- emphasis: collaborative research, inno- Eli Yablonovitch University of California at Los Angeles laboration; (2) active cooperation with vation and creativity, synergy, technol- industry and other academic institutions ogy transfer and collaboration with BPA Staff to stimulate and facilitate knowledge industry, education and outreach, insti- Donald C. Shapero, Director transfer among the participants and tutional relationships, leveraged invest- David B. Lang, Research Assistant strengthen the links between university- ments, diversity, national strategies, Pamela Lewis, Program Associate Timothy I. Meyer, Senior Program Officer based research and its applications; and See “MRSEC” on page 11 10 BPA News • Winter 2005-2006
Plasma 2010 MRSEC (continued from page 1) Plasma 2010 Committee: An (continued from page 9) Washington, D.C., at the Keck Center of Assessment of and Outlook for coordination among centers, international the National Academies. The commit- Plasma Science activities, and any important and emerg- tee heard testimony from representa- ing themes within the materials research tives of the key federal research agen- Steven C. Cowley, Co-chair enterprise itself. cies supporting plasma science and University of California at Los Angeles The committee met for the first time received guidance from OMB staff in person on November 18-29, 2005, in John Peoples, Jr., Co-chair about how to prepare a useful and Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory Washington, D.C., at the Keck Center compelling report. Other invited speak- of the National Academies. At the ers made presentations about different James Callen meeting, the committee discussed subfields of plasma science, including University of Wisconsin at Madison possible means for quantitatively evalu- space and astrophysical plasmas, low- Franklin R. Chang-Diaz ating the MRSEC program and clarified temperature and industrial plasmas, Ad Astra Technologies, Inc. the scope of the study. Issues related to magnetically confined fusion, high- innovation and individual research Todd Ditmire energy-density plasmas, and basic University of Texas at Austin versus group research, industrial part- plasma science. The committee then nerships, program management, and spent some time formulating its work William Dorland educational goals and outcomes were University of Maryland at College Park plan. As co-chair Steve Cowley re- discussed. The committee examined marked, “The 1995 survey focused on Walter Gekelman MRSEC educational and public outreach identifying what defines and connects all University of California at Los Angeles efforts in conversations with staff from of plasma physics; a key task of this Steven L. Girshick the NRC Board on Science Education. committee will be to identify what University of Minnesota Representatives from the NSF Division plasma physics all physicists should of Materials Research (DMR) gave know.” In order to achieve the stron- David Hammer presentations on the history and man- Cornell University gest possible report, the committee agement of the MRSEC program and chose to first examine each subfield of Erich P. Ippen, BPA Liaison expressed their willingness to assist the plasma science to capture its key ad- Massachusetts Institute of Technology committee with any answers or data vances and grand challenges by breaking Mark J. Kushner they are able to provide. The commit- into small groups and preparing prelimi- Iowa State University tee divided the key tasks into four areas nary reports. Recognizing the enor- and formed subgroups to better address mous breadth of plasma science (and Kristina A. Lynch these aspects in greater detail. The Dartmouth College engineering), the committee also pre- research subgroup is examining the pared plans to engage the broader Jonathan E. Menard characteristics and impact of MRSEC community. A program of site visits, Princeton University research; the industrial outreach and focus group discussions, and town Lia Merminga innovation is exploring the impact of meetings was discussed and a general Thomas Jefferson National important technologies and the nature Dear Colleague letter was drafted for Accelerator Facility of MRSEC connections with industry. circulation to the community. Since the The education and outreach group is Eliot Quataert meeting, written comments from more University of California at Berkeley considering the organization, impact than 100 different individuals have been and appropriate goals and guidance for received in response to e-mail solicita- Timothy J. Sommerer these efforts. The fourth group is tions, and nearly a dozen different site General Electric Research examining the impact of management visits have been conducted. The analy- Clifford M. Surko practices and shared experimental sis and synthesis of the gathered infor- University of California at San Diego facilities along with international mation will continue at the committee’s considerstions. Site visits, question- Max Tabak next meeting, scheduled for February 4-5, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory naires, and telephone interviews will be 2006, in Irvine, California, at the Beckman used to gather data. The committee is Center of the National Academies. The hard at collecting and reviewing a wide committee will identify scientific themes BPA Staff spectrum of information and is prepar- that thread through the different areas of Donald C. Shapero, Director ing for its next meeting, scheduled for plasma science; these themes will be used Ms. Pamela Lewis, Program Associate March 8-9, 2006, in Santa Barbara, Timothy I. Meyer, Senior Program Officer to organize the committee’s final report, Michael H. Moloney, Senior Program Officer California. It is hoped that the final expected to be ready for release before report will be available near the end of the end of 2006. ■ 2006. ■ BPA News • Winter 2005-2006 11 BPA Mission BPA Update: Emerging Projects The Board on Physics and Astronomy (BPA) was created in 1983 as the successor to the Na- • Survey of the Scientific Uses of the Electromagnetic Spectrum. The committee will tional Academy of Sciences Office of Physical prepare a report exploring the scientific uses of the radio spectrum. The report will (1) Sciences. Several standing committees were portray the science that is currently being conducted using the radio spectrum; (2) assigned at that time to the BPA, including the identify the emerging and compelling scientific opportunities in the relevant fields; and Committee on Atomic, Molecular, and Optical (3) make recommendations on realizing these opportunities. The committee will Sciences, the Solid State Sciences Committee, and the Committee on Radio Frequencies. Later, the comment on spectrum usage by the relevant scientific communities but will not make Committee on Astronomy and Astrophysics and specific recommendations on frequency allocation. the Plasma Science Committee were created in response to requests from the scientific commu- • Handbook on Frequency Allocations and Spectrum Management. A committee will nity. Since its inception, the BPA has published prepare a report on frequency allocations and spectrum protection for scientific uses. more than 40 reports, workshops, and collabora- The report will describe the radio frequency bands used by the scientific services, tive activities, including two surveys of physics mainly the receive-only (so-called passive) radio astronomy and Earth remote-sensing and two surveys of astronomy. services. It will set out principles adopted by the Committee on Radio Frequencies for The important questions in physics and the allocation of frequency bands and their protection from interference. It will serve astronomy change as we learn more about nature, and that rate of change has been increasing. The as a reference or handbook, guiding spectrum managers and spectrum regulatory BPA seeks to inform the government and the bodies on science issues, serving as a resource to scientists on spectrum regulation for public regarding important scientific opportuni- research, and providing information to other spectrum users on the concerns of the ties and issues as well as the changing nature of scientific spectrum users. science. It builds bridges between the evolving subdisciplines of physics and astronomy and with • NASA Astronomy Science Centers: Best Practices and Guiding Principles for the other areas of science. The BPA is successful if it Future. The BPA’s sister unit, the Space Studies Board, has convened a committee to helps the science community and society under- review lessons learned from experience with NASA's ensemble of space astronomy stand what is needed to advance physics and science centers. The committee will recommend a set of guiding principles and best astronomy and why doing so is important. practices for consideration in making decisions about approaches to meeting the needs Every activity of the BPA is aimed at accom- of the astronomy community with future science centers. The committee met in Au- plishing one or more of the following goals: • Monitor the health of physics and astronomy. gust and November 2005. A final report is expected in late 2006. • Identify trends in research and new develop- ments at the scientific forefronts. New Staff Member. In response to an increased amount of work flowing through • Foster interactions with other fields and the BPA office, a new staff position of Senior Program Assistant was created in late cooperation among academic disciplines. 2005. Phillip D. Long joined the BPA staff in late January 2006 in this capacity. With a • Strengthen connections to technology. background in chemistry and history from the University of Oregon, Phillip will en- • Facilitate effective service to the nation. hance the capabilies of the office. We look forward to working with him. • Improve public understanding of science. • Encourage cooperation among federal agencies, government laboratories, and universities involved in research in physics and astronomy. BPA Update: Meetings in Early 2006 Approaches for achieving these objectives include the following: January 2006 • Periodic assessments of major fields. By 1/23 EPP 2010 meeting, Washington, D.C. setting priorities, these surveys provide 1/26-27 AMO 2010 meeting, Washington, D.C. programmatic guidance to agencies. February 2006 • Response to particular needs and requests 2/11-12 RISAC meeting, Irvine, California from federal agencies, both those that have 2/12-13 CMMP 2010 meeting, Irvine, California programs of research and those that play an March 2006 administrative role. 3/8-9 MRSEC committee meeting, Santa Barbara, California • Continuing surveillance of scientific progress and identification of issues and problems in 3/12-13 RISAC meeting, Washington, D.C. various fields. Several standing committees 3/31-4/1 PLSC meeting, Washington, D.C. (tentative) are focused on this task. April 2006 • Cross-disciplinary studies of special areas that 4/6-7 SSSC meeting, Washington, D.C. lie at the intersection of several disciplines. 4/10-11 CORF meeting, Washington, D.C. • Many scientific assessments address the 4/21-22 BPA meeting, Washington, D.C. benefits that accrue to society through May 2006 technology development that follows from 5/19-20 CAA meeting, Washington, D.C. the pursuit of science.
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