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Mission

Through the Quantum Physics Division, NIST participates in JILA, a cooperative enterprise between NIST and the University of Colorado (CU). The Division conducts long-term, high-risk research in quantum physics and related areas in support of the Nation's science and technology. In pursuit of the mission, the Division:

• develops the laser as a precise measurement tool;

• determines fundamental constants and tests of the fundamental postulates of physics;

• exploits Bose-Einstein condensation for metrology and low temperature physics;

• devises new ways to direct and control atoms and molecules;

• characterizes chemical processes and their interactions with nanostructures.

The Division accomplishes its mission in the following manner: by interacting with the University faculty and visiting scientists to maintain expertise at the forefront of research in physics; by transferring the results of its research and technology to the Nation's industries and other government agencies; and by exchanging ideas and skills with other scientists in NIST and in industry through scholarly publications, visits, seminars, and exchanges of personnel.

Organization

The 24 permanent senior scientists ("Fellows") of JILA form a governing body that sets policy, subject to review by the Director of NIST and the President of CU. A biennially elected Chair, assisted by an executive committee, is responsible for operating the Institute within the policies set out by the Fellows. Of the present 24 active Fellows, seven are tenured, State of Colorado faculty members in the Department of Physics, two in Chemistry, and seven in Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences. Eight are NIST employees, seven in the Quantum Physics Division and one in the Time and Frequency Division. Currently, one additional CU scientist and one NIST scientist are "Associate Fellows." All of these scientists work side by side, sharing facilities and responsibility for the success of the Institute, yet each remains officially responsible to their respective employer, NIST and the Physics Laboratory Director in one case, CU and the pertinent academic department in the other. At the present time, approximately 60 graduate students and postdoctoral associates are being supervised by NIST scientists and approximately 35 staff are associated with NIST activities.

A direct outgrowth of the national space program in the early 1960's, JILA was formed in response to perceived serious gaps in our basic understanding and to provide training in the physics of gaseous atmospheres (terrestrial, planetary, solar and stellar). JILA has evolved, responding to changing national needs and to the requirements of its parent organizations. It has become a world leader not only in atomic and molecular science, but also in precision measurement (including gravity, frequency standards, and geophysics), laser and optical physics, chemical physics, and astrophysics. Most recently it has expanded into programs involving surfaces and materials. As NIST's mission has expanded to include support for industry, the criteria with which division scientists have chosen to direct their research programs have also been modified as is indicated in the technical activities below.

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"Technical Activities 2000" - Table of Contents