Chi-Chang's Corner

FY09 Funding Gives Green Light for Delayed Projects

May 5, 2009

Chi-Chang Kao
NSLS Department Chair
kao@bnl.gov

Archives:
October 2009
September 2009
August 2009
July 2009
June 2009
May 2009
April 2009
January 2009
December 2008
November 2008
October 2008
September 2008
August 2008
July 2008
June 2008
May 2008
April 2008
March 2008
February 2008
January 2008
December 2007
November 2007
October 2007
September 2007
August 2007
July 2007
June 2007
May 2007
April 2007
March 2007
February 2007

We recently finished a midyear review based on the newly passed budget, which gives close to full funding for the NSLS and all of the other major user facilities overseen by the Department of Energy (DOE). These unexpected funds will allow us to complete and start a handful of upgrade and construction projects that were on hold, including: the X17 cryogenic system, the X9 monochromator cooling system, and beamline X17A. In addition, we'll be able to purchase maintenance components, add advanced detectors to existing experimental systems, hire staff in areas that have been under a critical shortage, and provide more support to beamlines. This funding helps reverse the recent trend of budget shortfalls that have stunted the facility's growth, and I'm optimistic for what it will help accomplish in the next few years.

We've also been working with users to submit proposals for stimulus budget funds from DOE, the National Institutes of Health, and the National Science Foundation. These proposals include the construction of major beamline and end station components and will form an important part of the transition plan to NSLS-II. If funded, these components will be built by Methods and Instrumentation Development Teams, a new concept recently approved by the Scientific Advisory Committee. The instruments will be assembled and commissioned on beamlines not used by general users, and then relocated to NSLS-II.

The spring shutdown started on May 4 and will last a little longer than usual (about five weeks). This extra maintenance time is needed to work on the X27 front end, which is suffering from a vacuum problem. You can view the long-term schedule online.

The Joint Photon Sciences Institute (JPSI), with strong support from IBM, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and Albany Nanotech, recently hosted its first workshop, titled "Microelectronics Research Opportunities at the National Synchrotron Light Source." The event brought together synchrotron experts and microelectronics researchers to talk about the major scientific challenges they face and how synchrotron-based tools might help. The participants developed more than a dozen projects that could be tackled through collaborations among industries, academic institutions, and national laboratories. This group will be encouraged to continue communication in the future and we hope to use this model to organize research opportunities in other scientific fields.

Unfortunately, we've had a couple recent accidents at the facility resulting from falls. Both involved medical treatment and both resulted, at least in part, from inadequate equipment. You can read more about these incidents here. I urge everyone to be careful and pay close attention to safety in your everyday work, both at the NSLS and at home. This issue will only be more important in upcoming months as construction continues on NSLS-II and we host a new batch of summer students, many who are completely unfamiliar with our procedures. Please remember to pay attention to your work environment and don't be afraid to point out something you think might be a safety hazard.

Finally, Brookhaven scientists recently used the NSLS and Center for Functional Nanomaterials to expand their knowledge of using DNA to link up nanoparticles. In this vein, the team designed a molecular assembly line for predictable, high-precision nano-construction, which could someday be used in applications like biological sensors and devices for converting sunlight to electricity. You can read more in this issue of eNews.