An Assessment of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Physics Laboratory

The mission of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Physics Laboratory is to support U.S. industry, government, and the scientific community by providing measurement services and research for electronic, optical, and radiation technology. In this respect, the laboratory provides the foundation for the metrology of optical and ionizing radiations, time and frequency, and fundamental quantum processes, historically major areas of standards and technology.The Panel on Physics visited the six divisions of the laboratory and reviewed a selected sample of their programs and projects.Table of ContentsFront MatterSummary1 The Charge to the Panel and the Assessment Process2 Atomic Physics Division3 Electron and Optical Physics Division4 Ionizing Radiation Division5 Optical Technology Division6 Quantum Physics Division7 Time and Frequency Division8 Overall Conclusions