Co-authors of the research paper on magnetic vortices are, from left, Argonne researchers Konstantin Gusliyenko, Val Novosad, Frank Y. Fradin, Sam D. Bader, Kristen S. Buchanan and Marcos Grimsditch (all from MSD).

Feb. 13, 2006 -- Some of this week's stories:

Interacting magnetic 'vortices' studied in detail

By Catherine Foster

The combination of an unusual pool of scientific talent at Argonne and new nanofabrication and nanocharacterization instruments is helping to open a new frontier in electronics, to be made up of very small and very fast devices.

A new discovery by this group opens a path to new computer and related devices, and could drive entire industries into the future, the researchers say.

The researchers learned that swirling spin structures called magnetic vortices, when trapped within lithographically patterned ferromagnetic structures, behave in unexpected ways. In a nickel-iron alloy, the two vortices swirl in opposite directions, one clockwise and the other counterclockwise. However, the researchers discovered that the magnetic polarity of the central core of the vortices, like the eye of a hurricane, controlled how the magnetic properties evolved over time, not the swirling direction.

The material being studied is about one micron in size, and the area of the vortex core is about 10 nanometers in size. For comparison, the period at the end of this sentence is about 100 microns, or 100,000 nanometers, in diameter.

Group leader Sam Bader (MSD), an Argonne scientist for more than 30 years, explained that the work could lead to the next generation of electronic devices. "When the first computer hard disk was introduced 50 years ago, it required a rather large size to store each bit of digital information. On today's computer disks, the corresponding size is about one-50-millionth of that needed in the original disks. We are now moving well into the nanoscale range, and nanomagnetism is one of the real drivers of the nanotechnology field."

The beauty of nanoscience, Bader said, is that researchers can take conventional materials, such as the nickel-iron alloy, reduce them to the nanoscale and create whole new properties. "Thinking far into the future, for example, we can envision circuits where the flow of spin, not the flow of electrical charge, will operate computers and other electronic devices while saving wasted heat energy that present-day devices generate."

As with other materials at the nanoscale, Bader said, nanomagnets take on new properties, some of them unpredictable.

Understanding that unpredictability and the underlying physics is important to researchers developing the new technology, said Argonne scientist Val Novosad (MSD). "With this very small array of spins, where each atom has a magnetic moment, the vortex core responds to stimuli by traveling in spiral trajectories."

The researchers created the material in the form of an array of elliptical pancakes, each holding two vortex cores, stimulated the material with a magnetic pulse and watched the subsequent behavior.

"This first-ever reported experiment revealing unique dynamic behavior of two interacting magnetic vortices required a considerable assist from technology," Novosad said.

Argonne senior scientist Marcos Grimsditch (MSD) provided the inspiration for the novel magnetic configuration of the samples, which were fabricated using a new electron beam lithography facility to be housed at Argonne's Center for Nanoscale Materials, scheduled to open in April 2007. The tiny process could be monitored using a new instrument to measure spin resonance frequencies, developed by Argonne senior scientist Frank Fradin (MSD). Interpretation of the experimental data was assisted by numerical modeling from Argonne post-doctoral student Kristen Buchanan (MSD), winner of a fellowship from Canada's Natural Science and Engineering Research Council, and the analytical theory expertise of visiting theorist Konstantin Gusliyenko, at Argonne through its Materials Theory Institute.

The research was reported in the new peer-reviewed journal, Nature Physics . The six Argonne researchers are co-authors of the article, along with Pierre Roy of Uppsala University in Sweden, a graduate student in residence at Argonne as part of his thesis research experience.

OPSEC: useful, easy, cost-effective prevention

By Larry Collins, Director, Security and Counterintelligence Division

Much of Argonne's operations are more sensitive than they have been in years. We must all be aware of what is going on around us at all times and incorporate Operational Security — OPSEC — into our jobs and everyday lives. OPSEC is simply this: Be vigilant in protecting sensitive information. It is essential that it be understood and incorporated into everything we do.

OPSEC is a countermeasures program to prevent adversaries from obtaining classified, critical or sensitive unclassified information about our programs and activities. While arguably the least-known of the security disciplines, OPSEC ranks among the most useful, easily employed and cost-effective security programs. OPSEC is designed to keep our enemies from assembling all of the necessary pieces of a puzzle, which if completed could cause our nation harm. Keep in mind that the information we use in our daily work is valued by groups who are intent upon obtaining and using it to cause us harm. This harm may be in the form of a terrorist attack. It also could be in the form of economic damage caused by the loss of a proprietary technology or loss of troops due to compromised classified information and misdirection of intelligence resources and information.

The information sought after and used against us is often unclassified and in some cases openly available to anyone who knows where to look and what to ask.

For example, many employees leave their Argonne badges in plain view in their vehicles. It is very easy for an adversary to gain access to your vehicle and take your badge. With a few simple modifications, your stolen badge might allow an unauthorized person access to the laboratory or even another U.S. Department of Energy site. At the very least they have your picture, your name and other vital information stored on your badge. A simple solution to this is to always put your badge in your purse or pocket when you remove it and to refrain from wearing your badge while off site.

There are some very basic OPSEC countermeasures we can all practice:

Properly destroy sensitive information with a shredder or by other approved means.

Do not discuss sensitive information in public or within earshot of someone you do not know, including in the laboratory cafeteria.

Do not transmit sensitive information by use of unencrypted radio, telephone or fax.

Avoid posting or displaying sensitive information on bulletin boards or Web sites.

For more information, see Security's newly designed OPSEC Web or contact Pat Berglund (SCD-OS) at ext. 2-2946.

OPSEC session planned

The Security and Counterintelligence Division will host an "OPSEC Awareness" event in the Building 213 Cafeteria Feb. 14 - 15.

SCD staff will provide information about OPSEC (Operations Security) and hand out OPSEC giveaways.

All employees are invited to learn how to help the OPSEC Program keep the laboratory's information and employees safe.

Working safely

Slips, trips and falls are a major factor affecting the safety of employees at Argonne, and constitute the majority of general industry accidents nationwide.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, they cause 15 percent of all accidental deaths in the workplace, and are second only to motor vehicles as a cause of fatalities. The average direct cost for one disabling injury now approaches $28,000. Conservative estimates of indirect costs are significantly higher at $46,000.

Causes of slips, trips and falls include:

Walking too fast or running

Improper footwear

Ice and snow, especially in parking lots

Obstacles in walkways

Poor lighting

Distractions

Carrying materials which obstruct view

Failure to use handrails

Improper use of ladders

Report all unsafe conditions to your supervisor immediately.

McCook to lead ESH/QA

Robert H. McCook has been named director of Environment, Safety and Health/Quality Assurance for Argonne National Laboratory.

McCook brings extensive leadership experience to an organization that develops and oversees safety and quality policies and assessment performance with continued reliance on the laboratory's line organization to implement safety and quality requirements.

His responsibilities will include oversight of the laboratory's quality assurance, radiological safety, Price-Anderson Amendments Act, Occurrence Reporting, environment, safety and health and Integrated Safety Management efforts. He will also oversee independent and management assessments.

"Bob's wide range of experience, coupled with his comprehensive knowledge of DOE's quality assurance requirements and environment, safety and health regulations, will be an immense asset to the laboratory," said Argonne Director Robert Rosner. "He will ensure that the laboratory improves its already rigorous safety standards as we work to develop new energy technologies."

McCook will report to Argonne's directorate, and will interface with the University of Chicago Board of Governors Environment, Safety and Health Committee and with the U.S. Department of Energy on all environment, safety and health and quality assurance matters and related performance indicators.

Previously, McCook was manager of contractor assurance and compliance and Price-Anderson Amendments Act (PAAA) coordinator for Bechtel Nevada. He was credited with turning around a failed program and a company culture that lacked rigor in compliance with the PAAA program and its requirements.

McCook also served Bechtel Nevada as a performance assurance engineer and supervisor for Work Smart Standards administration. Additionally, he oversaw the lessons-learned process and conduct and training of the root-cause analysis and critique process. In this position, McCook served as the lead critique director and facilitator of the PAAA noncompliance evaluations and led PAAA program improvement.

His national laboratory experience includes a tenure as supervisor of training at the Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory from October 1999 to August 2001.

McCook served 23 years with the United States Navy, 20 of which were in middle to upper management and supervisory positions. He served in a variety of roles, ranging from operations coordinator for aircraft/flight deck operations to maintenance and material control management.

Mentoring online can take just 20 minutes a week

Laboratory scientists and engineers, including retirees, interested in mentoring young professionals in their fields can do so online. MentorNet one-on-one mentoring programs are a chance to make a big difference in the life of a student in as little as 20 minutes a week.

Argonne is a sponsor of MentorNet, a non-profit program, and encourages employees to volunteer. Mentors should be associated with the laboratory.

MentorNet seeks science and engineering professionals in industry and government, either currently active, on leave, or retired, to mentor engineering and science community college, undergraduate and graduate students — particularly women and underrepresented minorities — who are interested in pursuing a professional future in the fields of engineering and science. Mentoring relationships last eight months. Mentors and students communicate entirely by e-mail wherever and whenever they choose.

Argonne's Sandra Bittner (CIS) currently mentors two college students through MentorNet. For her, MentorNet has been a convenient way to interact with multiple students and to keep their questions, observations, and concerns out in front.

"It took some time to be matched with my students, but once the waiting was over, I enjoyed the e-mail conversations," Bittner said. "MentorNet distributes conversation ideas each week, and I found the suggestions to be quite useful in our exchanges. In addition, the forums for mentors continue to grow and are particularly useful to new mentors. I look forward to communicating with new students this year and staying in touch with the old."

For more information, visit the MentorNet Web site, or contact Bittner (bittner@mcs.anl.gov) or Eve Gohoure (HR-DPO) at egohoure@anl.gov.

ACA Web site lists volunteer opportunities

Volunteer opportunities are available at the agencies supported by the Argonne Combined Appeal (ACA). Visit the ACA Web site for a list of opportunities.

The latest are from Community Health Charities and the American Cancer Society, which is currently sponsoring Daffodil Days. Sales of the spring flowers will support research efforts.

Bulls host Argonne night

The Chicago Bulls will host an Argonne employee night Friday, April 14.

Tickets regularly priced at $46 and $40 will be available for $23 and $20. The order form and payment must be received by the Chicago Bulls at least three weeks prior to the game.

More information and an order form are available online.

Movie passes available from Argonne Club

"Buy one, get one free" ticket passes are available for the Hollywood Blvd. theater Wednesdays through April 26.

Hollywood Blvd. theater is the Chicago area's first full-service, fully integrated restaurant, bar and movie theater. Theater attendees must be 21 or older unless they are viewing a family matinee program on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.

Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for children. The theater is located at 75th Street and Lemont Road in Woodridge.

For details, and a link to the Hollywood Blvd. Web site, visit the Argonne Club home page.

Fidelity offers Turbo Tax discount

Fidelity Investments is again making Turbo Tax available for completing 2005 federal and state tax returns through its Web site. Users can prepare and file their federal income taxes online and save 50 percent on TurboTax. It is not necessary to be a Fidelity participant to take advantage of this offer.

Fidelity's Web site also includes tax forms and resources to help with tax preparation.

To learn more, visit Fidelity's Web site, or call 1-800-343-0860.

Software with market potential must be reported

Argonne employees who develop software that may have commercial value are required to report it to the Legal Department and the Department of Energy's Energy Science and Technology Software Center (ESTSC). In addition to helping DOE meet its research and development goals, reporting the development of such software can lead to its being adapted to many other applications.

Argonne's researchers have created a wealth of powerful software and models with broad-ranging applications. Argonne licensed about $100,000 of software last year. Commercial and open source software covers such applications as simulation modeling, computational, laboratory instruments and flexible framework modeling.

The laboratory's prime contract requires software useful to others to be transmitted to the Department of Energy's Energy Science and Technology Software Center (ESTSC). While transmittal is the responsibility of the author, the Office of Technology Transfer and the Legal Department help prepare abstracts in the ESTSC format for direct transmittal. The software is reviewed during a patent decision meeting to determine its technology transfer potential. Direct questions to Paul Betten (OTT) at ext. 2-4962 or betten@anl.gov, or Sandy Classen (LEG) at ext. 2-5060 or sclassen@anl.gov.

Visit the Argonne Software Shop to see what software is currently being commercialized and the most popular open source packages.

Seed fund proposals accepted through March 24

Proposals will be accepted through Friday, March 24, for the University of Chicago's Research Advisory Committee Seed Fund Program, which supports interactions between researchers at the university and at Argonne.

This year, funding will be provided by the university's Biological and Physical Sciences divisions and Argonne, and will support teams of researchers from those organizations. Highest priority will be given to proposals that represent new, interdisciplinary, cross-campus collaborations involving investigators from two or three of these organizations.

It is expected that the projects funded through the Seed Fund Program will form the basis of subsequent proposals submitted to external agencies. A maximum of $50,000 may be requested; two to four awards may be provided in 2006.

Details, including eligibility and proposal requirements, are online.

College-bound students invited to work in labs

The Division of Educational Programs (DEP) will conduct an eight-week summer program in which local college-bound students participate in laboratory research under the direction of Argonne scientists.

Students must have a grade point average of least 3.75 on a 4.0 scale; be U.S. citizens or permanent resident aliens; graduate from a local Illinois high school in May or June 2006 and be enrolled to attend college in fall 2006. Participants will receive a stipend of $375 per week.

The program dates are June 12 - Aug. 4. The deadline for receiving completed applications in DEP is Friday, March 31. Application materials have been sent to high school science departments throughout the area. Applications may also be obtained from Lisa Reed (DEP) at Lreed@dep.anl.gov.

Retirement vendors to visit Argonne

Argonne's retirement vendors will send representatives to the laboratory during March to meet individually with employees to answer their questions about retirement plans and assets. Appointments are for one-half hour each. To schedule an appointment, call the number listed.

Fidelity — Tuesday, March 7, and Tuesday, March 21. Call the appointment desk at (800) 642-7131.

TIAA-CREF — Wednesday, March 1, Thursday, March 2, and Friday, March 3. Call the appointment desk at (800) 842-2005 or www.tiaa-cref.org/moc.

Prudential — Wednesday, March 1, and Wednesday, March 15. Call Cheryl at the appointment desk at (630) 285-8876.

Valentines Day run planned for Feb. 14

The Argonne Running Club will hold its Valentines Day run and walk Tuesday, Feb. 14, starting from Building 200 at noon.

There will be a three-mile running course and a two-mile walking course. Employees of all skill levels are welcome to participate. Refreshments will be served after the event. Participants can enter a drawing for a gift certificate to Dick Ponds Athletics.

More information about the Argonne Running Club is online.

Seminars to focus on parallel programming

"Introduction to Parallel Programming" is the first in a series of lectures by the Laboratory Computing Resource Center (LCRC). The seminar will run from 9 a.m. - noon Wednesday, Feb. 15, in Building 221, Conference Room A216.

Employees of all skill levels are welcome to attend. The first lecture will cover common terminology, basic parallel hardware models and parallel programming models. The seminar will emphasize application design for large and small clusters.

Employees interested in attending the seminar must have a LCRC/Jazz account. LCRC/Jazz accounts are available online.

To register, e-mail consult@lcrc.anl.gov.

Club project warms chemotherapy patients

By Evelyn Brown

Dozens of women undergoing chemotherapy will soon sport soft, cute caps made for them by Argonne's Arts and Crafts Club.

Hair loss is often the most visible side effect of chemotherapy, and few women choose to go with the bold, bald style of singer Melissa Etheridge. Off-the-shelf wigs or hats can irritate their sensitive skin.

Craft Club funds provided for the knitting needles, crochet hooks and hypoallergenic cotton yarn; craft club members provided the flying fingers and time.

"We have had members who have gone through chemo," explained Loretta Phillips (CIS), who organized the project. "We understand the value of having these special caps, and we can do it."

Crafter Pam Styka (XFD) heard about the "Head-Huggers Chemo Cap" project based in Maryland and shared it with the club. "People undergoing chemotherapy have a rough time," said Styka, "and I hope that they are comforted by the fact that someone cared enough to make a soft, pretty cap for them to wear."

Two patterns were chosen — one for knitting, the other for crochet — and the supplies were provided free to anyone in the club interested in helping.

"Several people used their `stash' yarn to make more hats," Phillips said. "They really whip up quickly." Several people also learned how to knit to make these caps.

In the past the club has made winter hats for the Caps for Kids program.

The Argonne Arts and Crafts Club meets each week on Tuesday from noon to 1 p.m. in Building 222, Room A240. All U.S. Department of Energy and Argonne employees are welcome. Contact Mary Ellen Hennebry (AST-PA) at mehennebry@anl.gov or ext. 2-4449 for more information.