Pete Baldo (MSD) built the environmental chamber that allows materials scientists to watch materials oxidize.

April 24 , 2006 -- Some of this week's stories:

New environmental chamber
aids nano-studies of metal oxides

By Evelyn Brown

A new environmental chamber constructed by Argonne 's Materials Science Division allows researchers to watch materials as they grow step-by-step while interacting in elevated-temperature, reactive-gas environments.

The first experiment in the new chamber revealed intriguing information about how copper oxidizes at the nano-level and established a new basic model for understanding oxidation.

The study found that clean copper surfaces are more resistant to oxidation than previously expected when exposed to oxygen. These findings could lead to improved electronic components. Industry is interested in using copper in some devices that are processed at high temperatures with oxygen present, but has been concerned that the copper might oxidize, leading to degraded electrical properties.

Oxides can be protective, as when alumina forms on aluminum surfaces, or damaging, as when iron rusts and fails. Understanding these processes at the atomic level will allow researchers to manipulate oxidation to create better materials.

Oxide studies have traditionally been conducted on thick, mature oxide layers on bulk materials. The new environmental chamber permits X-ray diffraction measurements that reveal oxidation at the atomic level because it takes advantage of Argonne's Advanced Photon Source (APS) -- this hemisphere's most brilliant source of X-rays.

"Compared to studies of bulk materials, the behavior we observed for copper oxide nano-islands is strikingly different," said Jeff Eastman (MSD). "These oxide islands that form at the beginning will actually shrink and disappear under conditions that would cause larger, bulk copper to grow."

The chamber was used at the APS BESSRC/XOR sector 12 beamline. The APS' high-energy X-rays are ideal for these studies since their penetrating nature enabled the team to design the chamber with chemically inert quartz walls that permit studying materials in hostile environments.

The chamber may also help researchers understand the interaction of hydrocarbons with metal or oxide materials to develop more efficient ways to produce and store hydrogen.

Phillip Finck named
associate laboratory director
for Applied Science and Technology

Phillip Finck has been named Argonne 's associate laboratory director for Applied Science and Technology.

The newly formed directorate includes the Energy Technology, Decision and Information Sciences, Energy Systems, Environmental Science, Chemical Engineering and Nuclear Engineering divisions, as well as the Infrastructure Assurance Center and the Transportation Technology Research and Development Center .

Finck replaces Alan Foley, who will head Argonne 's lab-wide national security programs exclusively as director of National Security, reporting to the laboratory director.

"Phillip Finck brings both practical experience with a number of reactor designs and a real international perspective to a global effort," said Argonne Director Robert Rosner. "His new role will be important for Argonne 's involvement in the new Global Nuclear Energy Partnership. In addition as athe architect of our integrated economic, computation and secure energy initiative we have high expectations for Finck's leadership in all areas of energy technology and science."

Finck received his Ph.D. in nuclear engineering at MIT in 1982 and holds an MBA from the University of Chicago . He worked at Novatome, the company in charge of designing and building Superphenix, from 1983 to 1986 and was involved in the safety and design of fast reactors.

In 1986, he joined the staff at Argonne working on the Integral Fast Reactor concept and the New Production Reactor, eventually becoming the lead for neutronics analyses for Experimental Breeder Reactor-II. In 1993, he joined the French Atomic Energy Commission and headed the Reactor Physics Laboratory at the Cadarache Center . In 1995, he was elected to chair the European nuclear data project.

Finck rejoined Argonne in 1997 and was associate director of the Technology Development Division. In 2003, he was named deputy associate laboratory director for Engineering Research, where he was responsible for coordination of all nuclear energy-related activities at Argonne , including Advanced Fuel Cycle Initiative and Generation-IV programs, and development of new initiatives.

He is a fellow of the American Nuclear Society.

Stevens to lead Computing and Life Sciences;
new divisions created

Rick Stevens has been appointed associate laboratory director for Computing and Life Sciences.

The newly created directorate brings together two Argonne research divisions -- the Biosciences Division and the Mathematics and Computer Science Division (MCS) along with two new divisions -- the Computation Institute and the Institute for Genomics and Systems Biology. This organizational structure will improve Argonne 's ability to respond to current and emerging initiatives, national needs and opportunities in computational science and engineering, computer science, applied mathematics and structural and systems biology.

The change divides the Physical, Biological and Computing Sciences Directorate. Al Sattelberger, the associate laboratory director for Physical, Biological and Computing Sciences, has been named associate laboratory director for Physical Sciences.

Stevens has been at Argonne since 1982. He has served as director of the Mathematics and Computer Science Division (MCS) and also as acting associate laboratory director for Physical, Biological and Computing Sciences. He is currently leader of Argonne's Petascale Computing Initiative, professor of computer science and senior fellow of the Computation Institute at the University of Chicago, and professor at the university's Physical Sciences Collegiate Division. From 2000-2004, Stevens served as director of the National Science Foundation's TeraGrid Project and from 1997-2001 as chief architect for the National Computational Science Alliance.

Ian Foster has been appointed director of the Computation Institute created by the University of Chicago and Argonne in 1999 in recognition of the increasingly central role that computation plays in many disciplines of the sciences, medicine and the humanities. Foster is a senior scientist and the Arthur Holly Compton Distinguished Service Professor of Computer Science at the University of Chicago.

Kevin P. White has been appointed director of the new Institute for Genomics and Systems Biology. The institute is a joint initiative between the university and Argonne to further expand resources and capabilities in the emerging areas of integrative biological research. The institute will focus the laboratory's programs in genomics and structural biology and position the laboratory to expand and to take on a role of national leadership in these rapidly growing fields.

White joins Argonne and the University of Chicago from Yale University, where since 2004, he served as director of Applied Genomics at the Yale Center for RNA and Therapeutic Chemical Genetics, associate professor of genetics at the Yale University School of Medicine, and associate professor of ecology and evolutionary biology.

Carpenter receives neutron scattering prize

The Neutron Scattering Society of America has awarded the 2006 Clifford G. Shull Prize in Neutron Science to John M. (Jack) Carpenter (IPNS) for his groundbreaking work developing neutron sources and instrumentation.

The award to Carpenter, Senior Physicist and Technical Director of the Intense Pulsed Neutron Source (IPNS), is "for seminal contributions to the development of neutron sources and instrumentation that have had worldwide impact on neutron scattering across a broad range of scientific disciplines, culminating in the optimized design of the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) at Oak Ridge."

The prize is named in honor of Clifford G. Shull, who shared the 1994 Nobel Prize in Physics with Bertram Brockhouse for developments in neutron science.

"It is wonderful to have my work acknowledged by my colleagues," Carpenter said, "and humbling to have my name associated with Clifford Shull, whom we all revered."

Carpenter was pivotal in the development of pulsed neutron sources around the globe. His pioneering work exploited the inherent efficiency of the spallation process for producing neutrons and combined this process with the advantages of pulsed operation and time-of-flight measurement techniques to study structure and dynamics of materials. His patented design for the decoupled moderator-reflector is at the heart of all modern pulsed neutron sources.

The reflector, which, Carpenter said, "boosted the intensity to interesting levels," helped pave the way for the IPNS. Having conceived and operated two prototypical sources, Zing-P and Zing-P', he played the leading role in developing the IPNS. Built on a shoestring budget, it used many parts from Argonne 's decommissioned Zero-Gradient Synchrotron and CP-5 reactor.

Carpenter's technical and strategic advice have been in demand on all subsequent pulsed neutron sources built -- the KEK in Japan, ISIS in the United Kingdom, and the Lujan Center at Los Alamos National Laboratory -- as well as the new generation of pulsed sources—J-PARC in Japan, ESS in Europe, and the $1.4 billion SNS, due to begin operations in April 2006.

In addition, Carpenter's contributions to pulsed-source instrumentation, coupling neutron source performance and instrument design, have expanded the use of pulsed neutron sources to a broad range of scientific applications.

"Significantly, we established a simplified system for proposal and peer review that made Argonne's instruments available to a wide community of users and that is now a model for other large research facilities," Carpenter said.

NSSA will present the award during the American Conference on Neutron Scattering, June 18-22, in St. Charles .

Australia and New Zealand delegates
visit Advanced Photon Source

A high-level Australian delegation led by the State of Victoria's Treasurer and Innovation Minster John Brumby visited the Advanced Photon Source April 10 to enhance the delegation's understanding of the benefits of synchrotron science. The Australian Synchrotron Project, one of Australia's biggest investments in R&D architecture, will start operations in 2007. New Zealand, which is also investing in the Australian Synchrotron, was represented in the tour by New Zealand 's ambassador to the United States and a federal minister.

Robert Rosner, Argonne director, welcomed Brumby and the delegation by saying scientific knowledge knows no boundaries and scientists across the world operate on the principle of passion, a principle that leads to great innovations.

Brumby said the range of the research performed at the APS demonstrates the immense potential of Australia 's own synchrotron, and he expressed his gratitude for the support and assistance provided by the APS for the Australian synchrotron.

The APS and the Australian Synchrotron signed a Memorandum of Understanding on scientific collaboration in 2005 to enable researchers at both facilities to exchange ideas and explore new experimental technology. Brumby said he looks forward “to ongoing exchange between our two synchrotrons and to explore linkages with the Center for Nanoscale Materials.”

Murray Gibson, Argonne associate laboratory director for scientific user facilities, added that "close interaction among light-source facilities is important because we face the same challenges and opportunities."

NNSA official visits Argonne

Jerry Paul, National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) principal deputy administrator, visited Argonne April 4-5. Paul toured the Nuclear Energy Museum in Building 208, hosted by Roger Tilbrook (NE), and met with various laboratory officials for briefings on Argonne and its role in the Global Nuclear Energy Partnership, Argonne's Reduced Enrichment Research and Test Reactors program and Export Control.

Paul assists NNSA Administrator Linton F. Brooks in overseeing all NNSA headquarters organizations and provides leadership and direction for all NNSA site office activities. He also serves as the agency's chief operating officer.

NNSA includes approximately 37,000 federal, military and contractor personnel charged with carrying out the national security responsibilities of the Department of Energy. These responsibilities include maintaining a safe and reliable nuclear weapons stockpile for the U.S. military, providing naval nuclear propulsion plants and promoting international nuclear nonproliferation.

Mid-year discussions to cover career goals, development

Mid-year development discussions for all regular full and part-time non-union employees will take place between April 3 and June 30.

The mid-year development discussion is an opportunity for the employee and supervisor to discuss the employee's career goals and professional development. It is not intended to be a midyear performance appraisal. Some topics that might be discussed include professional goals, desired training and future career path at the laboratory.

Workshop

A workshop on "Conducting an Effective Interim Conversion" (HR347) is available to help supervisors identify their responsibilities in the development discussion and develop techniques to make this a beneficial discussion for both the supervisor and the employee. The workshop will be held in Building 201, Room 190, from 2-4 p.m. on Thursday, April 27, and again on Tuesday, May 16. Contact a Training Management System representative to register.

Additional information and resources are available on Inside Argonne.

Exercise may increase East Gate traffic

The General Services Administration will conduct a training exercise in the Building 401 Gallery Wednesday, May 24. The exercise will involve about 100 GSA personnel, who will be on site all day.

The visitors will use East Gate to enter and exit the site; traffic may be heavier than normal on the day of the exercise.

Administrative professionals to be honored April 26

Argonne will celebrate the contributions of its secretaries and clerical employees at an "Administrative Professionals Day" program Wednesday, April 26.

The celebration will be held in the Building 213 Cafeteria, starting at 8 a.m. with a buffet breakfast, followed at 8:30 a.m. with a program that will include an address by Kelly Mannsfeld, deputy to the laboratory director.

Child Center offers summer camp

The Argonne Child Development Center is accepting registration for Summer Camp, to be held June 5 - Aug. 25.

Tuition for a full-time camper is $206 a week; field trip costs are included. Part-time options are available. Children are served two snacks and lunch. Registration fee is $40, and the deadline is Monday, May 1.

Tuition rates and the calendar of activities are available online. For details or to register, contact the Child Development Center at ext. 2-9601 or childcare@anl.gov.

HR, Hispanic/Latino Club present ‘Networking for Success'

"Survival Skills Series: Networking for Success" (HR411) will be held Tuesday, April 25, from 1:30 - 3:30 in Building 401, Room E1100. Participants will learn effective networking tools to build strong personal contacts and professional alliances. They will also learn how to successfully develop a network of support to enhance their careers. The panel includes Sandra Biedron, ONR Project Office, AST; Carlos Matta, The Bank of America, and Monica Regalbuto, CMT. Contact a Training Management System representative to register. The workshop is co-sponsored by Human Resources and Argonne 's Hispanic/Latino Club.

HR Classes

These training opportunities are offered to support employees and their work at Argonne . Complete course descriptions and a registration form are available online. Contact Betty Iwan (HR) at ext. 2-3410 for more information.

• "Survival Skills Series: Networking for Success" (HR411) -- Tuesday, April 25, 1:30-3:30 p.m., Building 401, Room E1100.

• "Conducting an Effective Development Discussion" (HR347) -- Tuesday, May 16 , 2-4 p.m., Building 201, Room 190

• "Myers-Briggs Styles and Strengths in the Workplace" (HR258) -- Friday, May 5, 9 a.m.- noon, Building 201, Room 190. Register by Tuesday, April 25.

• "Excelling as a Highly Effective Team Leader" (HR359) -- Tuesday , May 9, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Building. 212, Room A157. Register by Friday, April 7.

• "Situational Leadership II" (HR416) -- Tuesday, May 23, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Building 212, Room A157

  Retirees

Bonnie Baudino (ET) retired March 31 with 35 years of service.

Patricia A. Engwall (OCF) retired March 1 with 25 years of service.

Jeffrey E. Franklin (ET) retired March 31 with 20 years of service.

Thomas M. Galvin (ET) retired March 31 with 39 years of service.

Sylvia M. Hagamann (ET) retired March 31 with 39 years of service.

Russell D. Jennings (PFS) retired March 17 with 39 years of service.

Joyce Stephens (ET) retired March 31 with 37 years of service.

Ken Thompson (XFD) retired March 29 with 37 years of service.

David Tomasko (EVS) retired March 10 with 18 years of service.

CIS Classes

Argonne's Computing and Information Systems Division will offer the following classes in May. Full class descriptions, schedules and enrollment forms are available online. For information about enrollment procedures, contact Diane Cavazos (CIS) at ext. 2-7153 or dkcavazos@anl.gov. Unless otherwise specified, classes cost $225, are held in Building 201, Room 167, and are limited to eight participants.

• "Advanced Word 2003" (CIS124) -- Monday, May 1, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

• "Advanced Excel 2003" (CIS127) -- Tuesday, May 2, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

• "Advanced Access 2003" (CIS130) -- Tuesday, May 9, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

• "Advanced PowerPoint 2003" (CIS132) -- Thursday, May 11, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

• "Advanced Outlook Version 2003" (CIS136) -- Wednesday, May 10, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

• "Beginning Unix" (CIS564) -- This class consists of two three-hour sessions for a total of six hours. There is no cost. First session: Tuesday, May 23, 9 a.m. - noon Second session: Thursday, May 25, 9 a.m. – noon.

• "vi Editor in Unix" (CIS567) -- Friday, April 28, 9 a.m. - noon; Friday, May 26, 9 a.m. – noon; Friday, June 23, 9 a.m. – noon. No cost.