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Monday, July 19, 2010

Research


Minute Flaws in Diamond Point to Quantum Computing



Excited states of nitrogen vacancies in diamond definitely aren’t forever, but a few nanoseconds may be enough to exploit them as qubits in a quantum computer. In early online publication in Nature Physics, a collaboration led by UC Santa Barbara’s David Awschalom, including Thomas Schenkel and Cristoph Weis of the Accelerator and Fusion Research Division, reports experiments on spin states of single nitrogen–vacancy centers, defects that can affect color in diamonds. Berkeley Lab’s contribution, says Schenkel, “was the formation of high-quality color centers in diamond with our ion implantation set-up,” and was critically enabling for the work.

gmailComputing: Exploring Exascale Computing for Energy Security

How will the United States satisfy energy demand in a tightening global energy marketplace while, at the same time, reducing greenhouse gas emissions? Exascale computing — expected to be available within the next eight to ten years — may play a crucial role in answering that question by enabling a paradigm shift from test-based to science-based design and engineering. More>

People: Chemical Scientist Wins Zewail Prize

DASTWWilliam Miller of Berkeley Lab’s Chemical Sciences Division has won the 2010 Ahmed Zewail Prize in Molecular Sciences. Miller was recongnized for his outstanding contributions to the theory of chemical reactions. His research has dealt with all aspects of molecular collision theory and chemical reaction dynamics. Most recently his efforts have focused on developing a practical way of adding quantum effects to classical molecular dynamics simulations of chemical processes. Awarded on a biennial basis, the Ahmed Zewail Prize comprises a monetary award of $20,000, a medal, and a certificate. More>

Construction: More Parking Near User Support Building

As construction on the new Advanced Light Source User Support Building gets closer to completion, several parking areas will be re-opened for general parking. Approximately 21 spaces will be restored in the Y lot behind building 80 in late August, as soon as the contractor can remove stored materials and after a coat of sealer and new markings are applied.

HR Benefits: Location Change for Retirement Talks; Active for Life, Market Update Events Added

Two talks by Fidelity on Tuesday, July 27, “Getting on the Right Path with Your Workplace Savings” at 9 a.m. and “Creating a Plan for Lifetime Income in Retirement” at 10:30 a.m., are now taking place in Building 70-3377. Also added to the HR Benefits calendar for Monday, July 26, is a closing celebration for the Active for Life wellness program at noon in Building 76-235 and a Fidelity Quarterly Market Update at 9 and 11 a.m. in Building 2-100B. Go here to see the month’s full calendar.

Special Event: See New Apple Technology at Mac User Group Meeting Today

Employees interested in Apple equipment and technology are invited to stop by Perseverance Hall today at 11 a.m. to check out some of the company’s latest wares. Attendees can check out Google applications on the Mac at 11 a.m., share their favorite iPad/iPhone apps at noon, and discuss the Electronic Lab Notebook at 1 p.m.

Policy: UC Sexual Harassment Policy Applies to Lab

The University of California is committed to creating and maintaining a community in which all persons who participate in University programs and activities can work together in an atmosphere free of all forms of harassment, exploitation, or intimidation, including sexual. Specifically, every member of the University community should be aware that the University is strongly opposed to sexual harassment and that such behavior is prohibited both by law and by University policy. It is the intention of the University to take whatever action may be needed to prevent, correct, and, if necessary, discipline behavior that violates this policy. The University of California's policy and procedures concerning sexual harassment apply to Berkeley Lab and are part of RPM 2.01(B)(4) and 2.05(E). Additional information on reporting sexual harassment may be found here.

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