CHEMICAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY LABORATORY (83): Provides the national system of chemical, physical, and biochemical measurements as the Nation's Reference Laboratory; coordinates the system with measurement systems of other nations and furnishes essential services leading to accurate and uniform measurements, standards, and data throughout the Nation, including US industry, government agencies, and the scientific community; provides advisory and research services to other government agencies; conducts basic and applied cutting-edge research in analytical chemistry, biotechnology, chemical engineering, and physical chemistry; conducts interdisciplinary research efforts with other NIST laboratories in these areas; conducts fundamental investigations of the phenomena on which measurement of the composition and behavior of chemical and biochemical systems is based; provides benchmark experimental data, new theory, and models to explain the behavior and predict the properties of chemicals in chemical and biochemical processes and systems; develops and certifies Standard Reference Materials; produces and evaluates Standard Reference Data; acquires and disseminates thermophysical, thermodynamic, kinetic, and thermal data; provides calibration services for temperature, pressure, vacuum, leak rate, fluid flow, liquid volume, liquid density, air speed, ozone, and humidity; develops new laboratory and process measurement techniques, including in-situ real-time process measurement methods and sensors; aids competitiveness in the global marketplace for the diverse U.S. industries that are reliant on generic research and technology development in chemistry and chemical engineering; develops and improves measurement capability and quantitative understanding of basic physical processes that underlie measurement science, including methods for analytical chemistry, biochemistry, chemical kinetics, thermodynamics, physical and chemical properties, and surface science thereby improving comparability among laboratories; and uses these methods to assist in the solution of problems of national impact, e.g., in improving the accuracy of clinical chemistry, materials characterization for semiconductors, quality assurance for environmental measurements, chemical engineering metrology, biotechnology, and chemical manufacturing processes.

CHEMICAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY LABORATORY OFFICE (830): Responsible for planning, directing, and implementing the scientific, technical, and administrative programs of the Laboratory through scientific, administrative, and support personnel.

BIOCHEMICAL SCIENCES DIVISION (831): Provides biochemically based measurement methods, data, reference materials, and predictive models in support of the CSTL role to provide, as the Nation’s Reference Laboratory, the national system of chemical, physical, and biochemical measurements; provides advisory and research services to other government agencies; conducts basic and applied cutting-edge research in the biochemical sciences; conducts interdisciplinary research efforts with other NIST laboratories in these areas; conducts fundamental investigations of the phenomena on which measurement of the composition and behavior of biochemical substances and systems is based; provides benchmark experimental data, new theories, models, and algorithms to explain the behavior and predict the properties of biochemical processes and systems; develops and certifies Reference Materials and Standard Reference Materials; produces Standard Reference Data; develops new biomeasurement techniques; develops and improves measurement capability and quantitative understanding of basic processes that underlie measurements in the biochemical and biological sciences; uses these methods to assist in the solution of problems of national impact: e.g., improving the accuracy of clinical measurements and disease biomarkers, human identification measurements, quality assurance for environmental measurements, biotechnology, and biochemical manufacturing processes.  The Division’s outputs take the form of peer-reviewed publications, technical papers, reference materials, standard reference materials, standard reference data, calibration services, participation in scientific meetings, service on committees pertinent to national concerns as well as international standards organizations.

--DNA MEASUREMENTS GROUP (831.01): Conducts research to develop and improve techniques for the separation, characterization, identification, and measurement of nucleic acids and DNA and their interactions with other complex biomolecules; performs nucleic acid amplification (PCR) and sequencing; uses high- resolution  biomolecule characterization capabilities to address standards needs in the biotechnology and forensic communities; and develops measurement methods and models pertinent to DNA damage and repair.

--BIOSPECTROSCOPY GROUP (831.02): Develops and applies standards and methods for biospectroscopic measurements pertinent to the calibration, validation, and performance instruments for measuring molecular spectra and to the identification and quantification of molecular and biological entities.  Investigates fundamental processes associated with spectroscopic measurements to develop new and improved techniques, methodologies, and standards.  The research uses of state-of-the-art techniques and methods of measurement in molecular biology, biophysical chemistry, and molecular spectrometry.  Works with users and manufacturers of analytical instruments to assess and measure the performance of analytical methods and to determine and address existing and future needs for standards ranging from device calibration and instrument performance through specifications for remote device control and data interchange.

--STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY GROUP (831.03): Develops measurement methods and models, for the determination and analysis of the structure and function of biological macromolecules including proteins, enzymes, enzyme-substrate complexes, DNA, and RNA; studies the relationships between biomolecular structure, function, and energetics using computational, biophysical, and biochemical techniques; directs studies towards implementing advanced computational methods for the modeling and analysis of structures, properties, interactions, and dynamics; and develops algorithms and reference databases.

--CELL & TISSUE MEASUREMENTS GROUP (831.04): Develops and applies methods of measurement pertinent to significant concerns in the field of biotechnology such as quantitative cell biology, proteomics, bioinformatics, and bionanometrology.  The research makes use of state-of-the-art techniques and methods of measurement in cell biology, molecular biology, biochemical and biophysical chemistry such as quantitative microscopy measurements, image analysis software, thin films, cell-based systems, protein sequencing, amino acid analysis, mass spectrometry, ellipsometry, impedance spectroscopy, single molecule electrophysiology, total internal reflection fluorescent microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and surface plasmon resonance.  The outputs take the form of peer reviewed publications, standard reference materials, standard reference data, technical papers, participation in scientific meetings, and service on committees pertinent to national concerns.

PROCESS MEASUREMENTS DIVISION (836): Develops advanced measurement techniques, standard measurement practices, and relevant mathematical models, both theoretical and numerical, to describe and interpret the performance of laboratory and process instruments for measurement, analysis, and control of chemical and manufacturing processes; performs fundamental experimental and theoretical research on the basic physical processes that underlie the measurement of temperature, fluid flow and gaseous leak-rate, humidity, pressure and vacuum, and composition in mixtures of inert and/or reacting species; develops the underlying scientific principles and supporting engineering data and data-predictive models pertinent to homogeneous and heterogeneous flow systems (e.g., dispersions, slurries, sprays, aerosols), to process sensing of chemical and biochemical species, and to diagnostics of chemical reactors (e.g., plug flow and fluidized bed reactors, plasmas, flames, combustors, and biochemical reactors); provides data and technological support for solid state sensing and detection of chemical species, and on thin film disposition processes relevant to microelectronics, superconductivity, photonics, etc.; maintains and improves the national standards for liquid and gas flow rate, ultra-low gas flow or leak rate, pressure, vacuum, air speed, liquid volume and density, humidity, and temperature measurements; conducts research towards the development of new concepts for these standards; provides measurement services and calibrates practical standards for the U.S. scientific and technical community based on primary standards; and develops methods and devices to assist user groups in the assessment and enhancement of the accuracy of their measurements.

--FLUID METROLOGY GROUP (836.02): Pursues research with the objective of realizing and disseminating standards for process variables, particularly national measurement standards for fluid flowrate, airspeed, liquid density and volume measurements; develops models of measurement techniques and of instruments; provides a fundamental understanding of phenomena affecting measurement processes for these variables in addition to temperature, and pressure; offers calibration services for a wide range of fluid and flow conditions; assists user groups to establish needed measurement traceability and accuracies for flow sensors and fluid metering calibration facilities; conducts fundamental and applied experimental, theoretical, and computer simulation studies of the thermophysical and interfacial properties of process streams comprised of fluids, fluid mixtures, and solids, including supercritical, aqueous and other polar fluids, heat transfer media, glasses, molecular aggregates; collaborates with industries to assist them in attaining their metrological and related objectives using thermodynamic models and molecular theories to describe properties characterizing process streams for fluid quantity and flow rate measurement and the control of critical processes.

--PROCESS SENSING GROUP (836.04): Performs research supporting development of measurement technologies in the areas of plasma processing of semiconductors, sensing of gas phase chemical species using solid state devices, and of detection of biochemical species using surface modification methods based on self-assembled monolayers; utilizes semiconductor manufacturing technologies and thin film deposition and characterization capabilities to develop sensing array technology for gas phase species; utilizes spontaneously formed alkanethiol films on gold as a model system to study molecular recognition reactions applicable for both DNA diagnostics and protein detection and screening; and utilizes radio frequency measurements in plasma reactors to characterize reactor operational characteristics and plasma parameters and develops process sensing technologies applicable to low density plasmas.

--THERMOMETRY GROUP (836.05): Maintains, improves, and disseminates the national standards of temperature and moisture concentration in air; conducts research toward the development measurement technologies in the areas of moisture concentration in gases and new concepts for the scale and the standards of the scale; calibrates practical standards for the U.S. scientific and technical community in terms of the primary standards; develops methods and devices to assist user groups in the assessment and enhancement of the accuracy of their measurements of temperature and humidity; prepares and promulgates evaluations and descriptions of temperature and humidity measurement processes; coordinates temperature and humidity standards and measurement methods nationally and internationally; determines the accuracy of the national standards of temperature with respect to fundamental thermodynamic relations; and develops Standard Reference Materials for use in precision thermometry.

--PRESSURE AND VACUUM GROUP (836.06): Conducts research on the characteristics of pressure and vacuum instrumentation, including piston gages, manometers, capacitance diaphragm gages, spinning rotor gages, ionization gages, and partial pressure analyzers; conducts fundamental research on new and potentially more accurate measurement techniques and concepts, including optical spectroscopies; develops and maintains primary and secondary standards for pressure, vacuum, partial pressure, and low flow rate; provides calibration and special test services over approximately 19 decades of pressure from ultra-high vacuum to above 5,000 times atmospheric pressure; provides calibration services for low flow rates from 10/14 to 10/4 mol/s; and participates in international activities related to pressure, vacuum, and low-flow-rate measurements and standards.

--NANOSCALE AND OPTICAL METROLOGY GROUP (836.07): Develops advanced mathematical models,advanced measurement techniques, standard measurement practices, and performance data for analysis, control, standardization, and optimization of thermal and reactive processes; performs experimental and theoretical studies to elucidate the underlying scientific principles (from such fields as fluid dynamics, heat and mass transfer, materials synthesis, cluster, droplet and particle formation, and chemical reactions) pertinent to thermal and chemical systems in such areas as chemical vapor deposition, liquid atomization and sprays, and reacting-, supercritical-, and multiphase-flows; and provides chemical mechanisims and supporting physical and chemical data for industrial chemical processes.

SURFACE AND MICROANALYSIS SCIENCE DIVISION (837): Performs research and development to determine the chemistry and physics of surfaces, particles, and materials and their interactions with a broad spectrum of species including electrons, photons, ions, atoms, and molecules as well as studying environmental systems. The objectives of this program, which spans the complete range from theoretical to applications research, include: (1) determining the geometrical, electronic, and chemical and isotopic compositions of surfaces, particles, and materials at nanometer scales and below; (2) determining the energetics, kinetics, mechanisms, and effects of processes occurring on solid and liquid surfaces as well as within the materials; (3) developing standards and measurement techniques for the chemical and physical characterization of surfaces, solids, and fine particles on a macro- to nanometer scale; (4) establishing the bases for understanding and applying the results to important fields such as catalysis, superconductors, semiconductors, thin films, new alloys, electronics, energy devices, and the environment. Provides measurements, Standard Reference Materials, Standard Reference Data, calibrations, and advisory services to the Nation, aiding U.S. industry, other government agencies, and the public sector in solving problems of national concern.

--MICROANALYSIS RESEARCH GROUP (837.02): Performs research, development, and applications on microbeam analysis techniques for the chemical, morphological, and crystallographic characterization of matter down to nanometer spatial scales where analytical techniques primarily utilize excitation beams of electrons and x-rays to generate a variety of secondary signals that yield elemental and molecular information; studies fundamental measurements including x-ray and electron spectroscopies, computer-aided imaging, and diffractometry to understand the basic chemistry and physics of microbeam-sample interactions and to develop improved methods of quantification and standard reference materials; investigates chemometric methods applied to contemporary analytical problems involving multivariable and multicomponent systems for the assessment and control of accuracy; and applies enhanced and multidisciplinary microanalysis and surface analysis techniques to diverse problems in material, electronic, environmental, biological, and process technologies.

--SURFACE AND INTERFACE RESEARCH GROUP (837.03): Conducts theoretical and experimental research concerning fundamental chemical processes at surfaces and interfaces with emphasis on systems relevant to catalytic, electronic, and photonic applications; develops and applies surface sensitive diagnostics involving laser and synchrotron radiations, charged particles, and radical species with fine spatial, temporal, and spectral resolution; characterizes the electronic structure, mechanisms of energy transfer, and chemical reactivity of solid-solid, solid-liquid, and solid-vacuum interfaces; fabricates and characterizes substrates and thin films of metals, semiconductors, and oxides; and performs calculations to investigate the interactions of atoms, molecules, radiation, and charged particles with surfaces and interfaces.

--ANALYTICAL MICROSCOPY GROUP (837.05): Conducts research by applying various microscopies to elucidate the chemical and structural properties of matter on dimensions of micrometers to nanometers where the major analytical techniques utilize excitation by beams of ions or photons, and detection of analytical signals from ions, electrons, or photons; applies low-level decay counting of gases and nuclear track techniques for particulate; develops and applies isotopic analysis to current and emerging measurement challenges, and researches the fundamental studies of the excitation process, quanitification, standards development, instrumental improvements, data and image analysis, and applications of these techniques to problems in materials science, semiconductor technology, biotechnology, and environmental science.

PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES DIVISION (838): Performs experimental, theoretical, and computational research on the properties of gases, liquids, and solids (including mixtures and supercritical fluids) over wide ranges of conditions, including thermochemical properties (e.g., free energy of formation, heat of combustion), thermophysical properties (e.g., equation of state, phase behavior, heat capacity, speed of sound, thermal conductivity, viscosity), and interfacial properties (e.g., surface tension, adsorption); conducts experimental, theoretical, and computational studies of the rates and mechanisms of chemical reactions in the gas and liquid phases and at surfaces; conducts research on homogenous and heterogeneous fluid-based physical processes and systems (e.g., separations, regenerative refrigerators, advanced heat transfer systems); develops, maintains, and uses state-of-the-art apparatus to measure thermochemical, thermophysical, interfacial, and kinetic properties and to detect and characterize reactive intermediates; compiles, evaluates, and correlates thermochemical, thermophysical, interfacial, and kinetic data and develops and disseminates electronic databases and software for important substances and processes; develops and evaluates state-of-the-art theories, models, estimation methods, and computational schemes; provides the Nation with measurement standards and services for flow under extreme conditions (e.g., at cryogenic temperatures); and provides Standard Reference Data, Standard Reference Materials, calibrations, and advisory services to U.S. industry, other government agencies, and scientific organizations to assist in the solution of problems of national importance.

--EXPERIMENTAL KINETICS AND THERMODYNAMICS GROUP (838.04): Develops and uses state-of-the-art measurement techniques to determine (a) the rates and mechanisms of chemical reactions in the gas and liquid phases and at surfaces, with emphasis on species important to the chemical and related industries and relevant to processes such as combustion, plasma chemistry, and environmental chemistry, and (b) the thermochemical and thermal properties of industrially and environmentally important chemical species; develops advanced measurement methodologies for detecting and characterizing a wide range of reactive intermediates; and certifies Standard Reference Materials for thermochemical properties of importance to industry and science.

--CHEMICAL REFERENCE DATA AND MODELING GROUP (838.05): Compiles, evaluates, and correlates Standard Reference Data and develops and disseminates electronic databases and software on (a) chemical kinetics in the gas and liquid phases, with emphasis on species important to the chemical and related industries and relevant to processes such as combustion, plasma chemistry, and environmental chemistry, (b) the chemistry and thermochemistry of industrially and environmentally important chemicals, including radicals and positive and negative ions, (c) analytical mass spectra, and (d) infrared spectra; and develops and evaluates new models and estimation methods for chemical reference data.

--COMPUTATIONAL CHEMISTRY GROUP (838.06): Develops and applies computational chemistry methods for estimating and predicting the chemical and physical properties of molecules; evaluates new theories, models, estimation methods, and computational techniques for rate constants and thermochemical properties; compiles and disseminates comparisons of computational predictions with experimental measurements to provide a framework upon which to establish the accuracy and precision of computational methods; and develops resources to provide guidance to non-experts in the use of computational chemistry methods.

--EXPERIMENTAL PROPERTIES OF FLUIDS GROUP (838.07): Performs experimental research on the thermodynamic and transport properties of fluids and fluid mixtures over wide ranges of temperature, pressure, and composition; develops and maintains state-of-the-art apparatus to measure properties such as pressure-volume-temperature behavior, phase equilibrium behavior, heat capacity, speed of sound, enthalpy, viscosity, and thermal conductivity, as well as apparatus to study reacting fluids under extreme conditions; and provides comprehensive thermophysical property measurements for technically important pure fluids and mixtures, including common inorganics, industrial chemicals, hydrocarbons, refrigerants, acqueous coal conversion products, and heavy oils.

--THEORY AND MODELING OF FLUIDS GROUP (838.08): Performs theoretical research on the thermodynamicand transport properties of fluids and fluid mixtures over wide ranges of temperature, pressure, and composition including regions of fluid-fluid and fluid-solid phase separation; develops models and empirical correlations to describe and predict fluid thermophysical property surfaces; conducts computer simulation studies to examine microscopic characteristics of these systems and to understand processes using fluid systems; and provides comprehensive and evaluated property data and computer databases for technically or industrially important fluid systems including common inorganics, industrial chemicals, hydrocarbons, refrigerants, aqueous systems, coal conversion products, and heavy oils.

--CRYOGENIC TECHNOLOGIES GROUP (838.09): Performs research on cryogenic processes with emphasis on new methods for producing cryogenic temperatures; develops advanced measurement techniques, standard measurement practices, and mathematical models for cryogenic processes; designs and tests prototype systems and compares performance with models to improve modeling techniques; and assists U.S. industry in the development of new and/or improved products utilizing cryogenic processes.

ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY DIVISION (839): Develops and maintains the scientific competencies and experimental facilities necessary to provide the Nation with uniform measurements, measurement methodology, and measurement services in the field of analytical chemistry; performs basic and applied research in chemical metrology and investigates the phenomena that underpins the measurement of chemical composition; uses the results of this research to develop measurement methods of known accuracy to address problems that impact productivity and competitiveness  for U.S. industry, equity in trade, environmental quality, and public health and safety; develops and provides value assignment for Standard Reference Materials, primarily for chemical composition, to enhance chemical measurement comparability within the United States and to provide a basis for measurement compatibility with other nations; establishes the infrastructure to allow commercial production of reference materials with NIST-recognized traceability; provides advice and measurement services to U.S. industry, other government agencies (federal, state, and local), and scientific organizations; coordinates U.S. research and measurement activities related to environmental specimen banking; interacts with international standards organizations and other National Metrology Institutes to establish comparability of measurement capabilities; and participates in collaborative efforts with other NIST organizational units in interdisciplinary applications of analytical chemistry.

--INORGANIC CHEMICAL METROLOGY GROUP (839.01): Conducts research on the science that underpins the identification and quantification of inorganic species.  The group develops, critically evaluates and applies analytical methods based on nuclear, electroanalytical, gravimetric, stoichiometric, x-ray spectrometric, optical spectrometric, and mass spectrometric techniques; investigates fundamental physical and chemical processes to develop new analytical techniques and to improve existing analytical methodology; is responsible for research and development activities in isotope dilution mass spectrometry, atomic emission spectrometry, x-ray fluorescence, and the full suite of neutron activation analysis methods including prompt gamma activation analysis and neutron depth profiling; performs isotope ratio measurements; maintains facilities and expertise for analysis at ultratrace concentrations; studies and applies advanced methods for chemical separations in conjunction with spectrometric methods to improve accuracy and provide information regarding element speciation; applies the results of this research to the certification of Standard Reference Materials and other reference materials important to U.S. industry and other government agencies; maintains and develops primary inorganic, elemental, isotopic, pH, and electrolytic conductivity national standards; provides advice and measurement services to other government agencies (federal and state), scientific organizations, and American industry; and interacts with international standards organizations and other National Metrology Institutes to establish comparability of measurement capabilities.

--ORGANIC CHEMICAL METROLOGY GROUP (839.02): Conducts research on the science that underpins the identification and quantification of organic species.  The group develops, critically evaluates and applies analytical methods based on liquid chromatography, gas chromatography, supercritical fluid chromatography, capillary electrophoresis, and mass spectrometry; conducts fundamental investigations of the processes that affect retention and selectivity in separations and of ionization and dissociation processes in mass spectrometry; is responsible for research and development activities for new chromatographic stationary phases, enantioselective separations, selective solvent extraction approaches, multidimentional separation procedures, novel approaches for selective and sensitive analyte detection, and new mass spectrometric technologies; develops and refines definitive and reference methods for organic species; maintains facilities and expertise for analyses at trace and ultratrace concentration levels; applies this research and trace organic measurement capabilities to the certification of Standard Reference Materials for chemical composition; provides advice and measurement services to other government agencies (federal and state), scientific organizations, and American industry; and interacts with international standards organizations and other National Metrology Institutes to establish comparability of measurement capabilities.

--GAS METROLOGY GROUP (839.03): Conducts research in gas metrology to underpin the traceability of gas analysis in the U.S.  The group develops, critically evaluates and applies analytical methods for gas measurements based on gas chromatography and mass spectrometry; applies this research to the development and certification of gas mixture Standard Reference Materials and industry produced NIST Traceable Reference Materials; provides traceability in measurements in response to critical needs of U.S. industry; interacts with international standards organizations and other National Metrology Institutes to provide comparability among international gas standards to assure the competitiveness of U.S. industry; and provides advice and measurement services to other government agencies (federal and state), scientific organizations, and American industry.

--MICROANALYTICAL METROLOGY GROUP (839.04): Conducts research in all aspects of microanalytical methods development including sample introduction and preparation, separation, microfluidic device fabrication, substrate material properties, fluid flow properties, detection methods, and device integration; develops and maintains performance validation methods and standards to ensure confidence in new microanalytical methods; interacts with relevant international standards organizations to develop and promulgate standards that support the use of microanalytical methods; advances microanalytical metrology for applications in all areas of analytical chemistry including clinical, pharmaceutical, homeland security, forensic, food, and environmental analyses.