Agilent Technologies Presents Europhysics Prize for Pioneering Work on Quantum Behavior of Molecular Nanomagnets.Business/News Editors BUDAPEST, Hungary--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 26, 2002 Agilent Technologies This article needs sources or references that appear in reliable, third-party publications. Alone, primary sources and sources affiliated with the subject of this article are not sufficient for an accurate encyclopedia article. Inc. (NYSE NYSE See: New York Stock Exchange :A) today presented the Agilent Technologies Europhysics Prize for Outstanding Achievement in Condensed Matter Physics con·densed matter physics n. See solid-state physics. condensed matter physics The scientific study of the properties of solids, liquids, and other forms of matter in which atoms or particles adhere to to five scientists for their pioneering work in the study of the quantum behavior of molecular nanomagnets. The award, presented at a general conference of the European Physical Society The European Physical Society (EPS) is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to promote physics and physicists in Europe. Founded in 1968, its membership includes the national physical societies of 40 countries, and some 2500 individual members. (EPS (Encapsulated PostScript) A PostScript file format used to transfer a graphic image between applications and platforms. EPS files contain PostScript code as well as an optional preview image in TIFF, WMF, PICT or EPSI, the latter being an ASCII-only format. ), explores the relatively uncharted region between classical and quantum physics quantum physics n. (used with a sing. verb) The branch of physics that uses quantum theory to describe and predict the properties of a physical system. quantum physics See quantum mechanics. . Agilent's Roberto Favaretto, vice president and general manager, Europe/Middle East/Africa, presented the 2002 award to Bernard Barbara (France), Jonathan Friedman (USA), Dante Gatteschi (Italy), Roberta Sessoli (Italy) and Wolfgang Wernsdorfer (France) for revealing quantum effects in the magnetic dynamics of molecular nanomagnets. The quantum effects were observed at the mesoscopic scale In physics and chemistry, the mesoscopic scale refers to the length scale at which one can reasonably discuss the properties of a material or phenomenon without having to discuss the behavior of individual atoms. , intermediate between microscopic and macroscopic macroscopic /mac·ro·scop·ic/ (mak?ro-skop´ik) gross (2). mac·ro·scop·ic or mac·ro·scop·i·cal adj. 1. Large enough to be perceived or examined by the unaided eye. 2. . "The Agilent Technologies Europhysics Prize demonstrates our commitment to fundamental contributions in scientific areas of interest to Agilent," said Favaretto. "These researchers have made a unique contribution to nanotechnology by revealing quantum behavior at the mesoscopic scale." History of Award Since 1975, the award has been given to leading scientists in nearly every internationally important area of condensed matter physics. The award is one of the most prestigious prizes given by the EPS. In the past, eight recipients have gone on to win the Nobel Prize in physics The Nobel Prize in Physics (Swedish: Nobelpriset i fysik) is awarded once a year by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences. It is one of the six Nobel Prizes. The first prize was awarded in 1901. or chemistry. Agilent funds the prize by annual donations to the EPS. The Agilent Technologies Europhysics prize includes a cash award of 51,000 Swiss Francs and is given in recognition of scientific excellence in basic or applied research in the physics of solids and liquids, with particular emphasis on recent work that leads to advances in the fields of electronic, electrical and materials engineering. A committee appointed by the EPS, which includes Jim Hollenhorst, the director of the Electronic Research Laboratory at Agilent Laboratories, selects the recipient. Scientific Background Quantum mechanics quantum mechanics: see quantum theory. quantum mechanics Branch of mathematical physics that deals with atomic and subatomic systems. It is concerned with phenomena that are so small-scale that they cannot be described in classical terms, and it is describes the behavior of matter and energy at the atomic scale. The rules of quantum theory quantum theory, modern physical theory concerned with the emission and absorption of energy by matter and with the motion of material particles; the quantum theory and the theory of relativity together form the theoretical basis of modern physics. defy common sense and seem at odds with the laws of classical physics, which describe the behavior of matter and energy at the macroscopic scale. The mysterious transition region between classical and quantum physics has been of great interest because it tests our understanding of how the strange laws of quantum theory can coexist with the familiar laws of our daily lives. The tiny magnets that exist within atoms are known to behave according to the rules of quantum mechanics. The 2002 Europhysics prize recognizes work on "mesoscopic magnetism" -- the behavior of magnets whose size is intermediate between that of atoms and of ordinary magnets. In a series of carefully designed experiments, the winning researchers observed "Quantum Tunneling of Magnetization (QTM QTM Quantitative Methods QTM Magnetic Heading (radiotelegraphy) QTM Quick to Market QTM Quick Timing Model QTm Q-T Measured (measured Q-T interval) QTM Quick Time Movie QTM Quartet Tree Method )" in which the strength and direction of the magnetic field of a nanomagnet changes in ways that are contrary to the laws of classical physics but in agreement with the laws of quantum theory. Observation of this behavior is extremely difficult. For example, the experiments had to be carried out at temperatures just a few degrees above absolute zero, at minus 273 degrees Celsius (minus 459 degrees Fahrenheit) -- the lowest possible temperature that can be achieved. These experiments represent rare instances in which quantum effects have been observed in mesoscopic systems. Practical application of the work is not imminent, but molecular nanomagnets have been proposed as a way to enable "quantum computers," which, in theory, could perform computations many times faster than present computers, enabling calculations of unimaginable complexity. Agilent Technologies' philanthropy programs, which funded the award, sponsor equipment grants and inquiry into research and technologies that address Agilent's strategic focus in the areas of telecommunications and life sciences. Information about the philanthropy programs is available on the Web at www.agilent.com/univ_relation and www.agilent.com/philanthropy. About Agilent Laboratories Agilent Laboratories is one of the leading technological research centers in the world. Based in Palo Alto, Calif., Agilent Labs draws on the talents of more than 400 researchers and support staff. The Labs conducts applied research in communications, electronics, the life sciences, and measurement; fundamental research in bioscience, fiber optics fiber optics, transmission of digitized messages or information by light pulses along hair-thin glass fibers. Each fiber is surrounded by a cladding having a high index of refractance so that the light is internally reflected and travels the length of the fiber , materials, microelectronics, optoelectronics, and micromechanical systems; and basic research. Agilent Labs is focused on driving growth and profit for the company's businesses through technology innovation. Information about Agilent Laboratories is available on the Web at www.labs.agilent.com. About Agilent Technologies Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE:A) is a global technology leader in communications, electronics and life sciences. The company's 37,000 employees serve customers in more than 120 countries. Agilent had net revenue of $8.4 billion in fiscal year 2001. Information about Agilent is available on the Web at www.agilent.com. NOTE TO EDITORS: Further technology, corporate citizenship Corporate Citizenship The extent to which businesses are socially responsible in meeting legal, ethical and economic responsibilities placed on them by shareholders. The aim it to create higher standards of living and quality of life in the community in which it operates, while and executive news is available on the Agilent news site at www.agilent.com/go/news. |
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