What question did this study set out to answer?

To summarize the achievements and future research plans of the NIST Atomic Spectroscopy Group after its termination.

April 1, 2026Plasma and Fusion Research0 citationsOpen Access

Triumphs, Twilight and Resurgence of the NIST Atomic Spectroscopy Group

YRYuri RALCHENKOGoddard Space Flight Center

Key Points

To summarize the achievements and future research plans of the NIST Atomic Spectroscopy Group after its termination.
Reviewed historical contributions of the group in atomic spectroscopy and plasma spectroscopy.
Documented the transition of the team to NASA and University of Maryland.
Outlined future research directions and opportunities.
The group has a rich legacy in atomic and plasma spectroscopy spanning 120 years.
Successful transition and adoption by NASA Goddard Space Flight Center and University of Maryland.
Plans for continued contributions to atomic databases and standard reference data in the future.

Abstract

For about 120 years, the Atomic Spectroscopy Group at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) was one of the world leaders in experimental and theoretical atomic and plasma spectroscopy, production of standard reference data for atomic parameters, and development of atomic databases. Nonetheless, in early 2025 the group was abruptly terminated due to the apparent change of priorities for NIST research. Fortunately, the whole ASG scientific and engineering team was soon adopted by NASA Goddard Space Flight Center and the University of Maryland College Park which allowed us to preserve its rich legacy and offer new opportunities. We will briefly describe the achievements and status of the group at this pivotal moment of its history as well as its research plans for the near future.

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