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The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has completed the new Advanced Measurement Laboratory (AML ) in Gaithersburg , Md. The $235-million facility accommodates research in nanotechnology, semiconductors, biotechnology, advanced materials, quantum computing, and advanced manufacturing. Completed in December 2003 and officially opened in June 2004, the AML features five separate wings with stringent environmental controls on particulate matter, temperature, humidity, vibration and electromagnetic interferences. The design includes:

• 536,500 sf
• One occupiable scientific level in each of the five wings
• 187 instrument lab modules and 151 metrology lab modules featuring

• 48 precision temperature control labs (+- 0.1 degree C or +- 0.01 degree C)
• 18 extremely low vibration labs with active or passive isolation systems
• 33,000-sf clean room, Class 100, upgradeable to Class 10
• Humidity control with variations of no more than one percent in specialized areas

The facility was designed by HDR of Omaha , Neb.