In December 2015, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) renamed its main Boulder laboratory building to honor Katharine Blodgett Gebbie, a former director who helped guide researchers to four Nobel Prizes in Physics. This facility, now dedicated to her legacy, supports advanced research including atomic clocks and quantum technologies. The project is currently implemented, marking the first time a NIST Boulder building has been named for a person.
The laboratory is designed to tightly control environmental conditions like vibration and temperature, which are essential for precise measurements in quantum systems. It offers capabilities for fabricating custom research devices intended to support NIST research needs for the next 50 years. While this renaming does not introduce a new technical protocol, it enhances the infrastructure required for developing quantum technologies.
Gebbie’s leadership also fostered the Joint Quantum Institute and programs for women and minorities in science. The building dedication was celebrated with a ceremony attended by staff and guests, recognizing her long-term contributions to the institute. This infrastructure supports NIST’s goal of advancing measurement science and standards to improve technology and economic security.
Keywords: atomic clocks, micro-nanofabrication, environmental control
