Plasma and Fusion Research

Volume 21, 2501015 (2026)

Overview Articles

Triumphs, Twilight and Resurgence of the NIST Atomic Spectroscopy Group
Yuri RALCHENKO
1)
Department of Astronomy, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
2)
X-Ray Astrophysics Laboratory, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD 20771, USA
3)
Center for Research and Exploration in Space Science and Technology, NASA/GSFC, Greenbelt, MD 20771, USA
(Received 24 November 2025 / Accepted 14 December 2025 / Published 31 March 2026)

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.

Keywords

atomic spectroscopy, plasma spectroscopy, astrophysics, atomic databases

DOI: 10.1585/pfr.21.2501015

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