Los Angeles-based American Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (AABGU) has announced a $3 million pledge from longtime supporter and national vice president Ruth Flinkman-Marandy and her husband, Ben Marandy, in support of a new atom chip and quantum optics research and development facility at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev.

To be led by Dr. Ron Folman of the university's physics department, the lab, the first of its kind in Israel, will offer technology needed to pursue world-class scientific investigation and enhance the training of promising young researchers, including sophisticated optics and lasers, high-level computing capabilities, and complex electronics.

Atom chips are used in the construction of "atomic clocks," which are fundamental to the extremely high-precision guidance systems used by satellites, missiles, and other homeland security products.

"AABGU is extremely grateful for the ongoing dedication and support of Ruth Flinkman-Marandy, who has an extraordinary vision for the use of quantum nanotechnology research, especially as it pertains to the future security of Israel," said Doron Krakow, executive vice president of AABGU. "With Ruth's and Ben's help, BGU will improve its ability to attract the world's best and brightest researchers."