Nuclear Export Controls

We provide technical advisory services to DOE in the implementation of U.S. nonproliferation policy. This includes assessments of proliferation risks presented by emerging technologies and by proposed transfers of materials, equipment, and technology, and participation in DOE programs designed to mitigate these risks.

NE Departments involved:
• National Security & Non-proliferation
Contact Nuclear Export Controls

National Security Information Systems

We design, develop, operate and maintain information technology systems for national security programs. These systems encompass security, nonproliferation and international treaty implementation systems for multiple agencies including the DOE, NNSA, DOD, DHS and others.

NE Departments involved:
• National Security & Non-proliferation
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Research Reactor Conversions

We develop the technologies needed to use low-enriched uranium (LEU, <20%) instead of high-enriched uranium (HEU, ≥20%) in research and test reactors, and to do so without significant penalties in experiment performance, economic, or safety aspects of the reactors. Research and test reactors utilize nearly all the HEU used in civil nuclear programs, and worldwide attainment of the RERTR objectives will support important U.S. nonproliferation goals.

NE Departments involved:
• Research & Test Reactor Conversion

Russian Research Reactor Fuel Return (RRRFR)

We develop and convert research facilities including accelerator driven subcritical and critical assemblies to utilize low-enriched uranium fuel. State of the art computer codes and design tools, which cover the different disciplines are maintained and used for this activity. The utilization of these facilities for research purposes and medical isotopes production is characterized. The existing facilities are used for performing reactor physics experiments.

NE Departments involved:
• Nuclear Systems Analysis

International Nuclear Safety

We support DOE efforts to improve international nuclear safety. We work to build capabilities within countries, especially those with Soviet-designed reactors, to determine the safety status and assess the risks of their nuclear power stations. These capabilities and the results of comprehensive deterministic and probabilistic safety assessments have led to dramatic improvements in the safety of these operating reactors. Through our efforts on behalf of DOE, many projects have led to gainful employment for former Soviet weapons scientists, reducing nuclear proliferation risks.

NE Departments involved:
• National Security & Non-proliferation • Research & Test Reactor Conversion
Contact International Nuclear Safety

Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) Technologies

We develop and provide technologies for interrogation and characterization of materials, components, and systems using state-of-the-art and emerging NDE techniques. Our capabilities have been applied to the aerospace, defense, and power generation (fossil and nuclear) industries to assess the integrity of critical components and thus help reduce system failures that can lead to costly shutdowns, cause damage to expensive equipment, and jeopardize the safety of end users. Our specialized NDE technologies have also been used in applications pertaining to scientific and medical research.

Additional Information »
NE Departments involved:
• System Technologies and Diagnostics

Sensors & Instrumentation Technologies

We develop and evaluate sensor technologies for industrial process control, biomedical applications and remote detection of trace gases, toxic chemicals, explosives, and nuclear materials. Techniques applied to our sensor development include acoustic/ ultrasonic, ion optics and electromagnetic waves ranging from millimeter waves (mmW) to gamma rays. We also pursue research on both passive and active techniques to detect and interrogate nuclear materials. All projects support DOE missions in energy and environmental research, NNSA missions in emergency response and nuclear non-proliferation, and DHS in safeguard and protection of our nation.

NE Departments involved:
• National Security & Non-proliferation • System Technologies and Diagnostics

Vulnerability Assessments

We conduct research and development on physical devices, systems, and programs. We discover and demonstrate security flaws for a variety of sponsors, then devise practical countermeasures. This work also involves reverse engineering devices, developing microprocessor solutions, understanding the human factors that so strongly impact security effectiveness, and inventing new approaches and technologies for physical security and nuclear safeguards.

Additional Information »
NE Departments involved:
• National Security & Non-proliferation
Contact Vulnerability Assessments

  Other NE Capabilities:

• Nuclear Systems Modeling and Design Analysis
• Nuclear Systems Technologies
• Risk and Safety Assessments
• National Security & Non-Proliferation Technologies
• Materials Testing
• Engineering Computation & Design
• Engineering Experimentation