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HOMELAND SECURITY
One of the greatest concerns today is the threat posed to the United States and other nations by terrorist use of nuclear weapons. As nuclear weapon technology proliferates, it will be increasingly easy for irresponsible parties to obtain them. The best defense in this case, is to prevent such devices from entering the country. At PNL, we are currently developing active interrogation systems that will help find these threats before they can cross our borders. Our systems can be placed at border crossings, checkpoints, ports, on mobile platforms, and out at sea. Such systems, when combined with anti-proliferation efforts will make it extremely unlikely that a nuclear device could be smuggled into the U.S. In addition to nuclear detection networks, PNL is developing technologies that can be used to find underground tunnel networks, and locate explosive devices. These systems will work in concert with nuclear detection networks to help secure our borders.
MEDICAL ISOTOPES AND TREATMENT
Modern day medical procedures require radioactive isotopes with increasing frequency, since they allow doctors to look inside the patient non-invasively. Unfortunately, these isotopes are created in nuclear reactors or large particle accelerators which are expensive and non-mobile. Such limitations prevent rural hospitals from having isotope access, and large hospitals from creating the short half-life isotopes that would be most ideal for medical procedures. At PNL we're developing a new type of isotope generator, which is compact and relatively inexpensive. These devices utilize the energy gain from nuclear fusion reactions to create high energy particles from lower ones, allowing them to be miniaturized. Such devices will allow radionuclides to be generated nearly at bedside, giving doctors access to rare high resolution isotopes such as 15O, 13N, and 11C. Such short lived isotopes shine brightly, and then decay causing minimal damage to patients while providing the best images. Imaging procedures such as these are essential for the early detection and treatment of cancers, Alzheimer's, and other debilitating diseases. Furthermore, PNL's isotope generators can be used to make treatment isotopes, as well as create neutrons for BNCT (Boron Neutron Capture Therapy) procedures.
AIR AND SPACE TECHNOLOGY
One of the fields that needs to be mastered in order to unlock nuclear energy in a controlled fashion is plasma physics. Substantial development on plasma creating devices has and is occurring as part of PNL's mission to improve fusion technology. These devices can be modified and introduced into the realm of aviation and space travel with clever minds. PNL is currently developing significant and exciting products that are relevant to the aerospace industry. Work on fusion ion sources has coupled with NASA's ambitions to develop plasma propulsion systems, and a revolutionary type of plasma source is emerging. These sources will be capable of feeding the next generation of ion engines and neutralizers, which will allow more ambitious missions to reach farther and faster, with larger payloads than ever before. PNL is also developing an atmospheric plasma source, which has the capability of generating plasma on the surface of objects. This technology, when applied to airplane wings and turbine blades can reduce drag, increase throughput and lift, and reduce noise. Furthermore, these plasmas can be applied to any aerodynamic surface, reducing noise and turbulence from landing gear and quieting the nuisance of aircraft in highly trafficked areas.
POWER SYSTEMS
As a result of PNL's development efforts in fusion technology, a new form of high voltage power supply has emerged. These systems incorporate technologies including computer control and semiconductor regulated power with high voltage experience. PNL's power supplies use Rockwell Automation technology to feed the front end, and a proprietary system to convert the output from their devices to high voltage power. They can be coupled to our fusion products, or sold independently as general purpose power supplies. Present capabilities include AC and DC sources of up to 300 kV and 75 kVA. These devices are controlled by PLC technology and can be customized to meet just about any need. PNL's high voltage division is also interested in special requests, as we are ready and excited to meet new challenges.
