Nuclear science applications

Nuclear science has common frontiers with other basic sciences. The current program concentrates on three areas. (1) In cooperation with the Engineering Physics and Mathematics, Analytical Chemistry, and Computing and Telecommunications Divisions, a program is currently underway to obtain verification of the neutronic and irradiation performance of higher actinides in fast spectrum reactors. This program utilizes the Dounreay Prototype Fast Reactor and will be completed by 1988. (2) In association with the Analytical Chemistry Division, the technique of studying the heavy-ion-induced x-ray satellite spectra has been advanced to the point that it can be applied to metal alloys and other materials of interest to the Metals and Ceramics Division. This program utilizes the EN Tandem and the HHIRF. Significant advances in this area are expected with the construction by early 1985 of an ultra-high-resolution Van Hamos spectrometer. (3) Working with personnel from the Aerospace Corporation, a program to study single-event upsets in integrated circuits has been started. With encouragement from NASA, plans are being drawn up to build a beam line at HHIRF dedicated to this program