The Office of Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation, a component
of the Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA),
sponsors the development of many types of sensors, data collection systems, and
data analysis systems to detect and deter the proliferation of weapons of mass
destruction. The scope of this
mission includes technologies for nuclear explosion monitoring, detection of the
production of materials for nuclear weapons, and detection technologies to
support the Nonproliferation of Nuclear Weapons Treaty (NPT).
17. TECHNOLOGY TO SUPPORT THE NUCLEAR AND RADIOLOGICAL NATIONAL SECURITY
PROGRAM
The DOE/NNSA Office of Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation
sponsors the development of many types of sensors, data collection systems, and
data analysis systems to detect and deter the proliferation of weapons of mass
destruction. The scope of this
mission includes developing technologies to detect the production of materials
for nuclear weapons, and to support the Nonproliferation of Nuclear Weapons
Treaty (NPT). The Nuclear and
Radiological National Security Program (NRNSP) develops technologies for
detecting the radiation and chemical signatures associated with the production
of nuclear weapons and nuclear weapons materials.
This topic focuses on the development of detection systems and data
analysis methods to address these NRNSP missions.
Grant applications are sought
only in the following subtopics:
a. Radiation Detection
Technologies – Improved technologies must be developed and demonstrated to
support onsite monitoring and verification of the NPT and other international
arms control agreements. In
particular, research is needed to demonstrate practical methods for detecting
the diversion of small quantities of nuclear materials from known production
sites of highly enriched uranium. Grant
applications are sought to develop: (1)
new scintillator materials, other suitable materials, and enabling technologies
to substantially increase the performance (in resolution, sensitivity, and
range) of currently available radiation detectors; (2) new safeguard practices
for the improved detection, identification, and tracking of diverted fissile
materials in transit, particularly when the materials are shielded; and (3)
unattended sensor systems that integrate signature analysis and alarm functions
into an expandable network based on state-of-the-art communication and internet
protocol systems.
b.
Detection and Monitoring of Nuclear Facilities – Detection networks
and systems are needed to support the wide-area monitoring, detection, location,
and characterization of non-declared nuclear activities.
Grant applications are sought to develop an improved capability for the
long-term monitoring of chemical and other signatures of nuclear materials
production, e.g., effluents from uranium conversion and enrichment facilities,
spent nuclear fuel reprocessing facilities, etc.
Areas of interest include: (1)
improved sample preparation, concentration, and ultra-sensitive (field or
laboratory-based) analysis methods; (2) remote systems to exploit non-nuclear
signatures such as optical, effluent, and process-specific signatures; (3)
application of nanotechnologies to the detection of radiation and chemical
signatures of nuclear proliferation; and (4) advanced, maintenance-free power
sources that can independently power sensor equipment on site.
References:
Subtopic a:
Radiation Detection Technologies
1.
The IAEA Safeguards System:
Ready for the 21st Century, International Atomic Energy Agency,
http://www.iaea.org/worldatom/Press/Booklets/Safeguards2/part5.html
2.
U.S. Congress, Office of
Technology Assessment, Nuclear Safeguards
and the International Atomic Energy Agency, OTA-ISS-615, Washington, DC:
U.S. Government Printing Office, June 1995.
(Full text available at: http://www.wws.princeton.edu/cgi-bin/byteserv.prl/~ota/disk1/1995/9530/9530.PDF)
Subtopic b:
Detection and Monitoring of Nuclear Facilities
3.
4.
18. TECHNOLOGY TO DETECT NUCLEAR PROLIFERATION AND SUPPORT NUCLEAR
NONPROLIFERATION AGREEMENTS
The DOE/NNSA Office of Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation
sponsors the development of many types of sensors, data collection systems and
data analysis systems to detect the proliferation of weapons of mass
destruction. Within the office of
Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation, the Proliferation Detection program develops
and demonstrates innovative remote sensing and ground-based technologies for
detection and analysis of foreign nuclear weapon programs, global nuclear
materials production, the diversion of special nuclear materials, and the early
stages of emerging proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
This topic focuses on the development of detection systems and data
analysis methods to address these missions.
Grant applications are sought
only in the following subtopics:
a. Components for
Synthetic Aperture Radar Systems – Grant applications are sought for one
or more of the following electronic components to support the development of
synthetic aperture radar systems:
(1) An advanced high-performance 10-bit Analog-to-Digital
Converter (ADC) to facilitate new high performance radar designs. ADC systems
must have a sampling frequency equal to or greater than 1.2 GigaSamples per
second, greater than 9 effective number of bits (ENOB) at one fourth the
sampling frequency (fs/4), a built-in 1:2 output demultiplexer, provisions for
multiple ADC data clock synchronization (e.g., multi-channel sampling),
low-voltage differential signaling (LVDS) compatible logic outputs, a ball grid
array (BGA) package, and a built-in pseudo-random sequence generator for ADC
interface integrity testing.
(2) An advanced high-performance 12-bit Digital-to-Analog
Converter (DAC) with 1.2 GigaSamples/second, greater than 60 decibels (dB)
spurious free dynamic range (SFDR) at one fourth the sampling frequency (fs/4),
a built-in 2:1 input multiplexer, provisions for multiple DAC clock
synchronization (e.g., quadrature synthesis), low-voltage differential signaling
(LVDS) compatible logic inputs, a ball grid array (BGA) package, and an input
FIFO (First-In, First-out) buffer with a low-data-rate serial output port for
DAC interface integrity testing. Also, it would be very desirable to have
two DACs on a single chip.
(3) Ultra-fast track-and-hold amplifiers capable of
directly sampling 10 GHz signals. The
intent is to employ the track-and-hold amplifier in a sub-Nyquist sampling
architecture for a radar receiver. Requirements
include 0.2 psec aperture stability, 1.5 GHz aperture rate, 0.5 Vpp maximum
output signal amplitude, -45 dBc maximum peak harmonic and spurious distortion
at maximum signal amplitude, 0.25 dB maximum gain flatness, 0 to +40 C operating
temperature, and surface mount packaging.
(4) High-performance miniaturized gyros with a bias of one
degree per hour or less. Airborne, high-performance real-time synthetic
aperture radar (SAR) systems use inertial measurement units (IMUs) that contain
three gyros and three accelerometers, and the size of the IMU is typically
dominated by the gyros. Tactical-grade
IMUs with gyro biases of 1 degrees/hour have been used successfully for
fine-resolution SAR but are too large for proposed miniaturized SAR systems.
Therefore, a small, lightweight gyro is needed for these systems.
Tactical performance levels are desired, but grant applications proposing gyros
with biases of 10-100 degrees/hour would be considered if tactical performance
levels cannot be obtained. (However,
the latter may be less likely to be selected.)
(5) A solid-state wideband microwave power amplifier module
to replace tube-based transmitters for short-range applications.
Ideally, the module would have at least 100 Watts of peak power at a 35%
duty factor and a 3 GigaHertz instantaneous bandwidth centered at Ku-band (16.7
GigaHertz). Grant applications
proposing somewhat lower performance would be considered, but with lower
probability of selection. The module
should be 15 cubic inches or less and should include microthermal technology
(such as micro-heat-pipes) to control junction temperatures without sacrificing
size.
(6) Wideband array antennas with a minimum of 3 GigaHertz
bandwidth centered at the Ku-band (16.7 GigaHertz). Dual band operation
over both X-band and Ku-band is desirable.
(7) Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) implementation of
SAR image formation algorithms. The
promise of the newest FPGA technology (such as the Xylinx Virtex 2 family) is
that many sophisticated software algorithms could be programmed directly into
FPGA firmware for an increase in processing compactness and speed.
In particular, it is desirable to have the well-known SAR image formation
algorithm, Polar Format processing, be programmed into FPGA components.
This implementation must retain parametric flexibility and allow an image
formation greater than 1000 by 1000 pixels at programmable resolutions.
(8) Light-weight mechanical pointing structures for antenna
stabilization and pointing for radar systems based on unmanned airborne vehicles
(UAV). The range of motion should
include at least 270 degrees in azimuth, and 0 to 90 degrees from horizontal in
elevation. In the third axis, plus
and minus 20 degrees of roll is desired. Slew
rates of at least 60 degrees/sec are required with less than 0.1 second settling
time, and pointing accuracy should be within 0.1 degrees.
Inertial stabilization is desired to minimize power requirements.
Total gimbal weight must be less than 10 pounds, and the system should be
able to support up to a 10 pound payload.
For further information or clarification of these
requirements please contact Armin Doerry ((505) 845-8165, awdoerr@sandia.gov)
at
the Sandia National Laboratory.
b.
Components to Improve Active Imaging Systems – Grant applications
are sought for high-throughput optical filters (with throughputs of 5 cm2-steradians
or higher for apertures of no more than 5-10 cm) operating in the visible and/or
near-infrared (400 nm - 3.0 µm) regions of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Filters of interest must have a single bandpass of no more than 0.1
nanometers or multiple (three or more) widely separated bandpasses of 1
nanometer or less. Filter tunability
would be useful, but is not a requirement.
Grant applications are also sought for photocathodes for advanced sensors for
single photon detection and imaging in the 1.5-3 µm spectral region.
Transmissive devices are contemplated, but novel devices with other
geometries could be considered. Important
characteristics include room temperature operation, high quantum efficiency
(>10% at 1.5 µm, the wavelength of most interest), low noise (<1 nA/cm2
at 25C operating temperature), and fast (< 1 ns) response.
Uniformity, linearity, and such processing factors as resistance to
contamination are also important. Customizable
spectral responsivity would also be of interest.
Grant applications are also sought for the development of a
compact, portable seed laser with short (less than 1 nanosecond) pulses, a
narrow (less than 1 nanometer) spectral bandwidth, and an intermediate pulse
repetition rate that is adjustable between 1 KiloHertz and 1 MegaHertz or wider.
Pulse energy should be 10 nanoJoules or higher. Because further
amplification and wavelength conversion is likely, a wavelength in the 1.0 to
1.5 micrometer range is desired. Lightweight,
low power consumption, and small size (0.5 cubic feet or less for the laser, and
a similar size for the associated power supplies/electronics), and high pulse
contrast ratio are also very important. Technologies
offering a pathway to shorter pulses, higher pulse energy, and/or more flexible
pulse formats are strongly preferred.
Finally, grant applications are sought for compact power amplifiers for use with
the laser oscillators described above. Output pulse energies must be 10
microJoules or higher. These amplifier systems must be of small size (0.5 cubic
feet or less for the laser, and a similar size for the associated power
supplies/electronics).
For further information or clarification of these requirements please contact
Cheng Ho (505-667-3904, ho@lanl.gov) or David C. Thompson (505-667-5168,
dcthomp@lanl.gov) at the Los Alamos National Laboratory.
References:
Subtopic a: Components for
Synthetic Aperture Radar Systems
1.
2001 IEEE MTT-S
International Microwave Symposium Digest, Phoenix, AZ, May 20-25, 2001,
2.
Kim, T. J., et al., “An
Integrated Navigation System Using GPS Carrier Phase for Real-Time Airborne/Synthetic
Aperture Radar (SAR),” Navigation,
48(1):13-24, Spring 2001. (ISSN:
0028-8152)
3.
Synthetic Aperture Radar, Sandia National Laboratories,
http://www.sandia.gov/radar/sar.html
4.
Baron, M. H., and Priedhorsky,
W. C., “Crossed Delay Line Detector for Ground- and Space-Based
Applications,” EUV, X-Ray and Gamma-Ray Instrumentation for Astronomy IV: Proceedings
of the SPIE (International Society for Optical Engineering), 2006:188-197,
November 1993. (Available from SPIE
at: http://spie.org/app/Publications/.
Select Advanced Search and search papers by title words, authors and
publication date.)
5.
Ho, C., et al.,
“Demonstration of Literal Three-Dimensional Imaging,” Applied Optics,
38:1833-1840, 1999. (ISSN:
0003-6935)
6.
Priedhorsky, W. C., et al.,
“Laser Ranging and Mapping with a Photon-Counting Detector,” Applied
Optics, 35:441-452, 1996. (ISSN:
0003-6935)
7.
Single Photon Detector and
3-D Imaging, Los Alamos National
Laboratory, http://www.rulli.lanl.gov/
19. RESEARCH TO SUPPORT GLOBAL NUCLEAR EXPLOSION MONITORING
The Nuclear Explosion Monitoring Research & Engineering
(NEM R&E) program is sponsored by the U.S.
Department of Energy (DOE)
National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Office of Nonproliferation
Research and Engineering. This
program is responsible for the research and development necessary to provide the
U.S. Government with capabilities for monitoring nuclear explosions.
The NEM R&E program provides
research products to the Air Force Technical Applications Center (AFTAC), which
collects and analyses data from a network of seismic, radionuclide,
hydroacoustic, and infrasound data collection stations.
Within the context of one or more of these technologies, research is
sought to develop algorithms, hardware, and software for improved event
detection, location, and identification at thresholds and confidence levels that
meet
Grant applications are sought only in the area of
technologies for nuclear explosion monitoring, as described below.
a. Ground-Based Systems for Seismic Monitoring of
Nuclear Explosions – Grant applications are sought for systems that will
greatly improve the data availability for existing seismic stations while
reducing operation and maintenance costs. Sensor
data must be collected continuously with very low noise and transmitted to a
data center in near real time with high reliability (>99%).
Designs should include robustness, low-power, and reliable wireless
communication from each sensor site to the central location over rough terrain.
Grant applications to develop schemes for direct communication between
the sensor site and the data center via satellite; the goal is to reduce
satellite communication costs and the size and power demand of field components.
b.
Ground-Based Systems for Radionuclide Effluent Monitoring of
Nuclear Explosions – Grant applications are sought to improve radionuclide
effluent monitoring systems through diagnostic/predictive statistical tools,
including state-of-health data transmitted from existing ground-based systems.
These tools should include mathematical algorithms to exploit signatures
in the state-of-health data to detect, diagnose, and predict subtle hardware
faults, thereby improving availability, lowering cost, and increasing the
confidence in network operations. The
software tools must be of proven reliability and take into consideration the
wide extremes in the environmental conditions of the ground-based
sampler/analyzers.
Grant applications are also sought to explore the use of
beta-gamma coincidence to detect radioactive xenon isotopes, which could improve
data availability, cost of operations, and, potentially, sensitivity.
Existing systems utilize a plastic scintillator for beta detection and
NaI for gamma detection in a system with 12 photo-multiplier tubes for 4 sample
chambers. A system that is much
easier to calibrate, i.e. having fewer photo-multiplier tubes per sample
chamber, would be desirable. The
replacement system should use one phototube per sample chamber and digital
signal processing to extract beta and gamma signals from a “Phoswich”-configured,
dual-scintillator detector. The
system must withstand thermal and mechanical shock and allow the introduction
and subsequent evacuation of ~10cc of gas sample with at most 0.5% memory effect
between samples.
References:
1.
Nuclear Explosion Monitoring Research and Engineering Program
Strategic Plan, National Nuclear Security Administration, September 2003.
(Document No. DOE/NNSA/NA-22-NEMRE-2003) (Full text available at:
https://www.nemre.nnsa.doe.gov/coordination)
2.
U.S.
National
Data
Center,
Air
Force
Technical
Applications
Center, http://www.tt.aftac.gov/toppage.html
3.
Proceedings of the 25th Seismic Research Review-Nuclear
Explosion Monitoring: Building the
Knowledge Base, Tucson, AZ, September 23-25, 2003, sponsored by National
Nuclear Security Administration/Air Force Research Laboratory; Los Alamos
National Laboratory, 2003. (Report
No. LA-UR-03-6029) (Available at: https://www.nemre.nnsa.doe.gov/coordination.
On top menu, select “Previous SRR Proceedings,” and then “2003.”)
4.
Proceedings of the 24th
Seismic Research Review—Nuclear Explosion Monitoring:
Innovation and Integration, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, September 17-19, 2002,
sponsored by National Nuclear Security Administration/Defense Threat Reduction
Agency; Los Alamos National Laboratory, 2002.
(Report No. LA-UR-02-5048) (Available at:
https://www.nemre.nnsa.doe.gov/coordination.
On top menu, select “Previous SRR Proceedings,” and then “2002.”)
5.
Proceedings of the 23rd
Seismic Research Review: Worldwide
Monitoring of Nuclear Explosions, Jackson Hole, WY, October 2-5, 2001,
sponsored by National Nuclear Security Administration/Defense Threat Reduction
Agency; Los Alamos National Laboratory, 2001.
(Report No. LA-UR-01-4454) (Available at:
https://www.nemre.nnsa.doe.gov/coordination.
On top menu, select “Previous SRR Proceedings,” and then “2001.”)