In a laser system, the return current of a laser generated plasma is conducted near a target to subject that target to the magnetic field thereof. In alternate embodiments the target may be either a small non-fusion object for testing under the magnetic field or a laser-fusion pellet. In the laser-fusion embodiment, the laser-fusion pellet is irradiated during the return current flow and the intense transient magnetic field is used to control the hot electrons thereof to hinder them from striking and heating the core of the irradiated laser-fusion pellet.

A method and apparatus for electronically focusing and electronically scanning microscopic specimens are given. In the invention, visual images of even moving, living, opaque specimens can be acoustically obtained and viewed with virtually no time needed for processing (i.e., real time processing is used). And planar samples are not required. The specimens (if planar) need not be moved during scanning, although it will be desirable and possible to move or rotate nonplanar specimens (e.g., laser fusion targets) against the lens of the apparatus. No coupling fluid is needed, so specimens need not be wetted. A phase acoustic microscope is also made from the basic microscope components together with electronic mixers.

An anticontamination device for use in storing shipping casks for radioactive materials comprises (1) a seal plate assembly; (2) a double-layer plastic bag; and (3) a water management system or means for water management.

The radiation dose rates to man from uranium milling activities are discussed. The sources of radiation, the radioisotopes involved, and the environmental exposure pathways are described. Risks of cancer to exposed individuals are presented and recommendations made for mitigation of contamination. (ACR)

A nondestructive evaluation (NDE) program has been carried out using holographic interferometry, microradiography, and eddy current testing for the inspection of electron beam braze joining of dissimilar metals. Stainless steel tubing was joined to a gold-copper disk using a Cusil (copper/silver) brazing alloy. Holographic interferometry provided an indirect measure of strength by detecting the plastic deformation occurring as a result of applying a stress. Microradiography with the aid of computer graphics displays provided a means of measuring braze penetration into the stainless steel tube. Correlation of results with metallographic examination and microhardness measurements show that holography and microradiography each provide quantitative braze quality rankings. Each method correctly identified variations in braze quality independent of electron beam power (the only processing variable in sample fabrication). Eddy current results were consistent with the other NDE methods but appear to be based on variation in surface topography rather than electrical conductivity. The usefulness of the eddy current method for this problem is questionable due to its sensitivity to the small, complex test piece geometry.

This report addresses one of the possible uses of isotopic tracers, produced by laser-assisted iostope separation, in the investigation of pollution problems. Specifically, the use of laser-produced sulfur isotopes to analyze the acid rain situation is considered as it is a most important application of this technique. The proposed use of isotopically-labelled SO/sub 2/, in particular of /sup 36/SO/sub 2/, as a tracer can help elucidate the chemical and transport facets in a unified experiment. Separation of a sufficient quantity of the rare /sup 36/S isotope to perform several of these tracer studies appears to be practical and economical. This overall process is certainly deserving of further investigation.

While precision machining has been applied to the manufacture of optical components for a considerable period, the process has, in general, had its thinking restricted to producing only the accurate shapes required. The purpose of this paper is to show how optical components must be considered from an optical (functional) point of view and that the manufacturing process must be selected on that basis. To fill out this perspective, simplistic examples of how optical components are specified with respect to form and finish are given, a comparison between optical polishing and precision machining is made, and some thoughts on which technique should be selected for a specific application are presented. A short discussion of future trends related to accuracy, materials, and tools is included.