The Antares laser will require that about 100 high-precision NaCl windows of 18-in. diameter be produced, maintained, and repaired. To aid the industry in achieving the required production rates, a polishing development program was undertaken by LASL's Laser Division in collaboration with the Air Force and International Laser Systems. The design and initial shakedown of the polishing machine is described. Preliminary results indicate the machine's design is sound, its operation is generally simple, and it should be capable of finishing 18-in. NaCl to better than lambda/2 visible and 20-10 surface. Shakedown work with glass has demonstrated 0-0 surface, complete absence of edge roll, and lambda/16 over 12 in., and lambda/6 over 19 in.

Projections indicate that MJ/MW laser systems, operating with efficiencies in escess of 1 percent, are required to drive laser fusion power reactors. Moreover, a premium in pellet performance is anticipated as the wavelength of the driver laser system is decreased. Short wavelength laser systems based on atomic selenium (lambda = 0.49..mu..), terbium molcular vapors (0.55..mu..), thulium doped dielectric solids (0.46..mu..), and on pulse compressions of KrF excimer laser radiaton (0.27..mu..) have been proposed and studied for this purpose. The technological scalability and efficiency of each of these systems is examined in this paper. All of these systems are projected to meet minimum systems requirements. Amont them, the pulse-compressed KrF system is projected to have the highest potential efficiency (6%) and the widest range of systems design options.

This report summarized studies performed since the last workshop meeting. The studies have been divided into four sections: (1) the relative response of Hankins-type albedo-neutron dosimeters made of cadmium and boron; (2) the effect of distance from the body on the response of albedo-neutron dosimeters; (3) the use of the ratio of the top to bottom TLDs to determine the calibration factor for albedo-neutron dosimeters; and (4) neutron survey at a power reactor and at a neutron radiography facility.

Derivation of the governing equation, including temperature effects, is given where the permeability-viscosity ratio is assumed to be an arbitrary function of r{sup 2}t. This function is represented by a Fermi-Dirac function, whose parameters are determined based upon physical considerations. The solution for the pressure change is analytic except for the final step, where a numerical integration is called for. The results and implications of the calculations are discussed. Summary and concluding remarks are presented.

An analytic method is presented for determining the dilation of fast reactor fuel assembly ducts. For temperatures where creep is linearly dependent on stress, the method is rigorous in satisfying equilibrium, compatibility and stress-strain equations. Solutions are presented for two cases: (1) a duct with constant pressure differential, (2) a duct with varying pressure differential. Results are in close agreement with finite element results of the MARC-CDC program. The method is used to predict the dilation of the Fast Test Reactor (FTR) ducts under different operating conditions. Presented are the stress, strain and dilation predictions along the duct wall, and the duct dilation variations with its geometric and loading parameters.

Some common instruments found in the chemistry laboratory have analog chart recorder output as their primary data readout media. Data reduction from this medium is slow and relatively inaccurate. This paper describes how to interface a single LSI-11 microcomputer to PERKIN-ELMER models 603 and 303 Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometers.

The chemical reduction of UO/sub 2/ and Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/ by atomic hydrogen was studied. Results of the UO/sub 2//H investigation indicates that reduction of UO/sub 2/ by atomic hydrogen proceeds by the production of water vapor and hypostoichiometric urania. Water vapor and aluminum metal are formed in the Al/sub 2/O/sub 3//H system. The relative ease which UO/sub 2/ is reduced by atomic hydrogen compared with Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/ is due to two factors. The first is related to the thermochemistry of the reactions. The second factor which favors efficient reduction of UO/sub 2/ but not of Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/ is the oxygen diffusivity. (LK)

Recently two new techniques, pulsed electron beam annealing and pulsed laser annealing, have been developed for processing ion-implanted silicon. These two types of anneals have been compared using ion-channeling, ion back-scattering, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Single crystal samples were implanted with 100 keV As/sup +/ ions to a dose of approx. 1 x 10/sup 16/ ions/cm/sup 2/ and subsequently annealed by either a pulsed Ruby laser or a pulsed electron beam. Our results show in both cases that the near-surface region has melted and regrown epitaxially with nearly all of the implanted As (97 to 99%) incroporated onto lattice sites. The analysis indicates that the samples are essentially defect free and have complete electrical recovery.

Two successful shock tube experiments were recently performed at the Lawrence Livermore Laboratory. The experiments simulated the high enthalpy flow conditions that might arise in the nuclear blast encounter of a tunnel-based missile. The experiments, using a modified Voitenko high explosive generator, produced megabar pressure conditions at the inlet of the 2 cm-diameter air-filled shock tubes. Computer calculations have been done to model the 10/sup 5/-fold increase in air pressure in the Voitenko generator. These calculations are necessary to describe the source for the experiments and to permit better interpretation of the experimental data. A detailed understanding of the phenomenology of the compressor is also essential for optimization of future experiments, especially those involving scaling up to larger size shock tubes. An arbitrary Lagrange-Eulerian computer code was selected to calculate the late-time high explosive driven motion of a steel plate into the bell shaped compressor section. It was found that ordinary Lagrangian and Eulerian codes had difficulty in properly treating the steel-air interfaces, whereas an arbitrary Lagrange-Eulerian code was capable of modeling the complex flow of air past the steel interfaces in the compressor region. Using an improved equation of state for air, excellent agreement has been obtained in the …

A methodology is presented in this paper to evaluate the decommissioning of the surface facilities associated with repositories for the deep geological disposal of high-level nuclear wastes. A cost/risk index (figure of merit), expressed as $/manrem, is proposed as an evaluation criteria. On the basis of this cost/risk index, we gain insight into the advisability of adapting certain decontamination design options into the original facility. Three modes are considered: protective storage, entombment, and dismantlement. Cost estimates are made for the direct labor involved in each of the alternative modes for a baseline design case. Similarly, occupational radiation exposures are estimated, with a larger degree of uncertainty, for each of the modes. Combination of these estimates produces the cost/risk index. To illustrate the methodology, an example using a preliminary baseline repository design is discussed.

This volume contains the entire proceedings of the solar update. All papers presented by DOE officials, DOE contractors, and demonstration site representatives are presented, as well as summaries of all workshops, comments from questionnaires, and a listing of all participants. Twenty-eight papers are included. Two were abstracted previously for EDB. Separate abstracts were prepared for twenty-six. (MHR)

The Fast Flux Test Facility is being built to serve as the primary test facility in the United States for the development of liquid-metal-cooled fast breeder reactors. Shield design philosophy for the reactor was to protect permanent structural members with removable or replaceable components. Significant studies were undertaken to establish the shield design in the reactor support area, to protect the core support structure, and to prevent excessive activation of secondary sodium. Equipment associated with each of the three heat transport system loops are contained in separate shielded cells to permit individual shutdown and isolation maintenance. Design-basis source strengths were calculated and dose rate criteria were established based on anticipated access requirements to provide a basis for the design of plant shields. High density concretes were employed in some walls because of physical contraints established by the limited size of the containment building. Extensive shield acceptance tests are planned to establish the radiation environment throughout the reactor and plant to assure satisfactory performance and for subsequent comparison with design values.

The Advanced Safeguards System consists of Computerized Nuclear Materials Control and Accounting System, Physical Protection System, and Safeguards Coordination Center (SCC). Should all the computer-based monitoring systems be overcome (i.e., the NMC computer programmed not to recognize a materials inventory change, the SCC computer programmed to accept a falsified area and personnel authorization, and the physical security system programmed not to alarm for area intrusion), the requirements of the physical security system remain formidable barriers to successful theft since all SNM is separated from the uncontrolled areas by at least one entry control portal. An egress from the protected area--by either a vehicle through the vehicle access portal, or on foot through the personnel access portal--requires that the individuals be subjected to a search for metal and SNM before egress is permitted. The material access areas are further controlled by an interior access portal imposing the same SNM and metal search criteria. The portal search criteria are not subject to computer interpretation, but direct positive--negative indications to the portal patrolman. The physical security system then provides an independent backup should the computerized systems be defeated. Thus, the computer systems themselves will not, if defeated, guarantee an adversary success. The corollary …

The need for large high field magnetic devices has focused attention on multifilamentary superconductors based on A15 compounds such as Nb/sub 3/Sn. The commercial bronze process for fabricating multifilamentary superconducting Nb/sub 3/Sn wires was developed. A major problem is strain sensitivity when long reaction times are employed. An improved hot stage for the scanning electron microscope was constructed to study the formation of the A15 phase by solid state diffusion. The nucleation and growth of voids near the interface of the A15 phase (Nb/sub 3/Sn) and matrix were observed, monitored, and recorded on video tape. Successive layers of material heated in the hot stage were subsequently removed and the new surfaces were re-examined, using SEM-EDX and optical microscopy, to confirm the fact that the observed porosity was indeed a bulk rather than a surface phenomenon. These voids are considered to be a primary cause for degrading the mechanical, thermal and superconducting properties.

The advance of high-power laser technology is dependent on the rate of advancement in laser glass forming and surface preparation. The threshold damage of glass surfaces continues to be a weak link in the overall advancement of laser technology. Methods were developed and used in the evaluation of existing glass surface preparation techniques. Modified procedures were evaluated to reduce surface contamination and subsurface defects. Polishing rates were monitored under controlled polishing conditions (purity, pH, particle size distribution, particle concentration, etc.). Future work at LLL for this ongoing investigation is described.

Energy dependent counting losses occur in most pulsed-feedback preamplifiers due to the loss of those pulses which activate the recharge system. A pulsed-feedback system that overcomes this inefficiency is described. Pulsed-light feedback as used with germanium gamma-ray spectrometers is discussed as used at high energies and high rates where those losses become significant. Experimental results are presented.

One of the important aspects of America's painful adjustment to energy realities since 1973 has been an overwhelming effort to look carefully at how we use energy. Much to our surprise there was tremendous slack in energy use at home even before the Oil Embargo, slack that could have been eliminated profitably. One suggestion that there was waste in our economy came from careful inspection of energy use elsewhere. But early discussion of energy use in other lands has been marred by many distortions and misunderstandings, not only on the part of those who tend to doubt the potential for energy conservation but even among conservation's strongest supporters. This misunderstanding arises from comparisons of energy use and gross national product, two quantities that have charmed correlators and energy statisticians for decades. Though serious work cannot be based upon relationships between two such aggregated quantities, it is useful to review some of the popular myths surrounding energy comparisons among countries.

Activities in basalt waste isolation programs in the Columbia River basin are reported. Work during the period is summarized for the overall program which is divided into systems integration, geology, hydrology, engineered barriers studies, engineering testing, and the construction of a near-surface test facility. (JRD)

Phillips' objectives related to financing a geothermal development are: (1) to make a reasonable profit, (2) to keep risks in line with potential benefits, and (3) to operate in a free and open market. Each of these objectives is discussed briefly. (MHR)

The thermal and mechanical responses of a weldment involving a girth fillet weld are approximated by the finite element method (FEM) and an isothermal ring heat source. Approximately 0.1 ms after the application of the ring heat source, the radial traction at an analytically predicted depth and location within the weldment exceeds the failure strength in tension, followed by fracture. Swelling and elongation of the weldment are in evidence in the general vicinity of the ring heat source. Loading characteristics of a corrective fixture are applied to control the radial traction and dilational motion and to gain design/processing knowledge. The analytical model yields an insight into the physical behavior of the subject weldment during CO/sub 2/ laser beam welding (LBW).

Gas-Cooled Reactors are considered to have a significant future impact on the application of fission energy. The specific types are the steam-cycle High-Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactor, the Gas-Cooled Fast Breeder Reactor, the gas-turbine HTGR, and the Very High-Temperature Process Heat Reactor. The importance of developing the above systems is discussed relative to alternative fission power systems involving Light Water Reactors, Heavy Water Reactors, Spectral Shift Controlled Reactors, and Liquid-Metal-Cooled Fast Breeder Reactors. A primary advantage of developing GCRs as a class lies in the technology and cost interrelations, permitting cost-effective development of systems having diverse applications. Further, HTGR-type systems have highly proliferation-resistant characteristics and very attractive safety features. Finally, such systems and GCFRs are mutally complementary. Overall, GCRs provide interrelated systems that serve different purposes and needs; their development can proceed in stages that provide early benefits while contributing to future needs. It is concluded that the long-term importance of the various GCRs is as follows: HTGR, providing a technology for economic GCFRs and HTGR-GTs, while providing a proliferation-resistant reactor system having early economic and fuel utilization benefits; GCFR, providing relatively low cost fissile fuel and reducing overall separative work needs at capital costs lower than those for LMFBRs; HTGR-GT (in …

Geothermal energy is currently being used for a number of industrial processes in countries throughout the world. Its application in the United States is mainly limited to space heating even though the temperature of the geothermal fluid is sufficient for process uses, and could be sold at attractive prices while maintaining a high return on investment. The temperature span for industrial use ranges from 40 to 275/sup 0/C, thus encompassing both the abundant low temperature and the less available high temperature resources. Hydrothermal fluids can be used either directly or indirectly dependent upon fluid quality and process needs. The barriers facing hydrothermal industrial process development are (a) the development infrastructure does not exist, (b) energy users are not aware of hydrothermal energy and its advantages, (c) federal incentives are limited, (d) resources are not fully defined.

Field effect transistors have been fabricated on high-purity germanium substrates using low-temperature technology. The aim of this work is to preserve the low density of trapping centers in high-quality starting material by low-temperature (< 350 C) processing. The use of germanium promises to eliminate some of the traps which cause generation-recombination noise in silicon field-effect transistors (FET's) at low temperatures. Typically, the transconductance (g{sub m}) in the germanium FET's is 10 mA/V and the gate leakage can be less than 10{sup -12} A. Our present devices exhibit a large 1/f noise component and most of this noise must be eliminated if they are to be competitive with silicon FET's commonly used in high-resolution nuclear spectrometers.

Thirty-one days after the disclosure of high-field superconductivity in Nb/sub 3/Sn, the bubble chamber group at the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory began a program to apply this discovery to high-energy physics. On that day in 1961 a very special relationship was born which, as subsequent events were to show, proved to be one of the most fruitful associations in modern science. Given the well-known high-technology content and innovative approach to problem solving associated with high-energy physics, it is hardly surprising that significant developments in applied superconductivity took place in accelerator laboratories. Particle physics requires a bewildering array of technologically sophisticated equipment: from the instant when particles are injected into the accelerator through the acceleration process, beam extraction, separation, and steering to the instant of collision and analysis of the interaction products, superconducting devices play a most important role. Each step in this process is examined; how the latest advances in superconductivity have been applied is described, as well as why these developments necessarily took place. It is remarkable that, in spite of considerable fiscal restraint, high-energy physics is entering a period of major construction activity. Thus, if history repeats itself, there will soon be a flood of innovations, each intended to …