The extension of Wiener's classical mean-square filtering theory to the estimation of two-dimensional (2-D), discrete random fields is discussed. In analogy with the 1-D case, the optimal realizable filter is derived by solution of a 2-D discrete Wiener--Hopf equation using a spectral factorization procedure. Computational algorithms for performing the required calculations are discussed. 3 figures.

In our laser fusion microsphere production, large, thin gel-microspheres are formed before the chemicals are fused into glass. In this transient stage,, the gel-microspheres are found to be highly permeable to argon and many other inert gases. When the gel transforms to glass, the argon gas, for example, is trapped within to form argon filled, fusion target quality, glass microspheres. On the average, the partial pressure of the argon fills attained in this process is around 2 x 10/sup 4/ Pa at room temperature.

The oxygen potential of hypostoichiometric plutonia at temperatures from 1000 to 1200/sup 0/C has been measured as a function of the oxygen-to-plutonium ratio by a thermogravimetric procedure. These data have been used to calculate activity coefficients for plutonia dissolved in urania and in thoria.

A simplified system has been written to help in FORTRAN programming of physics and mathematical problems. The system is described in Appendix A. A magnetic tape has been made of the complete system as used on the DEC-10 by M-Division for Magnetic Fusion related calculations. The system turns out to use many of the locally developed goodies, such as the TEDI text editor, the TV80 graphics system, and Tektronix 4012 videos. The facilities are briefly described in the HLP files on the tape.

A simple and potentially inexpensive method for removal of H/sub 2/S from noncondensible gases evolved in geothermal flash processes has been successfully tested on a small scale in the field. The method consists of scrubbing the noncondensible gases of H{sub 2}S with brine effluents which contain relatively high concentrations of Pb, Zn, and Fe such as those of the Salton Sea and Brawley Geothermal Fields in the Imperial Valley, California. For plant applications, noncondensibles including H{sub 2}S would be ejected from a surface steam condenser (necessary to minimize the volume of liquid in contact with H/sub 2/) and scrubbed with effluent brine just prior to preinjection clarification. The metal sulfide precipitates are removed in the clarification step and the noncondensibles, less H{sub 2}S, are vented as usual.

Pulsed magnetic welding is being evaluated as a process for welding fuel cladding to the end plug for nuclear fuel pins. A continuous metallurgical bond is required between the plug and clad because this joint must function as a gas and coolant seal for the fuel pin. An ultrasonic technique utilizing a computer controlled scanner was developed to inspect these welds. First, fuel pin specimens were profiled in the weld zone region by determining actual surface coordinates. This step eliminated variable geometry effects and guaranteed proper transducer alignment during the scanning. Second, scans were made using positional information obtained during profiling, and ultrasonic data were digitized and stored for computer analysis. Third, analysis algorithms were used to recognize unbonded regions, and total unbonded area was calculated. Finally, A-scan and C-scan plots were generated by the computer.

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A system for measuring argon contents in individual laser fusion targets using a getter pumped closed volume quadrupole mass spectrometer has been developed. Accuracy of 10% can be obtained, limited by the calibration standard and electron multiplier drift. Measurements are simple, unambiguous and can be performed at up to one per hour with a sensitivity equivalent to 1 x 10/sup 3/ Pa (.01 atm) argon in a 140 ..mu..m internal diameter sphere.