Research done by the Infrared Photonics team at PNNL is focused on developing miniaturized integrated optics for the MWIR and LWIR by exploiting the unique optical and material properties of chalcogenide glass. PNNL has developed thin film deposition capabilities, direct-laser writing techniques, IR photonic device demonstration, holographic optical element design and fabrication, photonic device modeling, and advanced optical metrology - all specific to chalcogenide glass. Chalcogenide infrared photonics provides a pathway to Quantum Cascade Laser (QCL) transmitter miniaturization. QCLs provide a viable infrared laser source for a new class of laser transmitters capable of meeting the performance requirements for a variety of national security sensing applications. The high output power, small size, and superb stability and modulation characteristics of QCLs make them amenable for integration as transmitters into ultra-sensitive, ultra-selective point sampling and remote short-range chemical sensors that are particularly useful for nuclear nonproliferation missions.

This report describes seismic activity at and around the Hanford Site during Fiscal Year 2004. It is also the first description of seismic activity during the fourth quarter of FY04.

This report describes seismic activity at and near the Hanford Site during the first and second quarters of FY 2004 (October 1, 2003-March 31, 2004).

This report describes the preparation and application of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) for the highly selective analysis of target signature compounds. The overall goal of this project task is to exploit the high selectivity of MIPs to generate a pure and enriched fraction of target analyte from environmental samples, either during the sampling stage or immediately thereafter. Due to the high purity of analyte fraction obtained, simplified field portable instrumentation that is capable of high performance trace analysis can be constructed. Major sections contained in this FY 2004 Final Report describe: (1) the synthesis and evaluation of MIPs specific toward explosives, (2) the design, construction, and performance of a novel instrument for the trace aqueous analysis of G-series nerve agent hydrolysis compounds, and (3) interfacing MIP separations with ion mobility spectrometric detection.

The basic science goal in this project identifies structure/affinity relationships for selected radionuclides and existing sorbents. The task will apply this knowledge to the design and synthesis of new sorbents that will exhibit increased cesium, strontium and actinide removal. The target problem focuses on the treatment of high-level nuclear wastes. The general approach can likewise be applied to non-radioactive separations.

The basic science goal in this project identifies structure/affinity relationships for selected radionuclides and existing sorbents. The task will apply this knowledge to the design and synthesis of new sorbents that will exhibit increased cesium, strontium and actinide removal. The target problem focuses on the treatment of high-level nuclear wastes. The general approach can likewise be applied to non-radioactive separations.

This Institutional Plan for FY 2004-2008 is the principal annual planning document submitted to the Department of Energy's Office of Science by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Richland, Washington. This plan describes the Laboratory's mission, roles, and technical capabilities in support of Department of Energy priorities, missions, and plans. It also describes the Laboratory strategic plan, key planning assumptions, major research initiatives, and program strategy for fundamental science, energy resources, environmental quality, and national security.

The principal goal of Pacific Northwest National Laboratory's (PNNL's) Infrared Technology for Advanced Sensors Project is to explore and develop the science and technology behind point and stand off infrared (IR) spectroscopic chemical sensors that are needed for detecting weapons proliferation activity. The primary use of the technology is to detect the chemical signatures associated with the production or use of chemical, biological, or nuclear weapons. In FY04 PNNL continued the development of a Shortwave Infrared (SWIR) point sensor based on optical Cavity Ringdown Spectroscopy (CRDS). During the year this instrument participated in 3 field tests, including the indoor UF6 release experiment which took place on the Hanford Site in Aug. 2004. The field tests demonstrated the robustness of CRDS as a fieldable technology for sensitive detection of airborne analytes. The instrument was altered from detecting ammonia with a detection limit of {approx} 1 ppmv to detect hydrogen fluoride with a detection limit of {approx} 3 ppbv. The differences in limits of detection between these two chemicals is accounted for by the relative differences in the absorption strength of the two molecules (with HF having a much larger absorption strength than ammonia). In addition to the field tests, the instrument …