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.

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.

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.

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)

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).

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 …

To explore the feasibility of obtaining fuels and chemical feedstocks by extraction of reduced photosynthetic materials from latex-bearing plants, field studies were undertaken in the cultivation and harvesting of Euphorbia lathyrus, a shrub that grows wild in the California climate. Preliminary results with wild seed and without the benefit of optimization of fertilizer and irrigation conditions gave an annual crop yield of about 12 dry tons per acre. Continuing agronomic studies are suggested for improving this yield. Reduced photosynthate can be extracted with various solvents from the plant material to the extent of 8.7% of dry plant weight. The extract is a complex mixture, averaging between 400 and 500 in molecular weight. It contains some paraffins and carotenoids in addition to the major components, which are apparently pentacyclic triterpenones. A typical extract has a heat of combustion of 17,000 BTU per pound. Results of a very preliminary economic study of a conceptual process, including a biomass operation and a processing plant that extracts the oily material and leaves behind a saleable, cellulosic residue, indicate a cost of $30 to $45 per barrel for the oil extract.

The levels of air contaminants inside buildings are often higher than ambient outdoor levels. Interest in conserving energy has been motivating home-owners and builders to reduce infiltration rates in residential buildings and builders to reduce ventilation rates in institutional and commercial buildings. However, the resulting decrease of indoor/outdoor air exchange will tend to increase the concentration of many indoor air pollutants. Three indoor contaminants-nitrogen dioxide from gas stoves, formaldehyde from particleboard and urea-formaldehyde foam insulation, and radon from various building materials-are currently receiving considerable attention in the context of the potential health risks that are associated with reduced infiltration and ventilation rates. It is likely that some increased health risk will accompany an increase in indoor contaminant exposure; hence, it is desirable not to allow these concentrations to rise above human tolerance levels. There are several possible ways of circumventing increased health risks without compromising energy conservation considerations.

Attention focused on two particular problem areas: (1) maintainability and complexity, and (2) pulsed vs steady-state operation. A general conclusion was that a variety of conceptual solutions have emerged in these areas and that engineering development would almost surely result in an acceptable and attractive commercial product. A number of specific improvements were identified for detailed design work and/or experimentation.

A new facility was developed for testing cladding sections of LWR fuel rods. This facility and the accompanying test procedures have improved the level of in-cell mechanical-testing capabilities, making them comparable to existing capabilities for unirradiated cladding. The new facility is currently being used to study the susceptibility of irradiated Zircaloy cladding from LWR fuel rods to iodine stress-corrosion cracking. Preliminary testing results indicate a systematic effect of temperature, stress and irradiation on the susceptibility of annealed and stress-relieved Zircaloy-2. Experimental data obtained to date are being used to develop a stress-corrosion cracking model for LWR fuel rod failure. SEM examination of the undisturbed fracture surface of specimens that failed by pinhole leakage provides useful information on crack propagation and morphology.

An instrumented absorber experiment in the Experimental Breeder Reactor-II yielded data on the helium release of boron carbide at exposures up to 53 x 10/sup 20/ neutron captures/cm/sup 3/ and temperatures from 766 to 952/sup 0/C. Helium release results demonstrated a high rate of helium release initially, and a much lower rate in a secondary region. In addition, the experiment demonstrated the effectiveness of vents in releasing gas from a plenum during irradiation.

An Industrial Workshop on LASL Semiconductor Radiation Detector Research and Development was held at the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory (LASL) in the spring of 1977. The purpose was to initiate communication between our detector research and development program and industry. LASL research programs were discussed with special emphasis on detector problems. Industrial needs and capabilities in detector research and development were also presented. Questions of technology transfer were addressed. The notes presented here are meant to be informal, as were the presentations.

Raman and infrared absorption spectra have been obtained for boron implanted, pulse laser annealed silicon. Measurement of the shift in the silicon optic mode due to a Fano interaction have yielded a value of the utilization coefficient of 0.89 +- 0.09 for a sample implanted with 10/sup 16/ ions/cm/sup 2/. Low energy infrared absorption is attributed mainly to interband transitions although other processes seem to be taking place as well.