Physicist Dave Hurley completed several key experiments measuring surface wave propagation within individual grains of aluminum and copper using a new picosecond acoustic approach while at Hokkaido University in Japan. The results produce images of wavefronts that clearly show anisotropic propagation and mode conversion at grain boundaries and suggest ways that this information can be used to study grain boundary properties using high frequency surface acoustic waves. - more -
The Physics group conducts applied research to develop measurement systems, often with emphasis on hardened, noncontact sensors for field measurements, industrial process control, or insitu use. Staff are active in plasma physics for materials processing and have extensive simulation capabilities. Specific disciplines include optical spectroscopy, nonlinear optics, nondestructive examination with acoustic and electromagnetic techniques, and fluid dynamics.
The group supports the Department of Energy’s missions in science, environmental quality, national security, and energy efficiency, as well as industry customers worldwide. The range of applications being developed is broad, including environmentally friendly hydrocarbon processing, rapid munitions identification systems, field instrumentation for environmental monitoring, and nanotechnology materials processing. Much of the work is research and development, but the organizational experience in rugged, field-deployable instruments and nondestructive evaluation is also used to support INL’s waste management operations. Additionally, the group has built and manages the INL’s Matched Index-of-Refraction Facility. The basic areas of expertise are described as follows.
Laser-Based Materials Characterization — Broadly speaking, the work of the laser-based materials characterization group at INL encompasses theoretical and experimental studies of pulsed laser interaction with materials. Typically this research examines acoustic and thermal wave generation and propagation in diverse materials ranging from semiconductors to metallic alloys. Emphasis is placed on relating the measurement of material properties to the state of the material microstructure. Since lasers are employed for both acoustic/thermal wave generation and detection, this approach naturally lends itself to in situ monitoring of material property evolution. The temporal laser pulse length and the corresponding acoustic wavelength extend from 10 nanoseconds and 100 micrometers, respectively, through 1 picosecond and 10 nanometers. A recent study employing this approach involved imaging the interaction of GHz surface acoustic waves with individual grain boundaries ( 406kB PDF). This approach will help lead the way to enhanced characterization tools well suited to study dynamic changes in microstructure mediated material properties.
Contact: David Hurley, (208) 526-3665, Send E-mail
Thermal Processing — Through our plasma diagnostics and modeling capability, the INL is a world leader in plasma jet technology as applied to thermal processing. The high temperatures and rapid cooling at the exit of a plasma jet allows control of the thermal history of particles injected into the jet, providing unique materials processing opportunities. Our work in fundamental science includes the study of nanophase particles such as carbon nanotubes, which are of special interest for their potential use as electronic components at the molecular scale. Examples of applied research include development of corrosion and wear coatings and functionally-graded coatings, such as ceramic-to-metallic coatings for use as thermal barriers on combustion engine components.
Contact: Richard L. Williamson, (208) 526-0576, Send E-mail
Nondestructive Examination — Our scientists are developing nondestructive examination (NDE) technology, focusing on extending conventional eddy current and ultrasonic diagnostic techniques to new applications tailored to specific customer needs. Examples of this applied research include development of improved acoustic methods for locating and evaluating methane hydrate deposits in the ocean, air-coupled ultrasonics for rapid, noncontact inspection, new ultrasonic array technology for steam generator tube inspection in coal-fired boilers, and NDE for nuclear plant inspection.
Contact: Dennis Kunerth, (208) 526-0103, Send E-mail
Nonlinear Optics — Researchers are using optics to develop a wide range of noncontact measurement technologies including optical interferometry which is being used in material and structural analysis. The INL has developed a unique ultrasonic camera, a technology that provides a video display of surface acoustic motion--effectively replacing time-consuming point-by-point measurement approaches. The camera has broad industrial applications for real-time quality analysis in manufacturing processes, as well as the development of miniaturized components such as acoustic wave devices for the communications industry. Other work includes development of a portable Moire interferometry system to measure the long-term deformation of structures such as bridges and buildings, or even deformation of nuclear reactor core components. Additionally, in 1999, R&D Magazine recognized the Electro-Optic High Voltage Sensor as one of the year’s top technological innovations with an R&D 100 Award.
Contact: Kenneth Telschow, (208) 526-1264, Send E-mail
Digital radiography and computed tomography system
X-ray Imaging — Researchers are developing portable digital imaging technologies such as digital radiography and computed tomography instruments for custom applications. The team focuses on highly accurate field-deployable systems. This directly supports the INL in hazardous and radioactive waste assessments, and the team has also developed rapid analysis systems for old munitions in storage or those found in excavation. An additional element of this group’s work is expert system software for automated data analysis and data validation for nondestructive nuclear assay. Researchers are assisting the nation’s national security by developing transmission x-ray imaging capabilities to better equip first responders encountering improvised explosive devices (IED’s). Another capability is x-ray fluorescence imaging (XRF) that can be used to interrogate waste containers to determine, and possibly quantify, heavy metal or transuranic content.
Contact: Tim Roney, (208) 526-9712, Send E-mail
Laser-based Spectroscopy — Researchers are developing real-time noncontact spectroscopic techniques and field instruments to monitor industrial chemical processing, environmental parameters, and other applications. Research incorporates new solid state optical technologies, such as wavelength-modulated diode lasers, into rugged, reliable systems. INL staff are also active in research with ultrafast (picosecond) optical pulses as a means to provide spatial and temporal resolution for chemical analysis. These techniques have applicability to surface science.
Contact: Judy Partin, (208) 526-2822, Send E-mail
One of the largest Matched-Index-of-Refraction Facilities in the world was designed and built at the INL.
Matched-Index-of-Refraction User Facility — INL developed and built one of the world’s largest matched-index-of-refraction facilities to study complex turbulent flow, two-phase particulate flows and flows in porous media by optical measuring techniques. The flow visualization facility, located at the INL Research Center, is a user-facility for fundamental and applied fluid flow research. INL scientists and engineers have supported DOE programs in advanced reactor systems and safety issues dealing with spent nuclear fuel as well as university and industry research projects. For more information about this facility and opportunities for collaborative research, contact Dr. Don McEligot.
Contact: Donald McEligot, (208) 526-2881, Send E-mail
The Physics organization actively seeks partnership opportunities with university and industry groups worldwide. Researchers can support basic and applied research including commercial instrument and system development.
- Contacts:
- David L. Miller, (208) 526-9052, Send E-mail