Sandia researchers develop a simple way to relieve internal stresses in amorphous diamond films, creating thick, stress-free coatings that are harder than known coatings. The coatings have also been used to create large-area free-standing membranes with desirable properties such as high hardness and low friction.
Sandia National Laboratories has proposed a design for an accelerator, X-1, that aims to achieve high-yield fusion. If funded, the project is expected to reach initial operating capability by 2007 and high-yield fusion by 2010, providing important data for the nation's stockpile stewardship program.
The Sandia chuck uses a thin layer of helium gas to cool silicon wafers, utilizing electrostatic attraction to seal the wafer to a bottom plate. The device features a patterned silicon wafer with tiny islands that support the wafer and allow for rapid clamping and release.
Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have created a quantum mechanical transistor that can process information faster and consume less power than current transistors. The device has the potential to be used in high-speed computing, chemical detection, and other applications.
Researchers Mark Boslough and Randy Gladstone suggest that entry of ordinary meteoroids can form dark spots similar to those observed by satellites, contradicting a theory of frequent small comet bombardment. Their study provides evidence for the existence of high-altitude plumes generated by meteors.
Sandia Labs is working on chemical sensing technology to quickly detect and classify explosive molecules, which can identify land mines. The project aims to provide a more accurate and efficient method for demining, reducing the risk of casualties and environmental damage.
Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have created a new type of photonic crystal that can bend microwaves around tight corners with nearly 100% transmission efficiency. This breakthrough has the potential to improve microwave communications and enable more efficient long-distance optical communications.
Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have created microtransmissions, which can augment the power of tiny microengines by a significant margin. The new device increases power output by a factor of 3 million, generating enough force to move a one-pound object.
Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have created a method that purposefully unbalances reentry vehicles to steer them closer to targets, improving accuracy. The approach also enables the reorientation of satellites in space without changing their shape or requiring fuel.
Sandia National Laboratories has released a CD-ROM containing over 60 megabytes of data gathered from downhole diagnostic tools used in 80% of domestic oil wells. The new tool provides valuable information about well bore dynamics and mechanical stresses on sucker rod strings, leading to equipment fatigue and rod failure.
Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories are developing a portable evidence-detection system that uses flashing lights and modified goggles to make organic substances appear to blink. The system aims to help police investigators quickly find potential evidence in lighted rooms, reducing the time spent on crime scene investigations.
A new coating developed by Sandia National Laboratories has increased sensor sensitivity by a factor of about 500, making it ideal for detecting dangerous molecules in the air or water. This technology could aid in combatting terrorism and also benefit industries such as oil and pharmaceuticals.
The Sandia-developed explosives-detection portal uses chemical preconcentrator technology to identify passengers with recent exposure to explosive chemicals. The portal has been tested on over 2,000 passengers to gauge acceptance and performance.
The Sandia invention enables research development of EUV lithography, patterning faster and more memory-dense microchips. This light source is brighter than synchrotron radiation and takes less space.
A handheld laser device can detect sickle-cell anemia and track cell structure changes, distinguishing between cancerous and non-cancerous cells. The device is expected to reduce analysis time for victims of terrorist biological or chemical attacks, facilitating prompt treatment.
The Sandia Z accelerator has quintupled its output from 40 to 210 terawatts, achieving a temperature of 1.5 million degrees, crucial for nuclear fusion. This breakthrough advances basic scientific research and contributes to US defense without physically exploding large-scale devices.
A collaborative study between the US and Russia aims to uncover the causes of Hepatitis C, a prevalent liver disease. The project will collect blood samples and questionnaires from over 4,000 individuals across New Mexico and Chelyabinsk-70, with results expected to shed new light on the virus.
Researchers have developed a technique using liposomes that can detect metal ions in solution, leading to practical sensors for heavy metals, viruses, and environmental cleanup. The technique involves entrapping liposomes in sol-gels, which increases their sensitivity, making them suitable for use in various applications.
The Pantex storage building will utilize automated gas generator disassembly system (AGGDIS) and weighing and leak check system (WALS) to improve the efficiency and safety of nuclear dismantlement operations. These robotic systems will enable faster handling of sensitive components, reducing radiation exposure for humans.
Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have developed three robotic systems to streamline the dismantlement of nuclear weapons, including AGGDIS and WALS. These systems can handle delicate operations faster and more accurately than humans, reducing radiation exposure and increasing efficiency.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has certified a new aircraft repair technique, using a bonded composite doubler, for Delta Airlines' L-1011. The patch reinforces the plane's right mid-section access door and has proven to be effective in reducing maintenance tasks.
Scientists at Sandia National Laboratories and France Telecom have developed a prototype memory-retention device that uses embedded protons to preserve information. The 'protonic' device is inexpensive, low-powered, and simple to fabricate, and can retain data even when power is turned off.
The pilot program, developed by Sandia, has reduced vandalism by over 75%, vehicle theft by more than 80% and truancy by 30%. A combination of ID cards, surveillance cameras, and security technologies have helped make the school safer for students and staff.
Law enforcement teams can practice responding to hostage situations using a virtual reality simulation called VRaptor. The simulation allows participants to determine who are the hostages and save them, take prisoner those kidnappers who surrender, and shoot those who fire weapons.
The partnership aims to support state and local law enforcement in their efforts to fight crime in communities. Sandia will analyze available explosive detection technology and equipment in collaboration with the Rocky Mountain Regional Center.
Researchers at NYC's Metropolitan Museum of Art and Sandia National Laboratories have created an inorganic coating that increases powdered calcite's longevity by a factor of ten when exposed to mildly acidic rain. The coating, chemically similar to glass, strengthens masonry without repelling water.
Sandia's achievement of the one-teraflops mark demonstrates its expertise in advanced software applications and high-fidelity 3-D simulation. This breakthrough enables scientists to simulate complex nuclear-weapon performance and predict safety against accidental nuclear explosions, marking a new era in computing.
The Sandia National Laboratories' computerized landscape displays the movement of nuclear and other military technologies across industries, countries, and regions. Researchers can use this system to identify emerging trends and areas of increasing interest, aiding in informed funding decisions.
A pilot biomass power plant will be tested in Belarus to decontaminate forests north of Chernobyl. The project aims to capture radioactivity and generate electricity, potentially reducing health risks and economic pressure on the country.
Sandia scientists have improved portable computer display screens using phosphor luminescence, which can reduce power consumption and improve performance. The new technology can operate at low voltage and is expected to outperform liquid crystal displays in various applications.