PLaying cards designed for the Global Security program at Los Alamos National Laboratory.

1. Reducing Global Threats through
Innovative Science and Technology
www.lanl.gov/orgs/padgs

2. A
Addressing Space Situational Awareness
Addressing Space Situational Awareness
Space situational awareness consists of
integrating and analyzing space surveil-
lance, reconnaissance, intelligence, and
environmental monitoring information.
Such integration and analysis enables
scientists to understand manmade and
natural threats to the nation’s space
systems. Projects include distinguishing
between natural and anthropogenic
events and developing an agile strategy
for tracking and characterizing objects
in space.
A

3. K
Studying Rocks on Mars
Designed for NASA’s 2011 Mars Science
Laboratory (MSL) rover, ChemCam shoots
Studying Rocks on Mars
powerful laser pulses at rocks to deter-
mine their composition. The instrument
combines laser-induced breakdown spec-
troscopy with a remote micro-imager. The
MSL rover’s primary mission is to assess if
Mars ever was, or still is, an environment
capable of supporting microbial life.
K

4. Q
Inventing Smart Software to Detect Gamma-Ray Bursts
Inventing Smart Software to Detect Gamma-Ray Bursts
Launched in 2004, the NASA
satellite “Swift” was designed to detect
gamma-ray bursts. Los Alamos scientists
developed the software that enables this
flying observatory to catch such bursts
in the act. Scientists anticipate that Swift
will be able to observe gamma-ray bursts
back through time to the very first stars
that formed after the Big Bang.
Q

5. J
Constructing a Sky Map of Our Solar System
Constructing a Sky Map of Our Solar System
Los Alamos researchers developed a High-
Energy Neutral Atom Imager, which was
placed aboard NASA’s IBEX (Interstellar
Boundary Explorer) spacecraft. IBEX has
made it possible for scientists to construct
the first comprehensive sky map of our
solar system and its location in the Milky
Way. This map is changing how research-
ers study the interaction between our
galaxy and the sun.
J

6. 2
Supercomputing Power for Space Applications
Supercomputing Power for Space Applications
TeraOps Software Radio moves the
concept of software radio into space,
where it can be used to extend dramati-
cally the lifetimes of electronic systems
aboard satellites and in space payloads.
Constructed from commercial off-the-shelf
products, this radio performs 40 billion
operations per watt of power in a compact
and lightweight (14 lb) system.
2

7. 3
Sending a Supercomputer into Space
Launched in 2007, the Cibola Flight
Sending a Supercomputer into Space
Experiment was designed to test several
revolutionary concepts for spaceborne
computing. Cibola’s supercomputer was
built from field-programmable gate
arrays, chips that can be rewired at the
touch of a software button. The Cibola
payload system executes a science mission
to study lighting, ionospheric disturbances,
and other sources of radiofrequency
atmospheric noise.
3

8. 4
Detecting Nuclear Explosions from Space
Detecting Nuclear Explosions from Space
Under the Space Nuclear Detonation
Detection project, Los Alamos scientists
are developing a new processing and
communications architecture for instru-
ments developed and deployed during the
next 10 to 15 years. This breakthrough
architecture will reduce instrument size,
weight, and power while improving flex-
ibility, capability, and scalability.
4

9. 5
Studying Saturn and Beyond
Los Alamos researchers developed two
sensors that are part of the Cassini Plasma
Studying Saturn and Beyond
Spectrometer, a microwave-oven-sized
unit aboard the Cassini Spacecraft. The
first sensor is an ion mass spectrom-
eter designed to identify the different
atomic species in Saturn’s magnetospheric
plasma. The second sensor is an ion-beam
spectrometer designed for solar-wind
research missions.
5

10. 6
Answering a Tantalizing Question
Answering a Tantalizing Question
Los Alamos scientists are developing a
next-generation space radiation model
to better understand radiation-belt
processes resulting from natural or
manmade events. The goal in developing
this predictive capability is to answer
one of the most tantalizing questions in
space physics: What accelerates electrons
to relativistic energies in the Earth’s
relatively weak magnetic field?
6

11. 7
Detecting and Characterizing Weapons Facilities from Space
Detecting and Characterizing Weapons Facilities from Space
In collaboration with Sandia National
Laboratories and Savannah River Technol-
ogy Center, Los Alamos developed the
Multispectral Thermal Imager satellite,
launched in March 2000. This project’s
objective was to demonstrate advanced
imaging systems that could be used to
detect and characterize facilities that
produce weapons of mass effect.
7

12. 8
Bolstering National Security thru Global Treaty Monitoring
Bolstering National Security thru Global Treaty Monitoring
Los Alamos scientists invented the V-
Sensor, a next-generation electromagnetic
pulse sensor that is also known as the
Burst Detector Verification payload. The
V-Sensor detects atmospheric nuclear
detonations from space. A follow-on to the
W-Sensor, the V-Sensor will perform global
treaty monitoring, a critical component of
national and global security.
8

13. 9
Countering Threats from Space
Countering Threats from Space
KARNAC (Knowledge, Assimilation,
and Reasoning for National Awareness
of Counterspace threats) is a project
designed to improve space situational
awareness by leveraging Los Alamos’
capabilities in high-performance comput-
ing, modeling, simulation and knowledge
tools, and underexploited sensors and
information sources.
9

14. 10
Inventing a New Type of Transmitter
Inventing a New Type of Transmitter
Los Alamos scientists have invented a
superluminal RF source that produces
tightly focused packets of electromagnetic
radiation that are fundamentally different
from the emissions of conventional
transmitters. This new type of antenna
has applications in RADAR, astrophysics,
oncology, directed-energy technologies,
and deep-space communications.
10

15. A
Enabling Renewable Electricity
Enabling Renewable Electricity
Los Alamos scientists are developing tech-
nologies that will transform how electricity
is generated, distributed, consumed, and
exported. This effort’s principal goal is to
develop smarter strategies for load control
and efficient energy storage to integrate
small- or medium-scale renewable power
generation into the electrical grid.
A

16. K
Ensuring a Resilient Global Infrastructure
Ensuring a Resilient Global Infrastructure
Los Alamos is using its unique and
powerful computational resources to
better understand global infrastructure
interdependencies. The Laboratory has
extensive experience in modeling multiple
characteristics of infrastructure, including
energy, water, telecommunications,
transportation, and public health systems.
Researchers examine the interdependen-
cies between these systems to prevent
cascading failures from harming national
security.
K

17. Q
Preparing for Natural Disasters
Los Alamos scientists are developing
technologies to predict the effects of
Preparing for Natural Disasters
natural disasters. One such technology is
LogiSims, a software package that helps
decision makers respond to infrastructure
damage, such as electrical blackouts dur-
ing a hurricane. Scientists are also work-
ing on computer models that simulate the
effects of all hazards. Decision makers
will use such models to improve response
times to hazards.
Q

18. J
Detecting Radiation Sources
LANL scientists are working on a Standoff
Detecting Radiation Sources
Radiation Detection System (SORDS)
that can determine the type and location
of radiation sources at much greater
distances than current technologies.
Led by Raytheon, project collaborators
include Los Alamos, Bubble Technology
Industries, and the Massachusetts Institute
of Technology.
J

19. 2
Countering Weapons of Mass Effect
Countering Weapons of Mass Effect
Los Alamos has numerous small- and
large-scale explosives facilities that enable
scientists to conduct various physical
experiments. Such experiments help
validate computer models and bolster
the confidence of developers who have
created countermeasures against weapons
of mass effect.
2

20. 3
Characterizing Explosives
Explosives such as TNT and HMX have
been around for years and scientists
continue to discover details about their
properties. Los Alamos researchers are
Characterizing Explosives
growing single crystals of explosives of
interest and characterizing their funda-
mental properties. These investigators
will gain a better understanding of how
explosives work and establish baseline
properties critical for counterterrorism
applications.
3

21. 4
Using Muons as Detectors
Los Alamos scientists are developing
technologies that use high-energy nega-
Using Muons as Detectors
tive muons and proton beams to remotely
detect special nuclear materials in contain-
ers. Far more sensitive than x-rays, muon
radiography can see through lead or other
heavy shielding in truck trailers or cargo
containers. Materials of interest include
uranium and plutonium.
4

22. 5
Providing Critical Support for Nuclear Emergencies
Providing Critical Support for Nuclear Emergencies
Los Alamos provides 24/7 support to first
responders who submit nuclear-related
data for analysis. LANL specializes in
interpreting data from all types of radia-
tion detectors and in accurately identifying
illicit materials. Experts are typically
online within 10 minutes and provide
critical answers to first responders in as
quickly as 30 minutes.
5

23. 6
Training Nuclear Response Teams
Training Nuclear Response Teams
Los Alamos provides standardized and
custom training for multi-agency nuclear
emergency response teams. Experts
provide classroom and hands-on technical
and operations training, either at LANL
facilities or at the customer’s location. Fo-
cus areas include nuclear basics, weapons
design/engineering, weapon signatures
and effects, and render-safe strategies.
6

24. 7
Protecting the Nation from Nuclear Weapon Emergencies
Protecting the Nation from Nuclear Weapon Emergencies
Los Alamos scientists, engineers, and tech-
nicians serve as volunteers on the Nuclear
Emergency Support Team (NEST). NEST
is always on call as the nation’s shield
against a nuclear weapons emergency.
Two NEST branches are the Accident Re-
sponse Group, which handles accidentally
damaged U.S. nuclear weapons, and the
Joint Technical Operations Team, which
responds to threats of terrorist devices.
7

25. 8
Identifying Types and Yields of Underground Tests
Identifying Types and Yields of Underground Tests
Los Alamos researchers have developed
computer models of laterally varying
seismic wave attenuation. These models
enable monitoring agencies to identify
event types and estimate the yields of
underground tests. Such models are not
impeded by the effects of the Earth’s
heterogeneous crust and upper manta.
Models are verified by high-quality digital
seismic data, which is internationally
available.
8

26. 9
Creating an Event Classification Matrix
Creating an Event Classification Matrix
The Event Classification Matrix project is a
next-generation mathematical framework
that integrates teleseismic and regional
identification features to produce a uni-
fied view. The model has been validated
using teleseismic measurements. Using
this framework, scientists can determine
if an event is an earthquake or an
explosion.
9

27. 10
Monitoring Nuclear Explosions
The fusion of seismic and acoustic data,
seismo-acoustics is a new capability that
Monitoring Nuclear Explosions
is revolutionizing how the United States
monitors nuclear explosions. Seismo-
acoustics provides unique constraints for
source characterization and enhances
the detection and location of events.
Researchers are presently exploring new
solutions to monitor small explosions,
identify vehicle signatures, and provide
remote surveillance of facilities.
10

28. A
Detecting and Responding in Real Time to Cyber Attacks
Detecting and Responding in Real Time to Cyber Attacks
In 2003, the Slammer Worm infected
75,000 machines in less than 10 minutes.
To counter such rapid attacks, Los
Alamos scientists have developed a suite
of technologies to detect and respond
automatically to cyber attacks in real time.
Technologies range from a streaming
query system to an advanced framework
that responds to network security events.
A

29. K
Analyzing Malware
Los Alamos scientists have developed a
covert method to analyze malware and
other executables. This method measures
and analyzes executables with no detect-
Analyzing Malware
able impact to the executable. It monitors
running programs via modifications to the
Ether framework and is integrated with
established reverse-engineering tools to
speed analysis.
K

30. Q
Keeping Secrets Secret
Secrets—diplomatic, military, and
business—must be exchanged secretly. To
achieve this task, Los Alamos researchers
have developed Free-Space Quantum
Cryptography, a system that distributes
Keeping Secrets Secret
random-number cryptographic “keys”
used to encode and decode information.
This technology ensures that such keys
never succumb to computer attack and
that attempts to steal or copy a key are
easily foiled.
Q

31. J
Detecting Harmful Materials in Sealed Containers
Detecting Harmful Materials in Sealed Containers
Los Alamos scientists have developed
MagViz using ultra-low field magnetic
resonance imaging to classify materials
as safe, unknown, or dangerous. MagViz
can be used at airports to determine if
a bottle holds drinking water or a liquid
explosive. The technology can make such
a determination even if the container is
sealed in a metallic foil.
J

32. 2
Growing Inorganic Fibers and Tiny Electronics
Growing Inorganic Fibers and Tiny Electronics
Laser-Weave uses lasers to grow inorganic
fibers and simultaneously weave them
into finished cables, fabrics, and compos-
ites with improved strength and elasticity.
An offshoot of Laser-Weave, Lasonix uses
lasers to grow micro- and nano-scale
electronics. Applications include semicon-
ductors, electronic switching systems, and
optical transmitters.
2

33. 3
Achieving Persistent Surveillance
Los Alamos continues to develop tech-
Achieving Persistent Surveillance
nologies that provide the warfighter with
persistent surveillance of potential threats.
For example, scientists are developing
technologies designed to defeat hurtles
such as darkness, camouflage, and other
types of obstructions, including jungle
canopies. Other technologies provide
change-detection indicators for activities
and high-confidence location and tracking
of priority threats.
3

34. 4
Overcoming Organizational Complexity
Overcoming Organizational Complexity
Los Alamos scientists are developing a
technology known as VCAT (Visual Cross-
walk Analysis Tool), which views organiza-
tions as networked activities. Looking at
organizations in this way enables analysts
to identify the underlying structure that
connects activities spanning projects,
programs, resources, and multiple
organizations.
4

35. 5
Determining and Countering Terrorist Threats
Determining and Countering Terrorist Threats
Los Alamos has counter-weapons of mass
effect and energetic materials training
programs, as well as predictive and analy-
sis tools (such as terrorist motivation and
intent models) to effectively assess threat
probability. The Laboratory also possesses
a quick-response capability that provides
operators with unique communication,
tagging-tracking-locating, and other tools
for special missions on short notice.
5

36. 6
Finding Needles in Haystacks
Genie Pro is a general-purpose,
interactive, and adaptive tool that can
Finding Needles in Haystacks
automatically label regions and find
objects in large amounts of image data.
The software runs on Windows and Linux
platforms. Applications include conducting
manhunts and surveillance; conduct-
ing broad-area searches for personnel,
vehicles, and buildings; and mapping
terrain and crops.
6

37. 7
Countering Improvised Explosive Devices
Countering Improvised Explosive Devices
Los Alamos has a four-tiered approach
toward countering improvised explosive
devices: intelligence gathering and
analysis (e.g., using computer simulations
to analyze social and political instabil-
ity), detection (e.g., locating unpowered
electronics in explosive devices), active in-
terrogation (e.g., using directed energy to
penetrate urban structures and remotely
stimulate explosives), and neutralizing
(e.g., reversible barriers).
7

38. 8
Developing Directed-Energy Beams
Los Alamos is developing a variety
Developing Directed-Energy Beams
of directed-energy beams. For example,
scientists are working on proton beams
designed to accurately locate shielded
nuclear materials, scalable free-electron
lasers to counter dispersed threats, and
high-power microwave sources designed
to stop target vehicles. The Laboratory is
also developing millimeter-wave radiation
technologies to interrogate shielded and
camouflaged enclosures.
8

39. 9
Developing Training and Effective Conflict Strategies
Developing Training and Effective Conflict Strategies
Los Alamos is developing numerous
training tools in proficiency and conflict
strategies to enhance the skills of Ameri-
can warfighters. Examples of such tools
include developing preventative strategies
and success-ensuring responses, modeling
current and future battlefields to better
understand critical decision points, and
developing realistic training packages to
better prepare the warfighter.
9

40. 10
Understanding the Effects of Nuclear Weapons
Understanding the Effects of Nuclear Weapons
Los Alamos continues to conduct research
on determining the many effects of
nuclear weapons on various structures
and environments. Research includes
determining the dynamic response of
high-rise buildings to over-pressures,
calculating blast effects and channeling
in urban canyons, and determining how
modern microcircuits respond to neutrons,
gamma, and x-rays.
10

41. A
Securing Nuclear Materials
Under the MPC&A (Materials Protection,
Control, and Accounting) Program, Los
Securing Nuclear Materials
Alamos staff members work with other
countries to secure nuclear weapons-
usable materials. Staff members helped
complete all major upgrades identified
by Presidents Bush and Putin under the
Bratislava Agreement by leading com-
prehensive upgrades to six plant sites
at Tomsk and two sites at Mayak.
A

42. K
Improving International Nuclear Inspections
Improving International Nuclear Inspections
Los Alamos works directly with the U.S.
Department of State to assist the Interna-
tional Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Staff
members have trained all IAEA safeguard
inspectors, provided experts to support
IAEA projects in Vienna, and developed
new safeguards and nuclear-detection
technologies. Acknowledged as a world
leader in nondestructive assay, Los Alamos
has trained more than 5,300 individuals.
K

43. Q
Securing International Borders
Los Alamos works with other countries
Securing International Borders
under the Second Line of Defense (SLD)
Program to prevent the illicit trafficking
of nuclear and radiological materials by
securing international borders, seaports,
and airports. SLD core staff work with 20
countries. SLD Megaports staff from Los
Alamos have installed and maintained
detection systems in 48 of the world’s
largest ports.
Q

44. J
Converting Nuclear Weapons to Nuclear Power
Converting Nuclear Weapons to Nuclear Power
Under the 1993 U.S.-Russian Federation
Highly-Enriched Uranium (HEU) Purchase
Agreement, Russia agreed to downblend
500 metric tons of HEU extracted from
dismantled nuclear weapons for use as
power reactor fuel in the United States.
Los Alamos scientists developed and main-
tain an enrichment monitor that oversees
each step of Russia’s HEU to low-enriched
uranium to minimize any risk of possible
diversion.
J

45. 2
Developing Instruments for International Safeguards
Developing Instruments for International Safeguards
The concept of international safeguards
dates from Dwight Eisenhower’s “Atoms
for Peace” speech to the United Nations
in 1953. Since then, the Laboratory has
developed various technologies and meth-
ods to help ensure that nuclear materials
are not used improperly. Efforts include
developing prototype instruments in more
than 30 counties, next-generation treaty-
verification instruments, and safeguards
for large-throughput fuel-reprocessing
plants.
2

46. 3
Providing Treaty Support
Los Alamos has provided technical
advisers for every U.S. nuclear treaty. In
the coming months, the U.S. government
will turn to Los Alamos experts for help
Providing Treaty Support
as it negotiates a new Strategic Arms
Reduction Treaty with Russia, considers
U.S. ratification of the Comprehensive
Test-Ban Treaty, pursues a Fissile Material
Cutoff Treaty, and participates in the next
Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty Review
Conference.
3

47. 4
Recovering Offsite Sources
During the 1950s and 1960s, tens of
thousands of radioactive sources were
Recovering Offsite Sources
distributed to educational, government,
and industrial users. Los Alamos operates
a program that securely recovers high-risk
sealed sources that are declared excess
and unwanted by domestic licensees. In
the past decade, Los Alamos staff mem-
bers have safely recovered and disposed
of more than 20,000 domestic sources.
4

48. 5
Developing Next-Generation Nuclear Detectors
Developing Next-Generation Nuclear Detectors
Los Alamos scientists are investigating
new scintillator materials to develop next-
generation nuclear detectors. New materi-
als that exhibit better energy resolution,
operate at ambient temperatures, and can
be cast into a variety of shapes and sizes
would dramatically advance radiation
detection and imaging.
5

49. 6
Detecting Weaponized Uranium Metals
Detecting Weaponized Uranium Metals
Los Alamos scientists are developing meth-
ods to detect impurity-driven signatures
in uranium metal. Such methods can help
diagnose and respond to weaponization
processes, such as melting, rolling, and
heat treatment. The effectiveness of
detecting various impurities will support
efforts in nonproliferation, safeguards,
and counter-proliferation.
6

50. 7
Strengthening the Future of Nuclear Safeguards
Strengthening the Future of Nuclear Safeguards
Sponsored by the National Nuclear
Security Administration, the Next Genera-
tion Safeguards Initiative promotes the
strengthening of nuclear safeguards
worldwide through extensive training.
To achieve this goal, Los Alamos is
working with other partners to develop
model curricula, lecture materials, and
laboratory exercises available to U.S.
and international universities.
7

51. 8
Mo-99 Medical Isotope Production
Mo-99 Medical Isotope Production
Los Alamos has operated solution reactors
since the 1940s. Los Alamos recently
completed an upgrade of four critical
assembly machines for the Criticality Ex-
periments Facility at the Nevada Test Site.
Given such expertise, Los Alamos Mo-99
medical isotope production is assisting
NNSA to implement new technology for
Mo-99 medical isotope production.
8

52. 9
Developing Accurate Methods to Identify Radioisotopes
Developing Accurate Methods to Identify Radioisotopes
RIIDs (Radiation Isotope Identification
Devices) have difficulty identifying
radioisotopes accurately. As a result, it
often falls on human spectroscopists
to interpret results from RIID gamma
spectra. To improve RIID accuracy, Los
Alamos scientists are developing a new
automated algorithm that mimics a
human spectroscopist’s approach in
analyzing and identifying radioisotopes
in a given gamma spectrum.
9

53. 10
Detecting Uranium-Conversion Activities
Detecting Uranium-Conversion Activities
Scientists at Los Alamos have found
that cathodoluminescence, coupled with
electron microscopy, can provide rapid
visual and quantitative characterization
of environmentally exposed uranium
fluorides. This geology-based technique
is independent of uranium isotopic
composition. Scientists postulate that this
technique may be useful for detect-
ing uranium-ore-conversion activities
upstream of enrichment.
10

54. J
William S. Rees, Jr., PADGS
o
k
e
r
William S. Rees, Jr., PADGS
“Los Alamos has the people, tools, and
r
facilities to give national-level policymak- e
ers the necessary deep technical insight
into an uncertain future for which they k
must prepare. LANL also has a reputation
for delivering the technology necessary to o
respond effectively to significant threats
of broad scope.”
J

55. LANL Global Security Focus Areas
rging national secu
r eme rity
o th e cha
ve llen
Sol Space Systems, Intellig g
em s, enc
ys t
es
e-
rS
AIE
e
Cyb
,W
U.S.
ion,
arfig
Nonproliferat
hter Support
Nuclear
Deterrent
LANL Global Security Focus Areas
Nuclear Nonproliferation
Cyber Systems
Space Systems
Intelligence Analysis, Integration, and Exploitation
Warfighter Support
Countering Terrorist Tactics
Countering Weapons of Mass Effect
Event Response
Resilient Global Infrastructure

56. National Security Missions
National Nuclear Security Administration
Strengthen national security through the military
application of nuclear energy and by reducing the
global threat from terrorism and weapons of
mass destruction.
Los Alamos National Laboratory
Develop and apply science and technology to—
Ensure the safety, security and reliability of the U.S.
nuclear deterrent • Reduce global threats • Solve
other emerging national security challenges
National Security Missions
Global Security
To provide early identification, creative maturation
and timely delivery of scientifically robust solutions to
the most urgent and technically challenging security
issues facing our Nation.