Basic quantum research will transform science and industry
LANL image.The promise of quantum computing seems limitless—faster internet searching, lightning-quick financial data analysis, shorter commutes, better weather prediction, more effective cancer drugs, revolutionary new materials, and more. But we’re not there yet.
In recent years, Los Alamos has developed a quantum-key distribution device based on this principle for creating hack-proof communications, a major step forward in cybersecurity.
That is one example of how basic science research ultimately spawns technology. Wojciech Zurek, of Los Alamos National Laboratory continues his theoretical work in quantum mechanics and is currently studying the breakdown of quantum coherence of space time near a black hole. (Full Story)
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Kilopower system earns award in quest to support a future Moon base
The Kilopower assembly at the Nevada National Security Site, NASA image.
By 2028, NASA is aiming to establish a sustainable human presence on the moon. What power system will fuel the long-duration stay on the moon, as well as other planetary surfaces? An answer may reside in Kilopower, with the Kilopower Reactor Using Stirling Technology (KRUSTY) project proving its worth in a successful demonstration last year.
“We threw everything we could at this reactor, in terms of nominal and off-normal operating scenarios and KRUSTY passed with flying colors,” David Poston, the chief reactor designer at NNSA’s Los Alamos National Laboratory, says. (Full Story)
UNM-LA grads told to ‘pay it forward’ at 38th annual graduation ceremony
Los Alamos Laboratory Director Thom Mason speaks at the UNM graduation ceremony.It was their time on the stage, but if there was one universal message at the 38th annual University of New Mexico-Los Alamos graduation, it was for the graduates to pay it forward.
Los Alamos National Laboratory Director Thom Mason told the students that their newly-acquired education is not only a tool to better their lives, but of those around them.
“…take it and improve it wisely to improve your communities, to teach others, and to build the kind of life you want, hopefully with an exciting job that will get you out of bed every morning,” Mason said. (Full Story)
Faces of Innovation: Gary Grider, supercomputing scientist
Gary Grider, LA Reporter photo.In the world of supercomputers, “fastest” traditionally equates to “best.” But Los Alamos’ High Performance Supercomputing Division leader, Gary Grider, is shaking up tradition.
Rather than continuing to aspire to the fastest computers, Grider chooses to focus the division’s efforts on computing efficiency, a more relevant and timely consideration for U.S. national security applications. For decades, the TOP500 list—a notable world ranking of supercomputers by speed—was the gold standard for determining who could boast the top computer. Los Alamos played prominently in the competition, earning first-place rankings several times over. (Full Story)
Also from the LA Reporter this week:
Giving back to help the region: LANL employees volunteer on nonprofit projects
Vangie Trujillo helps out at Kaune Early Learning Center in Santa Fe, LANL image.April was National Volunteer Month, and more than 20 Laboratory employees gave up their free time to help out nonprofits across Northern New Mexico on three days of service co-ordinated by the Laboratory’s Community Partnerships Office.
The first project saw volunteers at Barrios Unidos in Chimayo on April 19, working on improvement projects such as painting trim, planting flowers and bushes, and adding base course to a garden meditation/prayer labyrinth. (Full Story)
3D printed polymer can localize shocks
3-D printed polymer-based foam structure that responds to the force of a shock wave, LANL image. The US Air Force Research Laboratory and research partners at Los Alamos National Laboratory have reportedly developed a 3D printed polymer-based foam structure that can respond to the force of a shock wave to act as a one-way switch, a long sought-after goal in shock research.
The material is a foam-like structure that contains a series of specifically-engineered tiny holes that determine the overall behavioral characteristics. Scientists used computer modeling to run trials to determine the most effective hole geometries to achieve the desired material response. (Full Story)
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