Scientific Assessment of High-Power Free-Electron Laser Technology (BPA)

Released 12.16.08

Since the late 1960s, the Navy has been conducting research to develop a megawatt-class directed-energy weapon using laser technology.  The Navy settled on the free-electron laser (FEL) as the best candidate for naval applications and initiated its FEL program in the mid-1990s.  To date, researchers have demonstrated an FEL producing 14 kilowatts (KW) of continuous-wave power of infrared light.  The next step proposed by the Navy is to demonstrate and study a 100 KW FEL system to establish the technology needed for scaling to the megawatt level in the infrared wavelength region.  To assist in planning its next steps, the Navy has asked the NRC to review the current state of the art and anticipated advances for high-average-power FELs, and to analyze the capabilities, constraints, and trade-offs of the FEL to achieve the goal of a megawatt-class output beam at wavelengths of 1-2 micrometers.  Additional steps would be needed to make the FEL into a useable, shipboard defensive weapon.  This report describes the state of the art and anticipated advances for high-average-power FEL technology across the FEL community and it provides a detailed assessment of those technologies and challenges for future development. 

A Review of the DOE Plan for U.S. Fusion Community Participation in the ITER Program (BPA)

Released 07.28.08

The ITER project is a multination partnership—including the United States—to demonstrate the scientific and technological feasibility of fusion energy.  Construction of ITER is to begin this year at a site at Cadarache, France.  The Energy Policy Act of 2005 directed DOE to prepare a plan for U.S. participation in the ITER project and to secure an independent review of that plan.  In August 2006, DOE asked the NRC to carry out that review.  The NRC is to review the plan document, evaluate key elements of the plan, and recommend next steps in its development.  This report presents a review of the ITER project up to its present status; an evaluation of the current DOE plan for U.S. participation; and recommendations for future development of that plan.

Inspired by Biology:  From Molecules to Materials to Machines (BPA, BLS)

Released 02.15.08

Scientists have long desired to create synthetic systems that function with the precision and efficiency of biological systems.  Using new techniques, researchers are now uncovering principles that could allow the creation of synthetic materials that can perform tasks as precise as biological systems.  To assess the current work and future promise of the biology-materials science intersection, the Department of Energy and the National Science Foundation asked the NRC to identify the most compelling questions and opportunities at this interface, suggest strategies to address them, and consider connections with national priorities such as healthcare and economic growth.  This report presents a discussion of principles governing biomaterial design, a description of advanced materials for selected functions such as energy and national security, an assessment of biomolecular materials research tools, and an examination of infrastructure and resources for bridging biological and materials science.