Working toward a safer tomorrow
The Radiation Detection & Nuclear Sciences (RDNS) group at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory draws on its extensive expertise in radiological science and engineering to develop and deploy innovative yet practical solutions for our country's most pressing challenges. We provide science-based solutions to the Department of Homeland Security, National Nuclear Security Administration, other government agencies and industry.
The group conducts fundamental and applied research projects leading to new capabilities in trace radionuclide detection, environmental assessment and remediation, treaty verification, and proliferation detection and prevention. Our instruments and facilities have been applied in environments ranging from water wells and nuclear reactor cores to aircraft and spacecraft. Field sampling and measurement research have included border control, soil characterization, waste characterization, facility decontamination and decommissioning, aqueous measurements, and atmospheric measurements.
RDNS Mission
The RDNS group's overall mission is to conceive, design, develop, and deliver new capabilities and instruments for threat monitoring and ultra-trace detection of radionuclide signatures to address critical technical and policy issues pertinent to nonproliferation, homeland security, nuclear forensics, environmental monitoring, law enforcement, fundamental science, and waste characterization.
- Core Capabilities – PNNL is a multi-program national laboratory with a broad spectrum of capabilities that can be applied to radiation detection & nuclear sciences research. This page summarizes the core capabilities of the RDNS group.
- Projects – A summary of technology development efforts in the Radiation Detection & Nuclear Sciences area, and links to related articles, publications and information.
- Facilities – Researchers at PNNL work in a wide variety of specialized, state-of-the-art laboratories. This page describes the facilities available to support Radiation Detection & Nuclear Sciences research.
- Successful Deployments – PNNL's Radiation Detection & Nuclear Sciences group has excelled in transferring technology developed by its researchers to government and industry.
- Doing Business with PNNL – Information on the various methods of working with PNNL and Battelle (e.g., technology transfer, contract research, etc.).