ORNL Center for Innovation and Application of
Mass Spectrometry for Homeland Security
and National Defense

Mass Spectrometry is key technology for addressing the broadest range of Homeland Security and National Defense issues connected with the detection and characterization of chemical, biological, nuclear, rad and other threat agents, as well as the more general area of forensics and attribution. Oak Ridge Tennessee has a 60 year long history in mass spectrometry, beginning with the Calutrons used for isotope separation during the 1940's. Today Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) has one of the largest, most diverse and highly recognized mass spectrometry programs in the world, carrying out fundamental research, instrument development and applications for DOE, DOD, and other sponsors. Our program has a solid reputation for cradle-to-grave performance, from fundamental concepts, through prototyping, and working with end users.

Mass spectrometry is an essential tool in most of the ORNL laboratory agenda areas from protein and DNA analysis (Complex Biological Systems) to surface analysis and characterization (Advanced Materials) to environmental assessment and remediation (Energy and Environmental Systems of the Future) to chemical and biological threat detection (National Security). The synergy among ORNL mass spectrometry research efforts enabled by the Mass Spectrometry Center provides ORNL with an unparalleled regional and national resource for Homeland Security and National Defense.

The ORNL Center for Innovation and Application of Mass Spectrometry for Homeland Security and National Defense makes ORNL the de facto place to go for mass spectrometry-based solutions for Homeland Security and National Defense issues. This Center includes ORNL resources that can cover all aspects of fundamental investigations, development and application of cutting-edge technologies for rapid, confident detection and characterization of threats, including sampling, instrument development, electronics, automation, and data handling/interpretation. The Center also involves highly recognized mass spectrometry and supporting programs at the University of Tennessee, both the Knoxville campus and the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, other UT-Battelle Core Universities, and other regional assets.

Provided by Oak Ridge National Laboratory, managed by UT-Battelle, LLC,
 for the U.S. Department of Energy