Oak Ridge National Laboratory develops isotopes and nuclear technologies that support U.S. national security, scientific competitiveness, and critical domestic needs.
National security relies on ORNL’s scientific expertise, production and enrichment technologies, radiochemical processing, specialized infrastructure, and operational knowledge needed to produce and work with isotopes.
How Isotopes Bolster National Security
Detects + Measures
Specialized isotopes are used to monitor the possession and movement of nuclear material around the globe.
Airport + Port Safety
From airports to ports of entry, isotopes help detect dangerous materials before they can pose a threat to U.S. citizens.
Advanced Technology
Enriched isotopes enable quantum computing and act as a deterrent to foreign adversaries.
DUECE
Restoring a Critical National Capability
The Domestic Uranium Enrichment Centrifuge Experiment, or DUECE, is advancing U.S. technology to reestablish a reliable domestic supply of enriched uranium for national defense missions. Uranium is used for a variety of national defense capabilities.
Isotopes play important roles in national security, nuclear security, nonproliferation, and scientific research. Oak Ridge National Laboratory brings together expertise in isotope production, nuclear science, materials, and advanced technologies to help address critical national needs.
ORNL applies its expertise in isotopes and nuclear materials to technologies and research that support nuclear security and nonproliferation. This work can include isotope production and characterization as well as scientific capabilities that improve the detection, identification, and understanding of nuclear and radiological materials.
Reliable domestic access to critical isotopes can reduce dependence on foreign sources and strengthen the resilience of U.S. supply chains. ORNL’s isotope capabilities help support access to materials needed for national security, research, industry, and other important federal missions.
Oak Ridge National Laboratory combines decades of nuclear science expertise with specialized facilities, reactors, accelerators, radiochemical processing capabilities, and advanced computing and characterization resources. Bringing these capabilities together enables ORNL to address complex isotope needs from research and development through production and application.
