Alternative Futures for the Department of Energy National Laboratories

Selected Accomplishments of the National Laboratories that have contributed to U.S. Science and Technology Leadership

1950's: Study of cosmic rays gives way to studies of particles and their interactions leading to the construction of the world's largest accelerators, the Bevatron and the Cosmotron.
1970's: The development of the Standard Model provides the first unified theory of matter and sets the stage for all new experimental devices. US is acknowledged leader in the world, in both experiment and theory.
1990's: Discovery of the top quark at the Tevatron is imminent which will cap a 16 year international quest to complete the experimental verification of the Standard Model.

1950's: Fundamental research in atomic and nuclear phenomena led to nuclear magnetic resonance and the underlying physics of the laser.
1970's: Practical high-power and semiconductor lasers developed.
1990's: Applications of lasers in communications, medicine, consumer electronics; magnetic resonance imaging for medical diagnostics.

1950's: Research on the effects of radiation on cells and genetics,
1970's: Developed the computer axial tomography (CAT scan) and positron emission tomography (PET scan) medical diagnostic techniques.
1990's: Human genome sequencing and mapping; major advances made in structural biology.

1950's: Provided the understanding of carbon composite structures which led to the extensive use of graphite-based materials. Research in radiation damage led to new materials resulting from ion implantation techniques.
1970's: Developed electron beam and laser annealing processes leading to major semiconductor manufacturing technologies. Developed fracture-resistant steels and produced the first metallic glasses.
1990's: Achieved world records in performance of: photovoltaic energy conversion; organic superconductors; superconducting wires, tapes, and devices; batteries and fuel cells. Developed flexible, polymer-based electrolytes; lead-free solder; high-temperature, high-strength intermetallic alloys; and superior welding methods. Discovered world's first magnetic polymer.

1950's: The Atomic Energy Commission is one of the world's leaders in initiating the theoretical and experimental foundation of magnetic confinement fusion.
1970's: The Energy Research and Development Agency begins construction of the world-class Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor. The U.S. fusion program is acknowledged to be the world's leader in the field.
1990's: The Department of Energy's Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor achieves world record in controlled fusion energy production. The magnetic fusion program moves toward internationalization of its effort and transfer of its technology to U.S. industry. Inertial fusion provides the technical base for nuclear stockpile stewardship.