Radiation Effects and High Energy Physics

Advancing science and engineering in the areas of radiation effects sciences, electromagnetics, high energy density science, and pulsed-power science and technology is critical to addressing many national security issues. The fundamental research in these areas includes studying the nature and interaction of static and dynamic electric and magnetic fields, ensuring system performance in radiation environments, producing extreme temperatures, pressures, and soft X-ray environments.  

Why Our Work Matters 

One of Sandia’s critical missions is nuclear security and maintaining a safe, secure, and effective nuclear stockpile. Radiation effects science ensures that engineered systems can operate as intended in the radiation environments they encounter. In addition, high energy density science validates models that are used to certify the performance of the stockpile, while pulsed-power science enables terawatt to petawatt pulsed-power systems. Such systems efficiently deliver electrical energy — in pulses that are flexible in shape and duration — to a variety of loads. 

Our Unique Value 

Sandia has advanced pulsed-power and radiation-effects facilities that enable cutting-edge research and vital national security applications.  

  • The Z machine uses the high magnetic fields associated with high electrical currents to produce high temperatures, high pressures, and powerful soft X-rays for research in high density physics. The Saturn X-ray source simulates the radiation effects of nuclear countermeasures on electronic and material components. 
  • The High-Energy Radiation Megavolt Electron Source (HERMES) III accelerator is the world’s most powerful gamma simulator, primarily used to demonstrate the effect of gamma-ray radiation. 
  • The Annular Core Research Reactor (ACRR) is used for reactor-driven laser experiments, space reactor fuels development, pulse reactor kinetics, reactor heat transfer and fluid flow, electronic component hardening, and explosive component testing. The ACRR is also routinely used for education and training programs. 

Recent Highlights

Four Sandia researchers win PECASE awards in 2024

The Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) is the highest honor bestowed by...

Leveraging machine learning to refine material models for fusion applications

To enable future innovative designs for fusion platforms on the Z machine, a Sandia LDRD team...

Sandia and Google unleash new possibilities in quantum computing

Physicists from Sandia worked with a team of researchers at Google Quantum AI and other affiliated...

Lasers are aligning diagnostics and hardware.
Quantum-accurate multiscale modeling in highly compressed metals  

The development of equations-of-state and transport models in areas such as shock compression and fusion energy...

Sandia scientist Stephanie Hansen
Improving predictive capability in REHEDS simulations with fast, accurate, and consistent nonequilibrium material properties 

Predictive design of experiments in Radiation, Electrical, and High Energy Density Science (REHEDS) requires knowledge of...

A technician gets a target ready for the center section in the Z machine pulsed power facility
Imaging the visible emissions from plasmas in pulsed power experiments

Low density plasmas are predicted to impact Sandia’s Z machine experiments in a variety of ways....

3D-magnetohydrodynamic simulations of electrothermal instability growth by studying Z-pinches with engineered defects
The study of Z-pinches with engineered defects

Electrothermal instability (ETI) is driven by Joule heating and arises from the dependence of resistivity on temperature....

Radiation Effects & High Energy Physics Related Research Facilities

Advanced Power Source Engineering Facility

The Power Sources Technology Group (PSTG) group provides comprehensive capabilities in power source research, design, engineering, characterization, evaluation, and testing.

Advanced Power Source Engineering Facility
Annular Core Research Reactor (ACRR)

ACRR is used to test objects in a mixed photon and neutron irradiation environment. Researchers conduct a wide variety of experiments in nearly every branch of nuclear science.

Annular Core Research Reactor (ACRR)
Auxiliary Hot Cell Facility (AHCF)

The AHCF is a nuclear facility used to characterize, treat, and repackage radioactive and mixed material and waste for reuse, recycling, or ultimate disposal.

Gamma Irradiation Facility (GIF)

The GIF provides high-fidelity simulation of nuclear radiation environments for materials and component testing.

Two colleagues walking outside of GIF building, located in Albuquerque, NM.
High Operating Temperature (HOT)

The HOT site researchers simulate conditions found deep underground to study the effects of heat on the drill rig hammer, and drill into various types of rock.

Two researchers observing effects of heat on the drill rig hammerTwo researchers observing effects of heat on the drill rig hammer
Ion Beam Laboratory (IBL)

The IBL enables scientists to study and modify materials systems using ion and electron accelerators.

Scientist observing materials
Joint Test Assembly (JTA)

JTA program allows critical assessment of weapon systems, Department of Defense (DOD) platforms, and support personnel performance.

Researcher working on a component
National Solar Thermal Test Facility (NSTTF)

Operated by Sandia for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the National Solar Thermal Test Facility (NSTTF) is the only large-scale concentrating solar power (CSP) and solar thermal test facility...

Tower surrounded by large mirrors
Plasma Research Facility (PRF)

The PRF offers collaborators access to cutting edge diagnostic and computational capabilities and the expertise that is needed to set up and execute experiments and analyze data generated during the...

Atmospheric pressure plasma jet
Primary Standards Laboratory (PSL)

The PSL provides technical guidance, support, and consultation and anticipates future measurement needs of the nuclear weapons complex and other DOE programs.

Two researchers observing dimensional measurement systems
Shock Thermodynamic Applied Research Facility (STAR)

The STAR facility provides a full range of pressure (bars to multi-Mbar) for material property study utilizing gas/propellant launchers, ramp-loading pulsers, and ballistic applications.

Ballistic test in launch
Z Pulsed Power Facility

Z is the world’s largest and highest-current pulsed power machine and one of three flagship facilities in the U.S. Inertial Confinement Fusion Program.

Z Pulsed Power Machine

Related Intellectual Property

Title Portfolio Patent Number Grant Date

Current Radiation Effects and High Energy Physics Openings

Current Radiation Effects and High Energy Physics Openings

View All Sandia Openings