May 09 Issue - Employee Monthly Magazine

Photo by Robb Kramer

Science on target

Laida Valdez of Polymers and Coatings attaches a shield to a target. Using a cat whisker, Valdez applies an ultraviolet curing epoxy to attach the shield. The completed target will be used in an experiment to determine the effect of an asymmetric drive on the implosion of a fusion capsule. This particular step is part of a much longer assembly process in which 14 targets are assembled. Each target is completed using multiple techniques involving several different workstations, along with a few stages that are completely freehand. Valdez uses a scope that displays high-resolution images (on monitor above Valdez) of the small assembly, often much less than 1/100th of a cubic centimeter.

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• Chief electrical safety officer raises the bar
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• Powered by innovation
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• Science on target
• My View: LDRD an investment in the Lab’s future (Bill Priedhorsky)
• Kudos
• Notebook
• Our Goals: Caring for the environment
• Spotlight: Safety…part of everything we do