Science Videos

Los Alamos maintains broad science, technology, and engineering capabilities across multiple disciplines, leveraged to meet the Lab’s diverse national security missions. These videos showcase some of the innovative science supporting our mission.

Innovative Science, Technology & Engineering Supporting Mission

	Additively Manufactured Tamper Evident Container Additively Manufactured Tamper Evident Container is an electro/optical-mechanical system that secures items from disclosure and espionage. The technology uses additive-manufacturing techniques for concurrent creation of a container and arbitrarily complex-shaped 3-D tamper-sensitive features within its walls. Encrypted boards stored inside permanently record the complete security history of the protected items.
	ALArM: Acoustic Large Area Monitoring ALArM is a highly scalable safety system for quickly detecting damage and defects in large structures, such as in the oil and gas industries and civil infrastructure. ALArM’s distributed acoustic sensors and integrated software allow damage monitoring across entire structures, making it a cost-effective solution for a critical need.
	ASSESS: Acoustic Steady-State Excitation Spatial Spectroscopy ASSESS is a full-structure, 3D nondestructive evaluation tool that quickly detects defects in metals (corrosion, cracking), composites (delaminations), and plastics (cracking, delaminations). It leverages continuous ultrasonic excitation and laser Doppler vibrometry to make fast, high-quality inspections at stand-off distances.
	BioManIAC: Bioplastics Manufacturing with Intelligent Adaptive Control BioManIAC uses machine-learning models and polymer informatics to identify and optimize new biopolymer chemistries and physical properties. The technology screens millions of possible polymer combinations to save significant time and resources compared to trial-and-error of traditional R&D. BioManIAC revolutionizes the process of polymer design and optimization.
	EpiGrid EpiGrid is a nimble and user-friendly software package that provides tools for analytical epidemiological decision support. It fully accounts for geographical factors and human interventions that influence epidemic outcomes. EpiGrid is fully documented and includes worked examples that span the relevant epidemiology, biology, geography, and mitigation scenarios.
	K Modules K-Modules are units that power energetic X-ray and electron beam generating devices (Febetrons); they address a 40+ year design stagnation. These newly designed units generate higher energy photons and produce a ~30% higher X-ray dose than existing units, resulting in clearer radiographs. They are also serviceable and more economical to operate. K-Modules are adaptable and allow for potential uses beyond Febetrons such as powering X-ray devices in the medical industry, and fracture detection devices in the petrochemical and gas industry, and for sterilizing food and pharmaceuticals.
	LAROMance LAROMance is a suite of microstructure-informed, data-driven models predicting the mechanical response of several structural engineering metals subjected to extreme environments. These models are integrated into finite element solvers and allow quantifying the effects of the microstructure of the metal on the mechanical performance of engineering structures.
	LightSlingers LightSlingers are a novel type of directional broadband antenna capable of “slinging” tightly focused wave packets with precision toward a target location. Unlike conventional antennas, they use polarization currents, animated to faster-than-light speeds, as their emission mechanism. Sturdy, small, and versatile, they have the potential to disrupt the telecommunications market.
	On-Chip Neuromorphic Backpropagation Algorithm Using massively parallel, low-power neuromorphic hardware, LANL researchers have developed the first implementation of a neuromorphic back-propagation algorithm, the workhorse of modern ML and artificial intelligence (AI) frameworks. The utility of standard ML infrastructure is limited by its power requirements, but the On-Chip Neuromorphic Backpropagation Algorithm (ONBA) enables a wide variety of possible energy efficient neuromorphic ML architectures. This on-chip low-power learning algorithm brings power usage closer to that of the human brain, about 20 W of power.
	SOFIA SOFIA (Spectrometer Optimized for Facility Integrated Applications) is the first ultra-high resolution gamma spectrometer based on low-temperature microcalorimeter technology designed for and demonstrated in nuclear facilities. The instrument provides rapid, high-precision, passive nondestructive analysis to improve nuclear safeguards and security by reducing reliance on costly sampling and time-consuming destructive analysis.
	ADS Codex: Adaptive DNA Storage Codec ADS Codex is a software codec, or translation tool, that allows the ones and zeros of computer binary data to be encoded and decoded from DNA data’s four-letter alphabet nucleotides. It provides a solution to the world’s need to reduce the physical space and energy consumption of long-term data storage.
	CICE Consortium: Providing extensive, accurate sea ice modeling across scales CICE is a computational model that represents changes to sea ice and its interactions with the polar environment and ecosystems. CICE and its support infrastructure are the global standard for sea ice modeling across scales for multiple applications, including scientific research, climate modeling, forecasting, and operations planning.
	EpiCast: Simulating Epidemics with Extreme Detail EpiCast is modeling software that generates a synthetic, representative population to simulate infectious disease transmission in the United States with extreme detail and granularity. The software models human behavior combined with community-specific information to provide a fine-grained preview of the effect of potential mitigation strategies for decision makers.
	ERDE: Earth's Field Resonance Detection and Evaluation device ERDE is a portable nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometer that employs Earth’s magnetic field and can be used anywhere. ERDE provides rapid, accurate, and safe identification of chemicals. Demonstrated on numerous materials and smaller than a microwave oven, ERDE offers higher resolution signatures than conventional superconducting NMR spectroscopy.
	Integrated Chutes and Sensors: Making Biorefineries Commercially Viable Integrated “smart” chute and acoustic sensor technology revolutionizes biomass handling and biorefinery processing. When sensors measure high moisture content in feedstock, the dynamic chutes are triggered to divert this unwanted biomass. The innovative transfer of material avoids costly system plugging and downtime, thereby, greatly increasing the financial viability of biorefineries.
	PEGASUS: Portable EnGineered Analytic Sensor with aUtomated Sampling PEGASUS is a portable, ruggedized, and simple-to-operate biosensor that detects a variety of important and biochemically disparate markers, including bacterial signatures, viral genetic material, toxins, and potential biothreat agents in less than 30 minutes. PEGASUS detects biomarkers from an array of environmental samples, bodily fluids, food supplies, and more.
	Quantum-Ensured Defense for the Smart Electric Grid Quantum-Ensured Defense of the Smart Electric Grid (QED) is a new approach for electric grid security using quantum information. This technique, based on cutting-edge quantum science and network security, uses quantum communications to authenticate and encrypt power grid control signals, protecting it from any third party infiltration.
	SmartTensors AI Platform: Groundbreaking software for latent feature discovery and big data predictions The SmartTensors AI Platform is a scalable, unsupervised machine learning software suite capable of identifying, extracting essential hidden features, and efficiently compressing information in massive datasets. SmartTensors autonomously analyzes and discovers hidden features, signatures, and patterns otherwise undetectable and buried in tens of terabytes of data.
	Terra Spotlight: Novel framework rapidly detects changes from satellite images For the first time ever, Terra Spotlight’s approach identifies changes in satellite-based imagery collected from multiple independent imaging systems. Using a rigorous mathematical framework, Terra Spotlight implicitly aligns the disparate sensing systems, allowing for multi-satellite, multi-physics data fusion and enabling rapid discovery of important changes on the Earth’s surface.
	Amanzi-ATS The open-source software models complex environmental systems across multiple scales. The simulation includes the most complete suite of surface/subsurface processes, allowing users to select physical processes and their coupling interactions without rewriting software.
	Hydrogen Contamination Detector Fuel cells power environmentally clean vehicles, fork lifts, drones, and provide auxiliary power. High-purity hydrogen is essential to avoid poisoning fuel cells. Current analysis methods are costly and cannot detect impurities in real-time. The Hydrogen Contamination Detector measures the two highest impact Department of Energy-identified impurities with a simple, low-cost unit that provides 24/7, point-of-service analysis.
	Legion: A data-centric programming system This open-source, high-performance supercomputing software boosts application performance and speed of computing by automating task scheduling and data movement. Legion was designed from the ground up to enable complex applications to take full advantage of modern exascale systems. The technology is a collaboration between Los Alamos and Stanford University, NVIDIA, Sandia National Laboratories, University of California-Davis, and Stanford Linear Accelerator Laboratory.
	NoLoad CSP: Breaking Through Efficiency Barriers with Computational Storage NoLoad CSP is an integrated computational storage processor that accelerates critical storage system tasks such as compression, erasure coding, and analytics. By embedding functions within the storage fabric, systems designers are able to dramatically increase performance, efficiency, and flexibility while lowering costs and using less CPU power.
	Oleo-Furan Surfactants Made from Renewable Biomass Laundry detergents can be harmful to the environment. OFS is the first surfactant to offer superior cleaning performance in cold and hard water, without the need for additives. OFS is made from renewable biomass in a “clean chemistry” process that doesn’t tax the environment or compete with human food supplies.
	OrganiCam OrganiCam is the first camera for noncontact, nondestructive biodetection in remote environments and space. The compact laser-induced fluorescence imaging camera with Raman spectrometer could identify organic molecules and biosignatures in Martian caves, on icy moons, and on asteroid surfaces. OrganiCam’s robust design for extreme elity, environments, portable operation, and low power requirement build on the Lab’s 50+ years designing robotic instruments for space applications.
	QUIC-Fire The software is the first fast-running, laptop-capable, 3D fire-atmosphere feedback model for complex wildfire and prescribed fire scenarios. It simulates critical influences of 3D vegetation structure, variable winds, interaction between multiple fires, and complex topography at meter-scale spatial resolutions. QUIC-Fire transforms fire and fuel managers’ ability to assess risk, optimize fuel treatments, and plan prescribed burns to prevent catastrophic wildfires.
	Smart Microbial Cell Technology Smart Microbial Cell Technology is an ultra-high-throughput screening platform to engineer custom biocatalysts that enhance the rate of chemical reactions critical in pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, and environmental cleanup. It selects rare mutations needed for biocatalyst optimization orders of magnitude faster than current screening methods.
	Spectroscopic Detection of Nerve Agents (SEDONA) Spectroscopic Detection of Nerve Agents (SEDONA) is the only portable screener to accurately detect chemical nerve agents in unopened bottles, providing results in seconds. SEDONA dramatically reduces the likelihood of a successful nerve agent attack at airports, government buildings, embassies, sporting events, concerts, and political rallies.
	Quantum Security for the Electric Grid Los Alamos and Oak Ridge National Laboratories partnered with the Electric Power Board of Chattanooga, a Tennessee utility and telecommunications company. Their field trials demonstrated the effectiveness of securing electric grid communications using quantum information.
	ALFa LDS: Autonomous, Low-cost, Fast Leak Detection System ALFa LDS (Autonomous, Low-Cost, Fast Leak Detection System) is a robust system for the detection of natural gas leaks. Our first-of-a-kind platform operates 24/7/365 to locate natural gas leaks early, enabling fast repair. The detector distinguishes natural gas leaks from biogenic sources of methane.
	Atomic Armor Atomic Armor is the first and only "tunable" shielding for technological devices. This one-atom-thick coating is customizable so users can control the needed characteristics to extend a device's lifetime and maximize its functionality. It is the thinnest and most durable, flexible and customizable shielding ever made.
	BOM: Next Generation of High-Performance explosives Bis(1,2,4-oxadiazole)bis(methylene) dinitrate, or BOM, is a next-generation explosive. BOM is a higher-performing, less-toxic replacement for TNT. It is 50% more explosive and far less toxic to make and use. BOM is the “green” alternative to TNT because it reduces hazards to human health and the environment.
	FEARCE: Fast, Easy, Accurate, and Robust Continuum Engineering FEARCE is a new software system that predicts complex turbulent flows in combustion engines. Such predictions help designers improve engine performance, enhance fuel efficiency, and reduce pollutant emissions. When it comes to improving engine performance, it doesn’t get any more FEARCE.
	RetroRX: Rapid, Easy Tools for Responding to Outbreaks and Re-emergence Events The complementary tools in RETRO Rx—AIDO and RED Alert—fill a need in the infectious disease surveillance community by creating a new class of analytics in the space between traditional epidemiological models and unanalyzed spreadsheets of data. RETRO Rx compiles data and presents analysis in a clear, concise visual format to support disease mitigation and prevention planning. The tools can be used by analysts, scientists, practitioners, decision makers, and the public at no cost via the Internet.
	Severe Contingency Solver for Electric Power Transmission Analysis The Severe Contingency Solver is a new, free, open-source software that reliably predicts how damage from hurricanes, ice storms, earthquakes, and other extreme events will restrict power delivery from utility grids. It is the only software available—commercially or open-source—that reliably supports analysis of extreme events that cause widespread damage.
	SimCCS^2.0 SimCCS^2.0 is an open-source software package that industry, researchers, and government can use to design CO₂ capture and storage infrastructure that optimally links CO₂ sources (such as power plants) with CO₂ sinks (such as saline aquifers and depleted oil fields) to reduce industry carbon footprints and maximize revenues.
	SPLASH SPLASH is a fully customizable, miniature liquid handling platform technology that can execute sequential operations involved in complex laboratory processes. Its electricity-free, pocket-sized variants bring automated sample preparation and processing to the point of need and resource-limited settings.
	Turbulence In Complex Natural & Engineered Systems Los Alamos National Laboratory applies innovative science, and engineering from multiple disciplines to help solve the nation's toughest technical challenges. Turbulence is one of those complex challenges that impacts many aspects of the environment and energy applications. This video gives an overview of how Los Alamos National Laboratory leverages its fundamental physics research to better understand the important role turbulence plays in complex natural and engineered systems, including oceans, weather and wildfire, wind turbines, and engine efficiency.
	Acoustic Collimated Beam (ACCObeam) A team of Los Alamos scientists has created the Acoustic Collimated Beam (ACCObeam), a novel high-power, low-frequency, collimated sound beam that penetrates deeply and in high resolution for applications such as borehole imaging, explosives threat evaluation, underwater communication, and biomedical imaging.
	Lighthouse Directional Radiation Detectors » The Lighthouse Directional Radiation Detectors developed at Los Alamos National Laboratory transform traditional omnidirectional detectors into directional detectors that can precisely determine the location, amount, and movement of a radioactive source, even in the presence of background radiation.
	Long-Range Wireless Sensor Network » Using decades of experience developing satellite components for the harsh space environment, Los Alamos National Laboratory researchers invented the Long-range Wireless Sensor Network (LRWSN), a low-power sensor network that is self-forming and self-healing and can affordably collect, process, and transmit data over long distances in rugged and remote outdoor environments.
	Turbulence & Mix in Extreme Environments » Los Alamos National Laboratory studies turbulence and mix in extreme environments to help fulfill its national security mission to ensure the safety, reliability, and performance of the US nuclear weapons stockpile. Experimental and computer-simulation projects at Los Alamos enhance our understanding and ability to predict turbulence and mixing in complex flows, at all scales, from the very small to the astronomical. This video describes some of the Los Alamos national security research conducted into turbulence and mix in extreme environments..
	Universal Bacteria Sensor » Scientists at Los Alamos National Laboratory have looked to the human immune system to develop the Universal Bacterial Sensor (UBS)—a unique technology that mimics biological recognition of bacterial pathogens, requiring only a small volume of sample to detect all pathogens quickly, simply, and efficiently without prior knowledge of what they might be.
	Video-Based Dynamic Measurement & Analysis (ViDeoMAgic) » Engineers at Los Alamos National Laboratory have developed ViDeoMAgic (Video-based Dynamic Measurement & Analysis), a revolutionary new technology that uses video of a vibrating structure and extracts high-spatial-resolution structural vibration and dynamics information to measure the dynamic response and analyze the health of civil, mechanical, and aerospace structures.
	Discrete Fracture Network Modeling Suite (dfnWorks) » Discrete Fracture Network Modeling Suite (dfnWorks) is a computational suite that simulates and predicts the flow and transport of fluids through underground fractured rock. It covers length scales that range from millimeters to kilometers, can run on computers as small as a laptop and as large as a supercomputer and requires minimal effort to create representative models. Applications for dfnWorks include helping catch rogue nations performing underground nuclear tests and maximizing the extraction of natural gas, oil and geothermal wells while minimizing environmental impacts.
	Space Hazards Induced near Earth by Large, Dynamic Storms (SHIELDS) » Space Hazards Induced near Earth by Large, Dynamic Storms (SHIELDS) protects communication, navigation, and scientific satellites orbiting Earth’s magnetosphere by predicting hazards resulting from solar storms that cause space weather. Space weather could damage onboard electronics in satellites and thus interrupt radio and television reception, disrupt the operation of cellphones and GPS, shut down the Internet and endanger military and civilian operations. Researchers developed the software platform to understand, model, and predict this weather about an hour before it hits satellites, enabling instruments to be placed in a safe mode.
	Tiny Device Mimics Human Lung Function » Pulmonary Lung Model (PuLMo) is a miniature, tissue-engineered lung developed to revolutionize the screening of new drugs or toxic agents. PuLMo has the potential to enable screening of new drugs more effectively by improving the reliability of pre-clinical testing and saving time, money and lives. PuLMo also could be used as a platform to study the flow dynamics of particles inside a lung for applications in drug delivery and particle/pathogen deposition studies.