Nuclear & Chemical Sciences

Nuclear Detection Technology—We are deeply involved in developing new detection systems to reduce nuclear threats. Our scientists also study the Solar System, neutrinos, and newly discovered particles while searching for the missing matter in the universe.

Physics at the Frontiers—To further our understanding of the most fundamental constituents of nature and their interactions, our researchers pursue compelling scientific problems through collaborations on key NNSA and Office of Science projects.

Structure and Reactions of Nuclei—Our vision for research in low-energy nuclear physics will push the frontiers of understanding by weaving together our capabilities in theory and experiment to fully capitalize on our nation’s investments in FRIB and high-performance computing.

Analytical and Forensic Science—Our scientists advance forensic science related to chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive threats by developing innovative extraction materials, analytical techniques, and assay methodologies.

Radiochemistry—Our research in radiochemistry explores nuclear reactions, the limits of nuclear stability, and the properties of the heaviest elements.

LLNL’s Nuclear and Chemical Sciences Division (NACS) offers deep expertise in physics and chemistry, allowing the advancement of scientific understanding, capabilities, and technologies in nuclear and particle physics, radiochemistry, forensic science, and isotopic signatures.

Every day, we focus on fundamental science, such as developing cutting-edge tools to uncover new chemical signatures or studying plasma effects on nuclear reactions. Combined with our experience conducting programmatic work in nuclear and chemical science, we provide innovative solutions for a range of national security problems.

Our world-class capabilities in radiation detection, chemical and nuclear forensic science, isotope geochemistry, and environmental radiochemistry also contribute to scientific advancements that help make the world safer.

We explore the chemistry of heavy elements (and discover new ones), chase elusive new particles, and answer important scientific questions about dark matter, neutrino physics, nuclear structure, nucleosynthesis, and the origins of the universe.

In addition to our technical mission, we actively build our expertise by collaborating with the scientific community, organizing summer schools, working closely with the Glenn T. Seaborg Institute, and hiring postdocs.

Explore this page to learn more about the people, research, and resources that support our mission.

Dawn Shaughnessy

Division Leader

+19254229574

[email protected]

David Weisz

Deputy Division Leader, Operations

+19254220971

[email protected]

Ron Soltz

Deputy Division Leader, Science & Technology

+19254232647

[email protected]

Sharon Taberna

Division Administrator

+19254236290

[email protected]

Group Leader: Amy Gaffney

Our researchers investigate the origin, history, and formation processes of nuclear, geological, and extraterrestrial materials using high precision isotopic analyses.

A core focus for our group is the use of isotopic and radiochronometry signatures of nuclear materials and environmental samples to evaluate the provenance and production history for nuclear forensics, nuclear safeguards, and nuclear non-proliferation. Our research in these areas involves developing new analysis approaches for high resolution isotopic measurements of actinides and stable metals, as well as new signatures for a range of nuclear material types. We also develop unique reference materials that support metrologically traceable actinide and radiochronometry measurements and research novel approaches for trace actinide analysis of environmental sample matrices.

With our dynamic research program in cosmochemistry, we use the chronology, geochemistry, and isotopic composition of samples from the Moon, Mars, and asteroids to answer questions that are fundamental to understanding our origin, including the early evolution of the Solar System and how and when planetary bodies such as the Earth, Moon, and Mars formed. Our current projects involve the study of lunar samples that were collected during the Apollo missions and analysis of material recently returned by missions to the Ryugu and Bennu asteroids.

Group leader: Enrica Balboni

The Environmental Isotope Systems (EIS) group conducts cutting-edge research in environmental sciences, earth sciences, biogeochemistry, and environmental radiochemistry. Our work addresses critical challenges in climate, water security, and energy security, which are central to the Department of Energy (DOE) mission and national security.

A key focus of our group is the application of stable, cosmogenic, and anthropogenic isotope systems to trace biogeochemical processes, microbial metabolism, water dynamics, and contaminants in the environment.

Our areas of research include:

The role of microbial and viral communities in the terrestrial carbon cycle and negative carbon dioxide emissions
Identifying how microbiomes shape productivity of bioenergy-relevant plant and algal crops
Tracing groundwater to predict climate change impacts on water resources
Applying stable isotope measurements and capabilities in support of nuclear materials analysis, the water cycle, and the evolution of astromaterials through time
Determining the impacts of subsurface biogeochemistry controls on the transport of actinides in the environment and enhance our fundamental knowledge in actinide chemistry

Our research involves a wide variety of radio- and stable-isotope enabled methods and inorganic mass spectrometric techniques, including (cryo) NanoSIMS (Nanoscale Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometer) isotopic imaging, stable isotope mass spectrometry, and spectroscopy. Many projects emphasize the use of novel techniques and new methods, including new isotope-enabled tracing methods for microbial, soil, and groundwater systems and the development of new mass spectrometry-based techniques for nuclear forensics applications.

Our research is primarily funded by the DOE of Biological and Environmental Research and the National Nuclear Security Administration.

Group Leader: Katelyn Mason

We provide key scientific and technological subject matter expertise to the Laboratory’s Forensic Science Center (FSC) and Intelligence Program. In the FSC, we:

Research the physicochemical and physiological effects of chemical threat agents
Evaluate novel chemical synthesis methods and specific chemical signatures associated with these methods
Develop analytical methods to determine and support source forensics studies
Investigate biomedical exposure signatures
Manage consequences and related activities
Create new approaches to traditional forensic methods
Develop environmental and medical countermeasures

Through our participation in the Laboratory’s Intelligence Program, we provide comprehensive technical assessments and operational support to U.S. weapons of mass destruction counterproliferation and counterterrorism missions.

Group leader: Ruth Kips

The MicroAnalytical Signatures Group focuses primarily on non-destructive analyses of solid samples (powders, pellets, and other solid materials) for nuclear forensics, nuclear non-proliferation, material science, cosmochemistry, materials science, and many other applications.

We work collaboratively with other groups in the NACS Division and analyze samples at the (sub)-micron level using state-of-the-art imaging instrumentation and other probing techniques, such as:

Optical microscopy

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with Energy-Dispersive X-ray Analysis (EDX)

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM)

Electron microprobe (EPMA)

Focused ion beam (FIB)

X-ray diffraction (XRD) and micro-XRD

X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF)

Secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS)

Gas Pycnometry

Our team consists of geologists, analytical chemists, material scientists, microscopists, and data scientists who can help determine what instrument is best for answering the research question(s) at hand.

Environmental Radiochemistry and Detection

Group Leader: Richard Bibby

ERAD specializes in measuring low level radionuclides in a variety of environmental samples. From water to soil to vegetation, ERAD performs benchtop chemistry in challenging matrices for plutonium, uranium, gamma emitters, and other nuclides of interest.

Beyond working with standard methods, ERAD staff develop novel methods of analysis. For example, ERAD developed new methods for detecting naturally occurring isotopes to support hydrology studies, expanding the toolkit of analytical options for the community. Combined with benchtop chemistry, ERAD utilizes a suite of nuclear counting instrumentation including alpha spectroscopy, gamma spectroscopy, liquid scintillation counting, and gas flow proportional counters to detect radionuclides at sub-picocurie levels.

Nuclear Counting Facility

Group Leader: Keenan Thomas

Located two floors underground and shielded by layers of radiation-absorbing materials to minimize background interference, the NCF offers cutting-edge, high-sensitivity radiation measurement capabilities to support a wide range of projects and experiments across LLNL.

From applications in fundamental nuclear physics and chemistry to the National Ignition Facility, stockpile stewardship, nuclear forensics, energy research, nuclear data, nonproliferation, safeguards, and NEST initiatives, the NCF is a critical resource for advancing scientific and technological goals.

The NCF is distinguished by its capacity, flexibility, and efficiency in processing large sample sets, enabling rapid and precise radiation measurements. Key capabilities include:

Gamma-ray spectrometry

Equipped with dozens of highly calibrated high-purity germanium (HPGe) detectors housed in lead-shielded counting stations.
Offers a wide range of detector geometries, including planar, semi-planar, and coaxial systems with relative efficiencies ranging from 7% to 180%.
Includes systems enhanced with ultralow background upgrades or customizable for coincidence measurements.
Achieves high throughput through automated sample changers, advanced data processing automation, and a suite of legacy and custom tools.
Combines commercial and custom solutions to ensure tailored data collection and processing for diverse project needs.

Alpha and beta counting

Features dozens of solid-state charged particle detectors housed in vacuum chambers for spectroscopic analysis.
Supports precision counting with gas-filled proportional counters for gross alpha/beta detection techniques.

Custom solutions

Continually develops and integrates new, customized solutions to address unique project requirements, providing cutting-edge support for evolving scientific challenges.

With its advanced technology, adaptability, and commitment to innovation, the NCF is an essential resource for high-sensitivity radiation measurement and analysis at LLNL.

Group Leader: Sofia Quaglioni

We research nuclear theory to provide a fundamental understanding of atomic nuclei, their role in the universe, and how they impact LLNL’s national security missions.

Utilizing LLNL’s high-performance computing resources and building on innovations in machine-learning and quantum computing, we explore the nuclear many-body problem, beginning with the glue that binds quarks into protons and neutrons and how these protons and neutrons bind into the nuclei that make up most of the visible matter in the universe.

We develop new theories and computational tools to describe nuclear reactions ranging from fusion to fission, which are responsible for powering the stars, forging the elements in the cosmos, and are the source of energy in nuclear weapons. We not only characterize these reactions with fundamental theories, but we also evaluate and tabulate them in extensive numerical libraries using ground-breaking formats for use in transport codes and provide enhanced support for high-fidelity uncertainty quantification studies.

Group Leader: Tashi Parsons-Davis

We perform fundamental and applied research and development in nuclear science, including developing and implementing advanced experimental methods, nuclear target fabrication, radiochemical separations, radioanalytical techniques, and data evaluation and interpretation capabilities.

We support the National Ignition Facility (NIF), stockpile stewardship, technical nuclear forensics, basic science, and intelligence programs at LLNL. We also collaborate with national and internal groups in areas such as the chemistry and physics of the heaviest elements, automated radiochemistry, NIF radiochemical measurements, post-detonation debris diagnostics, radioisotope production and harvesting, and fireball condensation chemistry.

We specialize in radiochemical separations to isolate subtle nuclear signatures from a wide variety of matrices, as well as in the preparation and exploitation of unique target materials for nuclear data measurements.

Our responsibilities include:

Leading experiments at NIF involving capsules doped with purified target radionuclides for nuclear reaction cross section measurements of importance to stockpile stewardship and nuclear astrophysics.
Radiochemical diagnostics at NIF, including operational analytic measurements and the conduct of dedicated laser shots to assess specific isotope properties within extraordinary plasma environments.
Radiochemical evaluations of nuclear device performance in support of the stockpile stewardship and post-detonation nuclear forensics missions, providing essential data to constrain the design physics models developed by LLNL’s Strategic Deterrence and Global Security directorates.
Leading the detailed forensic analyses of real-world nuclear smuggling samples interdicted (or otherwise obtained) by law-enforcement and intelligence-community agencies.
Leading production of complex and realistic surrogate nuclear debris materials for exercises and quality assurance in the national technical nuclear forensics program.
Method development and fabrication of unique targets and sources in support of isotope production, nuclear physics experiments, space exploration and other applications.

Group Leader: Jonathan Dreyer

The security of nuclear and radiological weapons and materials is a major concern for LLNL. Improved capabilities are needed to address nuclear proliferation detection, arms control verification, nuclear safeguards, nuclear terrorism prevention, and consequence management.

Our mission is to apply nuclear physics, high energy physics, and astrophysics science, technology, and expertise to address the illicit production or diversion of special nuclear material and related threats. Our domain expertise, as well as knowledge we’ve obtained from participating with and training first responders, allows us to develop better instrumentation, improved signatures, and new analysis techniques for the detection, classification, identification, localization, tracking, and defeat of the unauthorized use of nuclear materials.

We are a conduit between the nuclear and high energy physics communities and LLNL’s Global Security Directorate research needs. Within LLNL, we communicate program needs to NACS science and technology staff while helping to make NACS capabilities accessible to the programs. Outside of LLNL, we recruit expertise from and foster collaborations with the nuclear science and engineering communities, publish results in peer-reviewed scientific journals, and track placement opportunities in universities, national laboratories, and industry.

Group leader: Mike Heffner

Particle physics explores the fundamental building blocks of matter and the forces that govern their interactions, seeking answers to some of the universe's most profound mysteries.

Our group conducts cutting-edge research across a diverse range of topics, including:

Advancing xenon-based detectors: Optimizing technologies to search for neutrinoless double-beta decay, a discovery that could reveal how the universe came into existence.
Probing nuclear matter under extreme conditions: Investigating the dense states of matter created in heavy-ion collisions at the Large Hadron Collider at CERN and the Relativistic Heavy-Ion and Electron-Ion Colliders (RHIC) at Berkeley National Laboratory.
Searching for sterile neutrinos: Using innovative methods like superconducting tunnel junctions and suspended nanoparticles to find these elusive particles.

Beyond fundamental research, we apply our expertise to practical projects, such as satellite-based nuclear explosion monitoring, neutron test beams, and direct air capture of xenon.

Our work on neutrinoless double-beta decay has the potential to explain how the universe evolved into a stable, matter-dominated state—an enduring mystery tied to the physics of the big bang. Similarly, we study relativistic heavy-ion collisions to provide insights into the dense matter that existed at the universe's inception, and probe partonic degrees of freedom using ultra-peripheral collisions.

Group Leader: Nathaniel Bowden

In both fundamental and applied nuclear physics, researchers and users of radiation detection equipment are often confronted with the problem of extracting a weak signal from a copious background. Broadly, this area of research is sometimes referred to as rare event detection.

Our group develops advanced methods for measuring a relatively narrow class of rare events: keV-MeV scale energy depositions arising from neutral particles, including gamma-rays, neutrons, neutrinos, and the vanishingly rare—and still hypothetical—dark matter particle. Neutral particle detectors in this energy range are crucial for fundamental science, especially particle astrophysics, but also for applied nuclear science, including nuclear nonproliferation, arms control, and nuclear materials monitoring.

Nuclear security applications and fundamental nuclear science may appear disparate but are in reality closely connected. Our training in both areas allows us and the Laboratory to effectively exploit the strong technological synergies that exist between them.

We lead or participate in ongoing international fundamental science collaborations, including:

The LUX/LZ Dark Matter experiment
The ADMX axion dark matter search experiment
The PROSPECT sterile neutrino search experiment
The Project 8 neutrino mass measurement experiment
The BeEST sterile neutrino search experiment

With different optimizations, the same concepts allow us to develop innovative gamma-ray, neutron, and antineutrino detectors to improve International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards, to verify nuclear arms control agreements, and to screen and characterize nuclear material in a wide range of monitoring contexts. Examples include passive and active gamma-ray tomographic systems for spent fuel, segmented scintillator arrays for precise characterization of fissile content in shielded materials, remote monitoring and exclusion of nuclear reactors using antineutrino detectors, and novel detectors for characterizing the fissile content of spent fuel using information derived from antineutrino spectra.

More information about our research is available on the Neutrino Physics at LLNL website.

Our work was featured in a Science Friday spotlight titled “Looking at Light for Signs of Dark Matter.”

Group Leader: Bryan Bandong

With a staff of nuclear scientists, engineers, radiochemists, health physicists, and radiation safety and protection subject matter experts, our group is uniquely positioned to support mission-critical programs in nuclear threat reduction covering nuclear counterterrorism and counterproliferation, nuclear security, nonproliferation and arms control, and nuclear incident response and consequence management.

Our research and development activities focus on advanced radiation detection and nuclear measurements for applications in:

Technical nuclear forensics and countermeasures
Next generation technical safeguards and global threat reduction initiatives
Arms control and nuclear compliance verification, including assisting the U.S. government in interagency and international treaty negotiations and monitoring

We are actively involved in developing concepts of operations (CONOPS) and conducting research, testing, and evaluation of field systems to support programs led by various international and regional organizations, as well as U.S. federal agencies. Our work focuses on nuclear safeguards implementation and infrastructure, global nuclear and radiological security, nuclear and radiological emergency response, consequence management, preventive radiological and nuclear detection architectures, and system engineering.

Our activities include:

Development, setup, testing, and evaluation of land-based or aerial/marine-borne detection systems customized to the needs and applications of federal, state, and local law-enforcement agencies
Outreach, training, and field exercises on the use of portable or fieldable detection systems for first responders from national and international partners
Technical support for radiological and nuclear threat assessment
Modeling and simulating radiation detector response
Measuring and enhancing in nuclear decay data and reaction cross sections
Fabrication of high-fidelity, realistic surrogate radiological/nuclear materials for use in method development, validation of laboratory-based analytical techniques, and testing and evaluation of field detection systems

Group Leader: David Willingham

Our group applies the most sensitive spectroscopy and spectrometry techniques to measure samples of interest with the highest accuracy and precision. The scientific and technical subject matter experts in our group are recognized as world leaders in measurement science and continually push the boundaries of how much information can be extracted from even the smallest of samples.

By employing a suite of experimental methods—from top-of-the-line commercial instruments to one-of-a-kind homemade instruments—we can assess almost any analyte from almost any matrix. This research contributes to a number of LLNL’s mission spaces, including pre- and post-detonation nuclear forensics, nonproliferation, material production, cosmochemistry, and much more.

Areas of technical expertise include:

Trace element analysis using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS)
Class 1000 clean room facility
Uranium Sourcing Database (USDb)
Rapid microwave, heat, and pressure digestion of a wide range of materials
Noble Gas Laboratory
Cosmochemistry
Resonance Ionization Mass Spectrometry (RIMS)
Atomic Vapor Laser Isotope Separation (AVLIS)