RF Pasteurization. The U.S. Department of Energy's Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) and U.S. Department of Agriculture's Eastern Regional Research Center (ERRC) are conducting research on using a non-thermal technique to pasteurize raw liquid foods such as milk, eggs, and fruit juice. The research has shown that bacteria in raw liquid foods can be destroyed by strong electric fields, and that liquid foods can be "Cold Pasteurized" using low-frequency radio-frequency waves. (More)

Micro-Aviation Vehicles. This project is conducted in support of the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory's (NRL) Micro Air Vehicle (MAV) Program, which involves fundamental research and development of aerodynamics and airframes for novel concepts in unconventional miniature aircraft design. MAVs generally have a wingspan of less than two feet and weigh less than a pound. These aircraft are expected to perform useful surveillance missions. (More)

Miniature Integrated Nuclear Detection System (MINDS). Since early FY 2001, the Army's Picatinny Arsenal (PICA) has supported the development of a miniature system for the detection and identification of radioactive materials that could be used for nuclear or "dirty bombs". The technology was recently licensed to InSitech, a not-for-profit spin off from PICA, for the commercial development of the MINDS system for both homeland security and defense applications. (More)

Hibachi Window Project. This effort involves the development of an electron beam transmission window for use in a KrF laser system in support of direct-drive inertial fusion energy. This project includes the study, design, and production of thin "hibachi" windows fabricated from silicon wafers (~ 100 micron thick) coated with a ~ 1.2 micron thick nano-crystalline diamond coating. (More)

Analysis of residual gases in Pulse Neutron Generator Tools. Schlumberger-EMR Photoelectric /Princeton Technology Center and PPPL have developed a close working relationship over the past several years. Currently, PPPL is being supported by Schlumberger to perform analysis of residual gases in their Pulse Neutron Generator tools. These devices are employed for down hole oil field operations, operate at high temperatures (~ 175 C) and high voltages (~ 100 kV) and require the use of SF6 for electrical insulation/standoff. These sealed tools include a small D-T neutron tube in their envelope. PPPL has expertise in these types of analyses which are similiar to analysis performed during the TFTR D-T regime.

Terrestrial Planet Finder (TPF) Program. PPPL is consulting with Princeton University on the development of a high angular tolerance Pupil (Coronagraph) employing MEMS technology for the Terrestrial Planet Finder Program. The project which is funded through JPL is tasked with developing a viable mask and optics for the detection of ex-solar system planets revolving around stars ~ > 45 light years from Earth.