CONVERSION OF A WEAPONS LAB: THE GENERAL PHYSICS INSTITUTE, MOSCOW AND ITS USE OF LASER TECHNOLOGY IN SAFEGUARDS APPLICATIONS

Year
2000
Author(s)
J.S. Kraus - Aquila Technologies Group, Inc.
M. Ondrik - Aquila Technologies Group, Inc.
S. Kadner - Aquila Technologies Group
W. Doyle - Aquila Technologies Group
A. Nadezhdinskii - General Physics Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences
A. Berezin - General Physics Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences
Abstract
The Diode Laser Spectroscopy Lab (DLS) of the Natural Sciences Center (NSC) of the General Physics Institute (GPI) in Moscow was established in 1989 and is a pioneer and leader of Tunable Diode Laser Spectroscopy in Russia. The Laboratory is one of few world centers that handles all ranges of research starting from the high resolution infrared spectroscopy and diode laser investigations to applications and instrumentation – highly sensitive, high resolution gas analysis in medicine, environmental protection, and other technologies. In addition, GPI has in the past been active in applying the theories of physics and mathematics in conducting successful vulnerability assessments for various customers, including the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The DLS Lab has developed several laboratory models for measurement of various substances, including atmospheric pollution, methane, explosives, alcohol (ethanol), etc. Unlike currently available methods, the DLS Lab method can detect and characterize these elements at the molecular level utilizing laser spectroscopy technology. This paper will discuss GPI’s successes in contributing to international safeguards, including vulnerability assessments, and explore the potential uses for GPI technologies in the detection of chemical or biological weapon elements and/or precursors.