Argonne Accomplishments and Discoveries that Advance National Security

PROTECT early-warning system for chemical and biological attacks

Argonne's PROTECT system is an early-warning system that helped protect the 2004 Democratic and Republican National Conventions from the threat of chemical and biological attacks by terrorists. It is currently installed in the Washington, D.C., subway systems to provide early warnings to commuters in the nation's capitol and quick-response capability to emergency first-responders. More...

Sync Matrix emergency response software

Argonne's Sync Matrix technology portfolio is a unique toolset of emergency-preparedness software and systematic, structured services that enables the development of completely integrated, coordinated and synchronized emergency plans. Sync Matrix visually displays information to enable first responders to deliver an impeccably executed, multi-jurisdictional response to a terrorist attack or natural emergency of any source. It is the first and only systems-based application developed to address the complexities of planning and testing emergency responses by multiple agencies, disciplines and jurisdictions. More...

Export control helps prevent WMD proliferation

A reference booklet developed by Argonne is helping customs inspectors around the world stop illicit trafficking of materials and equipment needed for weapons of mass destruction. More…

Biochip technology detects and identifies toxic chemical and biological agents

Biochips are being developed for quick analysis leading to more effective treatment for tuberculosis and other diseases. Biochips can also help to quickly detect and identify toxic chemical and biological agents in the field.

Reduced Enrichment for Research and Test Reactors

A 25-year-old Argonne anti-terrorism program is now a top priority of the U.S. Department of Energy's new Global Threat Reduction Initiative. Argonne's Reduced Enrichment for Research and Test Reactors program works to convert these small reactors across the globe to use fuel that cannot be diverted for use in nuclear weapons. The program's primary objective is to develop the technology to minimize and eventually eliminate use of highly enriched uranium for most civilian applications worldwide. More...

Nuclear submarine reactor

In the early 1950s, Argonne designed the land-based prototype nuclear propulsion reactor that was built by the Westinghouse Corporation as the forerunner of the Naval Propulsion Program. The marine version of this reactor was used to power the world's first nuclear submarine, Nautilus. More...