[en] The Nonlinear Optics Group (NLOG) at Soreq NRC is engaged in the development of fundamental and applied technology in the related fields of nonlinear optics and laser development. Our work in nonlinear optics started with the goal of improving laser performance. These efforts were successful and opened the way for R and D in nonlinear optics for other applications. Today we use nonlinear optics to enable continuous tunability of lasers, control the path of light beams, modulate a light signal rapidly, provide optical data storage, and supply new means of microscopically probing biological and inorganic samples. Technology maturation and interaction with users will show which aspects of nonlinear optics will make the most impact

[en] The high linear attenuation coefficient of steel, uranium and uranium based alloys is associated with the small penetration depth of X-rays with the usual wavelength used for diffraction. Nevertheless, by using the proper surface preparation technique, it is possible of obtaining surfaces with bulk properties (free of residual mechanical microstrain). Taking advantage of the feasibility to obtain well prepared surfaces, extensive work has been conducted in studying XRD line broadening effects from flat polycrystalline samples of steel, uranium and uranium alloys

[en] This paper reviews several R and D activities associated with the subject of passive cooling systems, conducted by the N.R.C.Negev thermohydraulic group. A short introduction considering different types of thermosyphons and their applications is followed by a detailed description of the experimental work, its results and conclusions. An ongoing research project is focused on the evaluation of the external dry air passive containment cooling system (PCCS) in the AP-600 (Westinghouse advanced pressurized water reactor). In this context some preliminary theoretical results and planned experimental research are for the fature described

[en] Selecting the research efforts to be highlighted in the Israel Atomic Energy Commission's Annual Report from the large body and broad spectrum of ongoing work is not an easy task. The extensive bibliography of published results attached to the report attests to the scope of this difficulty. Of the many worthwhile projects, four were chosen to represent best the current trends in the continuing R and D program at the research centers of the Israel Atomic Energy Commission. One of these trends is the growing cooperation with private industry, in an attempt to gear our R and D programs to respond to market demands. Another feature, noted already several years ago, is the extensive collaboration of our scientists and engineers with colleagues at other institutions, in Israel and abroad. some of the work reported is part of evolving international industrial cooperation projects, illustrating both these trends. Following a trend common to many nuclear research centers around the world, a substantial part of our research effort is non-nuclear in nature. This is illustrated in the first article, which deals with advances in the application of non-linear optics in diverse fields of science and technology. These include state-of-the-art solid-state lasers, rapid modulation of light signals, development and generation of tunable sources of coherent light, optical data storage and the microscopic probing of biological and inorganic samples. The present work reports on a range of R and D, from the fundamentals of non-linear optical materials to proof-of-principle demonstrations of non-linear subwavelength resolution microscopy, to fabrication of prototype commercial tunable laser systems The second report considers the microstrain characteristics in some alloys using X-ray diffraction (XRD). The research utilizes XRD line broadening effects to study the characteristics of alloys from especially prepared surfaces. These characteristics include the homogeneity of alloying, hardness and residual thermal stress. Although this work is of a more basic nature, its applications are already in sight. The third report describes the utilization of passive, dry-air cooling systems for major installations, such as cooling the containment of the Westinghouse AP-600 advanced pressurized water reactor. Good and economic passive dry-air cooling systems would be among the best solutions for containment cooling at inland sites, especially in arid areas. Noninvasive medical diagnostic methods utilizing radioactive materials have been standard far many years. The most common of these relies on using a gamma camera to determine the distribution of injected or ingested radioisotope-labeled compounds in the human body. The 30-year-old camera technology, although vastly improved over the years, is still handicapped by energy and spatial resolution limitations of the detectors, by the size and bulk of the instrument and other technical problems. The need for further development of an improved, more efficient and compact imaging system is clear. Such a system, based on solid-state detectors, is described in the last report. I would like to commend the authors of the selected presentations as well as the entire staff of the Israel Atomic Energy Commission for their valuable contributions and achievements and wish them all further success in their continuing fruitful endeavors