Photonics capabilities are supported and broadened through a working consortium that spans ORNL and the Oak Ridge Complex. Signal Processing capabilities are leading edge, especially for real-time processes. The spectrum of capabilities include both fast Fourier and wavelet transform technologies. Our digital signal processing capability is currently pushing the processing speed envelope at 23 Gflops in real time. The Division's Image Processing capabilities combine signal processing and photonics expertise to allow real-time detection and classification of features and flaws in manufacturing processes.
Sensors are the fundamental components of a measurement or control system.
Technologies and expertise are available to measure or observe virtually all physical, chemical, and biological phenomena. Particularly distinguishing capabilities exist for development, fabrication, and testing of detectors for measuring ionizing and nonionizing radiation. Controls and Simulation have been developed and used in process control systems, manufacturing systems, and safety system, and ultrareliable applications such as nuclear reactor control and protection systems. One of our simulators' transient and accident modeling capabilities is applicable to a wide variety of nuclear reactor designs and includes very detailed 3-D core models with interactive graphics. The modular approach taken by our engineers is applicable to most large, complex control systems and may be used for system development or personnel training.