Dr. David Hooper
Senior Staff Scientist and Group Lead
Incident Modeling and Computational Sciences Group
Nuclear Nonproliferation Division
Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Abstract

As new methods are being developed for quantum communications links between satellites and ground stations, a question was raised about the sensitivity of such systems to potential nuclear weapons effects. To answer this question, ORNL assembled a multidisciplinary team to investigate the interaction between quantum optical communications channels and nuclear effects such as incident debris, secondary luminescence (“redout”) or the production of artificial radiation belts in the upper atmosphere. This presentation summarizes the duration and significance of these effects over a variety of theoretical scenarios.

Biography

David Hooper is a Senior R&D Staff Member at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the Group Leader of the Incident Modeling and Computational Sciences Group of the Nuclear Nonproliferation Division. His current research focuses on post-detonation nuclear forensics modeling and analysis, nuclear facility accident risk and consequence assessment, and health effects of radiological/nuclear debris. Prior to joining Oak Ridge, David earned his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Wyoming in 2001. He then taught at the Nuclear Power School for the Navy before earning a M.S. and Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering, along with an M.S. in Statistics, from the University of Tennessee. His work experience ranges from fallout and nuclear accident modeling, analysis, and forensics, to nuclear safeguards modeling and application.

Thursday, March 6. 2025
4:10 pm seminar

zoom link upon request