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Conference Spotlight
2026 Nuclear Energy Conference & Expo (NECX)
August 24–27, 2026
Dallas, TX|Hilton Anatole
Latest Magazine Issues
Jul 2026
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2026
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Nuclear Science and Engineering
September 2026
Nuclear Technology
August 2026
Fusion Science and Technology
Latest News
Laser-crystal sensor measures strong magnetic fields in challenging environments
Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have patented a magneto-optical sensor, which uses a rare earth crystal and laser light to measure the strength of intense magnetic fields and electrical currents.
“We think this technology is a pretty major improvement in measuring magnetic fields,” said Israel Owens, a Sandia physicist and co-inventor of the sensor. “We think it’ll be essential especially for research in fusion, high-energy physics, and the power utilities industry. We’re really excited about where things are going.”
Technical Session|Panel|Panels
Saturday, April 5, 2025|3:15–4:35PM MDT|Tijeras
Session Chair:
Osman Anderoglu
Alternate Chair:
G. Ivan Maldonado
Session Organizer:
Ashley Machado
From sodium cooled fast fission reactors to liquid lead lithium blankets in fusion reactors, liquid metals play a crucial role in nuclear technologies. This panel will discuss current research and industry projects involving liquid metals, examining their scope, and how the nuclear industry as a whole stands to benefit. A majority of the focus will be given to the design, objectives, and lessons learned from liquid metal facilities such as the Lobo Lead Loop and the upcoming Lobo Lead-Lithium Loop. Additionally, the discussion will cover the future of liquid metals as coolants in both fusion and fission reactors within the scope of these two research projects.
Son Quang
Univ. Tennessee, Knoxville
Jennifer Espersen
Xavier Angus
Univ. New Mexico
Daniel Levario