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NNSA's research spans the spectrum

At NNSA’s labs, plants, and sites, research supporting our vital missions reaches across the electromagnetic spectrum – from radio waves to gamma rays. Sometimes that innovation spills into other areas, too, enabling tomorrow’s technological wonders.

National Nuclear Security Administration

June 16, 2025
The spectrum of NNSA work

At NNSA’s labs, plants, and sites, research supporting our vital missions spans the entire electromagnetic spectrum – from radio waves to gamma rays. It also helps us do our jobs. And sometimes that innovation spills into other areas, too, enabling tomorrow’s scientific and technological wonders.

A graphic with the NNSA logo on it and the word RADIOWAVE joined by graphics of an old-timey radio and a radar scope. The bottom of the illustration depicts where radio waves are on the electromagnetic spectrum.

Radio waves have been used to improve radar data, create ultra-low cost antennas, and transform how we – and maybe the world – build electronics. Read more about radio waves in NNSA.

A graphic with an NNSA logo and the word MICROWAVE joined by an illustration of a 3D printer making a microwave oven. The bottom of the illustration depicts where microwaves are on the electromagnetic spectrum.

Microwaves enable our labs, plants, and sites to cast metals more economically and 3D print much larger and elaborate objects, and more. Read more about microwaves in NNSA.

A graphic with an NNSA logo on it and the word INFRARED depicting a Mars rover's infrared camera casting a beam. The bottom of the illustration depicts its place on the electromagnetic spectrum.

Infrared radiation helps us identify what extraterrestrial rocks are made of from millions of miles away and it helps us understand how water reacts when it’s under enormous pressure. Learn more about infrared in NNSA.

A graphic showing the NNSA logo and the words VISIBLE LIGHT. It also shows a satellite detecting that detects rocket launches. The bottom of the graphic shows where visible light lies on the electromatic spectrum.

Visible light is used in various ways throughout the Nuclear Security Enterprise. It's used to ensure the materials we make are pure, to watch out for rocket launches from space, and to inspect scratches on parts that MUST work. Learn more about visible light in NNSA.

“An illustration with NNSA logo and the word ULTRAVIOLET. The drawing depicts a COVID-19 virus with the pre-amplifier chamber of the National Ignition Facility behind it. The bottom of the graphic shows where ultraviolet light appears on the electromagnetic spectrum.

Ultraviolet radiation passes through giant crystals as laser light aimed at tiny targets in the National Ignition Facility. It has also been tapped as a way to kill pathogens in a crisis. Learn about ultraviolet light in NNSA.

An illustration showing the NNSA logo and the word X-RAY, in the middle is a whimsical black-and-white illustration of a skeleton holding a beaker. The skeleton is wearing protective goggles and a bowtie. The bottom of the illustration shows where X-rays appear in the electromagnetic spectrum.

X-Rays are used to ensure the nuclear stockpile will be ready if needed. They are used to take a snapshot during experiments and to ensure that parts are able to withstand weapon-like conditions. Learn about how X-rays are used by NNSA.

An illustration with the NNSA logo on the and the word GAMMA on the top. It depicts a panda piloting a helicopter. The bottom of the image shows gamma rays' place on the electromagnetic spectrum.

Gamma Rays help NNSA detect nuclear material from on high and are key to a mission that’s out this world. And then there’s the PANDA manual. Learn how gamma rays are used in NNSA.