Oak Ridge National Laboratory

09/05/2026

📸 ORNL in Focus: This may look like a bottle of crystals, but it's actually the result of a new process for separating rare earth elements.

Rare earth elements are essential for technologies ranging from electronics to energy systems, and new separation methods like this one could make the process more efficient.

09/03/2026

A new AI-guided system can autonomously arrange molecules to build functional materials one molecule at a time, opening new possibilities for electronics and quantum materials.

ORNL researchers designed the system to use artificial intelligence to guide an ultra-sharp microscope tip and move individual molecules into place.

The approach could eventually flip the materials design process so scientists could define the electronic properties they need, and then use AI to determine and build the molecular structure required to produce them.

Published: September 1, 2026 Updated: September 1, 2026 AI guides an ultra-sharp microscope tip to push single molecules across copper, automatically building custom atom-scale patterns — advancing design of new electronics and quantum materials. Credit: Andy Sproles/ORNL, U.S. Dept. of Energy Ima...

09/02/2026

Exciting news: ORNL earned a new lab record with 22 R&D 100 Awards this year for technologies that advance energy, manufacturing, computing, biotechnology and other fields.

ORNL led 18 of the winning technologies and contributed to four additional award-winning projects led by partner institutions. Read more: https://bit.ly/4gxRPZr

08/31/2026

New nuclear fuels need rigorous testing before they can support longer reactor lifetimes or advanced reactor technologies.

At ORNL, the High Flux Isotope Reactor, or HFIR, provides the intense neutron flux, flexible experiment platforms and fuel testing expertise needed to generate critical performance data.

A new paper outlines how HFIR can help move nuclear fuels from early-stage concepts toward qualification.

Here's how ⬇️
https://bit.ly/4qEQUcU

08/29/2026

📸 ORNL in Focus: What do you think is happening in this photo?

At first glance, it just looks like a tiny metal drill bit under bright lights, but those lights are actually part of an imaging system that captures precise measurements of tool wear.

At the Manufacturing Demonstration Facility, researchers measure how cutting tools wear over time. Those measurements train AI models that can predict tool life and optimize machining before problems occur, helping manufacturers reduce waste, lower costs, and improve productivity.

08/28/2026

ORNL researchers have developed a hybrid manufacturing method that could simplify production of complex metal parts, reduce costs and reliance on overseas manufacturing, and strengthen U.S. supply chains for nuclear energy and defense applications.

Combining electroforming and 3D printing for leak-free components Published: August 24, 2026 Updated: August 24, 2026 A hybrid manufacturing process combines 3D printing, electroforming and hot isostatic pressing to produce critical components for advanced nuclear reactors and other energy and defen...

08/27/2026

ORNL scientists created a high-confidence toolkit that makes it easier and faster to engineer microorganisms for biotechnology applications.

Read more: https://bit.ly/4y1wvRV

08/26/2026

ORNL’s seventh annual Quantum Computing User Forum strengthened collaborations across the quantum community.

Learn more about how ORNL is developing the technologies, software ecosystem and workforce needed to make quantum computing a practical tool for scientific discovery👇

Annual forum highlights ORNL’s leadership in advancing hybrid quantum-HPC technologies and building the future quantum computing workforce Published: August 19, 2026 Updated: August 24, 2026 Attendees gathered for the seventh annual Quantum Computing User Forum. Credit: Alonda Hines/ORNL, U.S. Dep...

08/26/2026

A new collaboration ORNL, industry and education partners together to advance nuclear manufacturing and construction while creating skilled career pathways in East Tennessee!

Published: August 21, 2026 Updated: August 21, 2026 NuCAMP initiative formally announced at Kairos Power's Advanced Reactor Demonstration Campus in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Credit: Amy Smotherman Burgess/ORNL, U.S. Dept. of Energy Kairos Power announced the Nuclear Center for Advanced Manufacturing and...

08/25/2026

ORNL is advancing nuclear battery technology to provide reliable, long-lasting power for remote and extreme environments, from deep space to national security applications.

“The promise and hope of a nuclear battery is long duration power supplies,” said Brad Johnson, who leads ORNL's Nuclear Battery Initiative. “Nuclear batteries are a proven and safe technology that can provide this kind of power, and we are developing advanced technologies to improve their performance and safety.”

Published: August 17, 2026 Updated: August 17, 2026 NASA’s Perseverance Mars rover took a selfie with several of the 10 sample tubes it deposited at a sample depot it is creating within an area of Jezero Crater nicknamed “Three Forks.” The rover's radioisotope thermoelectric generator is power...