Dr. Richard Kroeger Naval Research Laboratory

1. A Scientist’s Look at High Security Research Dr. Richard Kroeger Naval Research Laboratory Naval Research Laboratory

2. Background Primary proton (1019 eV) Electrons Photons Neutrons One of my favorite slides Muons Naval Research Laboratory

3. National Security Operational Jun 05 I was young and naïve when I accepted this assignment. I’ve learned: If I knew anything, I could not confirm or deny it. And the corollary If I didn’t know didily, I could not confirm or deny it. And in any case, I’d have to get anything I might want to talk to you about cleared by one, and possible several offices in charge of security. This is a talk about nothing Naval Research Laboratory

4. What I’ve Been Working On I’ve got this great gamma-ray detector that can image and do polarimetry. We’re setting up a low background counting lab with Virginia Tech, and we’re Interested in talking to people who might be interested in setting up experiments or otherwise working there. Off topic: I’ve also been working in a team to build a suite of solar imaging instruments called SECCHI, to be launched by NASA’s STEREO spacecraft in April 2006 (or maybe September). What does any of this have to do with National Security? See last slide. Naval Research Laboratory

5. What Other People Do Ask them I mean it. (If you’re looking for something to do, try getting them to agree to give a talk!) Naval Research Laboratory

6. So why the security? Common sense Consider border security A hypothetical system could be developed to stop illegal fruit from crossing the border. The system uses fruit flies and looks for a cloud of little bugs whirring around fruit. Illicit fruit are sprayed with bug-away® Naval Research Laboratory

7. A Helpful Hand I’ve seen many scientists at NRL and elsewhere playing the same game: I’ve got this great idea, or great technology, now who wants it? And nearly as often, scientists looking for work in the “security” industry would like someone to formulate a set of requirements which they can respond to. My guess, these people are not my competitors for funding. Naval Research Laboratory

8. My Suggestion to the “Security” People Stay engaged with the scientific community, and don’t become complacent in comfortable relationships There are a lot of bright people out there, and they need a little help to become involved Only you can know what you need or want. Bringing new people on board is a worthwhile investment. Naval Research Laboratory

9. My Suggestion to Scientists Make connections. Federal agencies sponsor meetings Agencies send people to meetings perhaps Send your ideas to people who might forward them. Get involved, and get recognized. Be patient. Be creative. Don’t assume that agencies know what they want Don’t assume that they don’t know what they want The Federal Government is a big, complex place, enjoy its many mysteries. Naval Research Laboratory

10. What do I do, reprise I’m just a scientist who had a chance to try out some ideas based on technology related to this workshop. It took about 3 or 4 years and many contacts to find interest in exploring these technologies (I deserve no credit). I’m perpetually searching for ways to improve the technology that we have and to apply the tools we develop. National security benefits, although what they use and how they use it is often obscure, even to those close to it. Science benefits through tools, experience, facilities, and education. This is no accident. Naval Research Laboratory

11. What I’d like to do today OPEN DISCUSSION Naval Research Laboratory