Radioluminescent lighting program description

• Other Authors: United States. Office of the Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy.
• Format: Report
• Language: English
• Published: USDOE Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy, Washington, DC (United States). Office of Remedial Action and Waste Technology 1987
• Subjects: Research Programs; 07 Isotope And Radiation Source Technology; Program Management; Radioluminescence; Radioactive Materials; Radioisotopes; 32 Energy Conservation; Consumption; And Utilization; 29 Energy Planning And Policy; Lighting Systems; Technology Transfer; eskimo*; Alaska
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.2172/573285; http://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc697059/

For more than 30 years the Department of Energy (DOE) and its predecessor agencies have conducted research and development aimed at beneficial uses of products derived from its nuclear activities. An important and promising element of radiation technology is the Program for Radioluminescent (RL) development. For years simple RL devices, such as aircraft exit signs, have served necessary functions in society. Electrons exciting phosphors and producing light is a fundamental concept to which the layman can immediately relate, while gaining a balanced perspective concerning risk and safety. DOE`s RL lighting development program has advanced the technology with infrared RL markers for helipads which are not detectable without the aid of special viewers. These devices were used to aid in the evacuation of wounded from Grenada. Visible RL airfield lighting has been used to promote aviation safety in remote Eskimo communities in Alaska, and non-electric taxiway signs and markers in the corrosive saline soils of Florida airports. The current plan is to consolidate past accomplishments and develop RL devices and systems using advanced technology for new applications. The potential for improved performance that solid-matrix RL techniques offer has stimulated interest in a variety of innovative applications for which electric lighting has long been the only practical alternative. The program described in this document is intended to provide for an optimum development and application of RL technology while supporting the transfer of this technology to the private sector and providing an institutional perspective from which the longer range applications and ramifications of this technology can be anticipated.