Physical Science

Sandia’s research in physical science creates innovative, science-based, solutions to our nation’s most challenging problems. Our work for the DOE’s Office of Basic Energy Sciences (BES) includes materials science and engineering, chemical sciences, geosciences, and biosciences, in addition to our work in the Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies. Our BES-supported fundamental science enables atomic and molecular level characterization of complex chemical transformations in the gas phase and at interfaces; investigates how structure controls materials properties and light-matter interactions; and discovers mechanisms for chemistry and transport in geological systems. Sandia’s expertise in understanding physical science is also leveraged in certain projects in Advanced Scientific Computing Research, which is under DOE’s Office of Science. Sandia’s work for DOE’s Office of Fusion Energy Sciences includes foundational studies of plasma-materials interactions, fusion blanket materials, and low temperature plasmas important to microelectronics fabrication and biomedical applications. 

Why Our Work Matters 

Sandia’s research in these areas works together to:   

  • Emphasize discovery, design, and understanding of new materials and new chemical, biochemical, and geological processes 
  • Provide fundamental understanding of chemical transformations and energy flow in systems relevant to DOE missions in energy, environment, and national security 
  • Develop a molecular-level understanding of chemistry within nanoscale confined interfacial systems relevant to geosciences and utilize it to interpret meso-scale and continuum-scale phenomena  
  • Lay the foundations for new energy technologies 

Our Unique Value 

Our programs bring together multidisciplinary teams of researchers to conduct advanced experimental and theoretical studies that lead to scientific discoveries that impact complex problems facing DOE missions in energy, environment, and national security. 

Recent Highlights

Atmospheric corrosion is a critical materials degradation problem, yet the ability to predict its kinetics remains...

Gallium nitride (GaN) is a very hard, mechanically stable wide-bandgap (WBG) semiconductor that permits devices to...

Subcritical fracture controls deformation and permeability of rocks and degradation of manmade materials. To further understand...

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Physical Science Related Research Facilities

The CRF responds to the nation’s evolving energy challenges with ever increasing expertise and capacity aimed at improving our nation’s ability to use and control combustion processes.

The FACT site provides the equipment and seismically quiet surroundings required for testing infrasound and seismic sensors, instrumentation, and monitoring systems.

The IBL enables scientists to study and modify materials systems using ion and electron accelerators.

The PRF offers collaborators access to cutting edge diagnostic and computational capabilities and the expertise that is needed to set up and execute experiments and analyze data generated during the...

Sandia and the University of Alaska Fairbanks have teamed up to advance the concept of a permanent, comprehensive multi-agency USHARC in the Prudhoe Bay area.

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Related Intellectual Property

Featured Licensing Opportunities

Energy • Photovoltaic (PV) System Monitoring Overview Residential, commercial, and utility-scale photovoltaic (“PV”) solar systems are being rapidly deployed in the United States. With the recent passage of the Inflation Reduction Act,...

Energy • A machine learning model for estimating the optimal angle of photovoltaics on single axis trackers for improved energy production in cloudy conditions Single axis trackers are commonly used in large...

Energy • A novel algae flow-way system capable of converting wastewater pollutants into net-carbon negative biofuels Waterway pollution has been aggravated by the leaking of chemical products into man-made water irrigation systems,...

Energy • Long-lasting lithium primary batteries with a wide operational temperature range and increased safety. There is an ever-growing need to produce safer batteries that have longer run times and better temperature...

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Patents
Patents & Applications
503 Results
Patent Title Patent Number Grant Date
Systems and methods for single-axis tracking via sky imaging and machine leanring comprising a neural network to determine an angular position of a photovoltaic power system Pending 11/21/2023
MODULAR ANTI-ROTATION DRILLING SYSTEMS AND METHODS 11,566,497 01/31/2023
Systems and Methods for Shielding Falling Particles within a Solar Thermal Falling Particle Receiver 11,555,634 01/17/2023
Radial Particle-Based Terrestrial Thermocline for High Temperature Thermal Storage 11,549,761 01/10/2023
MOLDABLE PHOTOVOLTAIC SOLAR CELL MODULE 11,552,211 01/10/2023
OPTICALLY PUMPED GRADIENT MAGNETOMETER 11,543,474 01/03/2023
Wave Energy Converter Buoy with Variable Geometry 11,536,243 12/27/2022
BROAD-AREA LASER AWARENESS SENSOR 11,519,997 12/06/2022
Alkyl Dialkoxyalkanoates as Bioderived, High Cetane Diesel Fuels 11,492,565 11/08/2022
High Luminescence Plastic Scintillators 11,479,717 10/25/2022
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Current Physical Science Openings

Current Physical Science Openings

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Livermore, CA 0
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