Engineer Claudio Lopez On The Unseen Impact of Nuclear Technology And Pioneering AI-Driven Control Systems

In a world increasingly dependent on technology, the often-overlooked contributions of nuclear science are quietly shaping our daily lives.

Dr. Claudio Lopez, an R&D Engineer at the Crocker Nuclear Laboratory (CNL) at the University of California in Davis, is at the forefront of this quiet revolution, pushing the boundaries of what is possible by integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the very center of nuclear technology.

Born in Concepcion, Chile, and a graduate of the prestigious University of Concepcion, Dr. Lopez is revolutionizing operations at the CNL by spearheading the upgrade of its cyclotron particle accelerator, a cornerstone of research and treatment, from its original 60-year-old analog control system to a cutting-edge, digitally controlled system powered by AI.

Lopez's journey started with a deep fascination for AI-based control systems and vacuum microelectronics, a drive that fueled his academic pursuits at UC Davis, where he earned both a Master's and a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering.

His expertise extends across a wide spectrum, encompassing Artificial Intelligence, database management, real-time systems, and nuclear instrumentation, all converging into his groundbreaking work at CNL. His prior experience developing control systems for particle accelerators proved invaluable, though he pursued a role where he could more freely innovate and implement AI. Upon discovering the opportunity at CNL, he recognized it as the perfect fit.

"I have always been fascinated by AI-based control systems,” said Lopez. “In my previous role, I developed a control system for particle accelerators, which closely relates to my current position. This experience inspired me to explore the implementation of AI-based control in accelerator systems.”

“As a result, I began seeking new opportunities where I could have greater flexibility to innovate and modify systems,” explains Dr. Lopez.

The cyclotron at CNL is not just a mere piece of scientific equipment; it's a critical resource for varied essential services. It plays a crucial role in treating ocular melanoma, a rare form of eye cancer, providing radiation effects testing for the aerospace industry, ensuring the reliability of satellites and other space-bound technologies, and supporting a wide range of academic research endeavors. Dr. Lopez's mission is to not just only improve the reliability of this vital machine, but also unlock entirely new capabilities and modes of operation through the power of AI.

Since joining CNL in November 2022, Dr. Lopez has made remarkable progressions. He has taken complete responsibility for the monumental task of upgrading the cyclotron, a project involving intricate hardware and software infrastructure development to manage the new AI-based control system. He has successfully implemented and validated a sophisticated monitoring system featuring real-time visualization and database storage of critical data. Presently, he is meticulously validating the actuators vital for the control system's precise functioning.

His vision extends beyond simply replacing the old system with a new one. Dr. Lopez aims to create a fully integrated control system that seamlessly blends AI-based control, real-time data processing, database management, Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity, and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) at both the hardware and software levels. This holistic outlook promises to revolutionize how the cyclotron is operated and managed.

One of the key elements of Dr. Lopez's work is addressing the aging infrastructure of the CNL cyclotron, originally designed and built in the 1960s. This aging infrastructure presents challenges ranging from outdated physical wiring to antiquated software systems. He concocted a strategy to implement a parallel control system that would not disrupt the day-to-day operations.

However, perhaps one of the most enthralling aspects of Dr. Lopez's work is the potential for AI to unlock unprecedented levels of efficiency and precision. When questioned about the potential for improvement, Dr. Lopez replied: "It’s difficult to quantify the improvement in percentage terms because each accelerator faces unique challenges and optimization opportunities. In this case, the benefits could exceed 100%, as an AI-based control system has the integrity to extend CNL’s operational time from 8 hours a day, 5 days a week, to a 24/7 operation plus enhancing precision, improving safety, reducing costs, and expanding accessibility."

This capability for a dramatic increase in operational time, paired with enhanced precision and safety, highlights the transformative power of AI in nuclear technology. Without AI, acquiring such a level of efficiency would be significantly more costly and involve greater risks.

Dr. Lopez emphasizes the broad benefits of AI in nuclear labs beyond operational efficiency. "The benefits of this on society represent a monumental leap forward in science, medicine, and technology,” he said. “AI is unlocking the full potential of these powerful machines. From advancing our understanding of the universe to saving lives through cutting-edge medical treatments, the human benefits of this innovation are profound. The future of particle accelerators, powered by AI, holds immense promise for improving lives and driving progress across the globe."

He further noted the often-unseen role of nuclear technology in various industries, including healthcare, aerospace, and materials science. The high-precision radiation treatments used to overcome diseases like ocular melanoma rely on the very technology Dr. Lopez is working to improve. Similarly, the aerospace industry depends on nuclear labs to test the durability of components against radiation, ensuring the safety and reliability of satellites and other critical space-based infrastructure.

Looking into the future, Dr. Lopez has ambitious plans to further integrate AI and the Internet of Things (IoT) into the operations of the CNL. His vision includes creating a network of sensors and devices that can continuously monitor the cyclotron's performance, providing real-time data that can be used to optimize and intensify its operation and predict potential problems before they occur. This proactive approach promises to further enhance the reliability, dependability and efficiency of the cyclotron, ensuring its continued contribution to science, medicine, and industry. He plans to develop an abstract on his work for the International Particle Accelerator Conference in Taiwan in June 2025 (IPAC25).

"My objective is to implement a new control system that could integrate the AI-based control system, real-time, database, Internet of Things, and PLC/FPGA at the hardware and software levels. His presence and unique skill set will be vital for achieving these goals," explains Dr. Lopez.

Dr. Claudio Lopez's work at the Crocker Nuclear Laboratory is a testimony to the transformative potential of AI in nuclear technology. By exceeding the boundaries of what's possible, he is not only improving the reliability and efficiency of a critical research and treatment tool but also paving the way for future innovations that will have a profound impact on our world. His dedication, skill, drive and innovative spirit are making a significant contribution to advancing science, medicine, and technology for the benefit of all. He is a prime candidate of the unsung heroes working to harness the power of nuclear science for the advancement of humanity.