TIMELINE OF NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGY

1895 - Cloud chamber for tracking charged particles is invented.

1913 - Radiation detector is invented.

1925 - First cloud-chamber photographs of nuclear reactions.

1930 - First crude particle accelerator is built.

1930 - Cyclotron invented to accelerate atomic particles.

1932 - Atom split with particle accelerator.

1934 - Proposal to use neutrons to split atoms.

1938 - Uranium fission achieved.

1940 - Betatron is built accelerating electrons on circular path.

1942 - First controlled self-sustaining nuclear reaction at U. of Chicago.

1944 - Elecromagnetic method of "enrichment" separation of uranium isotoes U-235 and U-238 is achieved in Tennessee with calutron. Enrichment necessary to produce fissionable material.

1944 - Gas-diffusion enrichment also is developed replacing calutron.

1945 - July 16 - first atomic bomb exploded in United States

1946 - Synchrotron method of controlling particle orbits by using varying magnetic fields or radio frequencies developed.

1951 - First nuclear reactor built by U.S. Atomic Energy Commision.

1952 - First H-bomb tested.

1953 - First breeder reactor.

1954 - First nuclear powered submarine launched.

1955 - Nuclear generated electricity used in United States.

1957 - Electron-beam for safer fabrication of nuclear fuel rods.

1960 - First boiling-water nuclear reactors.

1962 - First nuclear powered surface ship.

1963 - First privately owned commercial nuclear reactor.

1963 - Canada's CANDU reactors using natural uranium in fuel tubes surrounded by heavy water.

1975 - Laser separation of uranium isotopes created.

1985 - Lead-iron phosphate glass invented creating more durable containment

medium for storing nuclear wastes.