The unique capabilities of the 76-inch isochronous cyclotron and related facilities at CNL are utilized by scientists and engineers from private industry, universities and government agencies.

Research topics are as diverse as basic Nuclear Physics, applied Solid State Physics, Radiation Effects, and Planetary Geology and Cosmogenics. Unique research opportunities in these areas are afforded to graduate and undergraduate students from UCD and other educational institutions.

The aerospace industry uses the CNL facility for simulation of radiation effects produced by solar and cosmic radiation. NASA, JPL , Ball Aerospace, and other space organizations, as well as state and private Universities, use the 76" cyclotron and the  radiation effects facility to support their research in various areas of the space program.

The Cyclotron is also used to support many of the "in-house" research projects. The Cyclotron is the tool used in the analyzing of the samples collected by the Air Quality Group, to make radioisotopes used for medical research and to produce the energy used for the treatment of eye tumors.

CNL's research programs include:

• Identification of particulate pollutants and the mechanism by which they are transported
• Radiation effects on semi-conductors
• Development of alternatives to insecticides, pesticides and conventional forms of water treatment
  Retinal melanoma treatment facility.