TECHNOLOGY LICENSING OPPORTUNITY Solid State Nuclear Lasing Sensors: Revolutionizing In-Pile Reactor Measurements
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Idaho National Laboratory (INL), managed by Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC, is offering a Technology Licensing Opportunity for Solid State Nuclear Lasing Sensors. This innovation aims to revolutionize in-pile reactor measurements by providing real-time, accurate power and flux data. INL is actively seeking commercial partners, particularly small businesses and startups, to license and commercialize this technology.
Technology Overview
Traditional nuclear reactor power measurement methods often suffer from limited spatial resolution and inaccuracies. This groundbreaking technology utilizes solid-state lasing media/crystals, excited by reactor core radiation, to produce laser light. The intensity of this light directly correlates with reactor power and radiation flux. By incorporating multiple lasing media doped with different fissile species, the instrument can determine both reactor power and energy spectrum. These passive instruments require no in-core power and transmit data via a simple fiber optic lead-out, allowing for strategic placement within the reactor for real-time power/flux distribution measurements.
Key Benefits & Applications
- Direct in-pile measurement enhances accuracy and spatial resolution.
- Real-time data integration potential for reactor control systems.
- Simplified design with a single optical fiber lead-out ensures durability in high radiation environments.
- Cost-effective solution for commercial nuclear power plants.
Applications include:
- Commercial nuclear power plants.
- Micro nuclear reactors.
- Space power and nuclear thermal propulsion reactors.
Development & IP Status
- Development Status: TRL 3 - Analytical and experimental proof-of-concept for critical functions/characteristics.
- IP Status: US Patent Application No. 17/758,395, titled "Solid State Nuclear Pumped Lasing Sensors for In Pile Reactor Power and Flux Measurement, Direct Energy Conversion, and Related Methods," BEA Docket No. BA-1125.
Engagement Details
INL's Technology Deployment department focuses exclusively on licensing intellectual property and partnering with industry collaborators capable of commercializing their innovations. This is not a call for external services, procurement, manufacturing, or funding. Interested parties should contact Andrew Rankin at td@inl.gov for a deeper understanding of the technology and potential collaborations. Further information on INL's collaboration opportunities can be found at https://inl.gov/inl-initiatives/technology-deployment.
Timeline
- Response Date: July 1, 2026, 3:00 PM MDT
- Published Date: April 13, 2026, 3:38 PM MDT