TECHNOLOGY/BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY x-ray compensation in hohlraums with spherical shine shields
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
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), operated by Lawrence Livermore National Security (LLNS), LLC, is offering a Technology/Business Opportunity for collaboration to further develop and commercialize its invention: x-ray compensation in hohlraums with spherical shine shields. This is not a procurement, but an invitation for industry partners to commercialize a novel technology aimed at improving Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF) implosion symmetry and yield. Statements of interest are due by March 2, 2026.
Technology Overview
- Background: Current ICF implosions face challenges with pole-hot x-ray fields late in time due to plasma ingress, limiting fusion yields. Existing mitigation tactics have reached their limits, necessitating new target designs for improved implosion symmetry.
- Description: LLNL's invention introduces spherical shine shields positioned above the north and south poles of the capsule. These shields explode into a cloud of high atomic number (Z) material (e.g., gold or depleted uranium) upon exposure to late-time hohlraum x-rays, hindering pole-hot drive effects and improving implosion symmetry.
- Advantages/Benefits:
- Simple modification to hohlraum/target geometry, requiring no pulse shape changes.
- Demonstrated 70% increase in yield compared to current best-in-class solutions.
- Potential Applications: Novel high-yielding target concepts for Inertial Fusion Energy (IFE).
- Development Status: Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 0-2. LLNL has filed for patent protection.
Collaboration Details
LLNL is seeking industry partners with a demonstrated ability to bring such inventions to market. The goal is to move critical technology from the laboratory to the commercial world, providing licensees with a competitive edge. All licensing activities maintain strict nondisclosure of company proprietary information. More information on working with LLNL and the technology transfer process is available at https://ipo.llnl.gov/resources.
Response Requirements
Interested companies should provide an electronic or written statement of interest by March 2, 2026. The statement must include:
- Company Name and address.
- Name, address, and telephone number of a point of contact.
- A description of corporate expertise and/or facilities relevant to commercializing this technology. Email responses should include the Notice ID and/or title in the subject line.
Contact Information
- Primary: Alex Hess (hess12@llnl.gov, 925-423-1283)
- Secondary: Charlotte Eng (eng23@llnl.gov, 925-422-1905)
- Written Responses: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Innovation and Partnerships Office, P.O. Box 808, L-779, Livermore, CA 94551-0808, Attention: 2025-171.