63 -- Commercialization of Ultraviolet Laser Induced Fluorescence Technology

SANDIA NATIONAL LABORATORIES SEEKING INDUSTRIAL PARTNERS TO COMMERCIALIZE ITS ULTRAVIOLET LASER INDUCED FLUORESCENCE TECHNOLOGY.Sandia National Laboratories (SNL), operated by Sandia Corporation, a Lockheed Martin Company, under contract with the United States Department of Energy, is seeking one or more industrial partners to commercialize its ultraviolet (UV) laser induced fluorescence (LIF) technology applied to standoff detection of biological weapons (BW) signatures in aerosol clouds. A demonstration system, referred to as the Ares lidar, has recently been developed to address homeland security applications by providing advanced warning of BW threats at high value facilities and high visibility events. The Ares lidar consists mainly of commercial off-the-shelf components, including the laser, collection telescope, detectors, and command and control electronics. The system is mounted on a 2-axis gimbal to provide broad area scanning, and is currently deployed in a commercial van. The system can be operated while mounted in the van or relocated to a facility rooftop, or similar location, for in-place operation. The Ares system is microprocessor controlled and is intended to operate in a fully autonomous mode, scanning the horizon for aerosol clouds and probing suspect clouds for biological content. Built in analysis tools evaluate the elastic backscatter signal from each laser pulse, generating cloud position and location information. Once a suspect cloud is detected, the Ares system is automatically reconfigured to probe the cloud and collect dispersed fluorescence information for biological discrimination. All data is processed in near real time and provided to the system operator for evaluation and subsequent action. The UV LIF technology is well suited for both civilian and military applications where advanced warning is critical. The technology has been evaluated at a number of locations against releases of biological simulant and typical battlefield interferents. Although upgrades continue to be pursued at Sandia to increase system performance and decrease false alarms, the UV LIF technology is considered to be sufficiently mature to proceed with commercialization. Note: THIS IS NOT A PROCUREMENT. Parties interested in commercializing SNL?s UV LIF technology should provide a written statement of interest including a commercialization plan and a description of corporate capabilities relevant to commercializing the technology. Written responses should be directed to: Philip J. Green, Manager Org. 5713/ MS 0980 Sandia National Laboratories P. O. Box 5800 Albuquerque, NM 87185-0980 and please copy: Alane Dulski Org. 1323/ MS 0115 Sandia National Laboratories P. O. Box 5800 Albuquerque, NM 87185-0115