A -- Two-Position Optical Actuator Device

LAWRENCE LIVERMORE NATIONAL LABORATORY LICENSEE TO PRODUCE A TWO-POSITION OPTICAL ACTUATOR DEVICE. Announcement: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), operated by the University of California under contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), wants to license the technology to produce a two-position optical actuator device. LLNL is a world leader in laser system design, and has developed a patented device for moving laser optics and optical hardware s in and out of a laser beam path in a quick, precise, gentle, and automated manner. This device consists of a motorized, cam-based mechanism with limit sensing switches at each of its two final positions, and the device typically moves laser optics through a 90 degree arc between the two final resting positions. The special cam-based design and non-linear motor permit rapid yet gentle acceleration and deceleration of the optics between the two positions. The motor and limit sensing switches permit remote operation and sensing of the device's status. The mechanical design of the device is very scalable and potentially capable of handling very heavy optics, such as those used on the National Ignition Facility (NIF) at LLNL. The device as used on the NIF currently accommodates the use of the following types of laser optic devices: 1. Lenses 2. Mirrors 3. Polarizers 4. Waveplates 5. Attenuators 6. Beamstops Other potential applications include: 1. Any transportable energy output sources, sensors, detectors, or other laser diagnostic instruments including laser/light sources or laser detection devices 2. Moveable beamstops for use as laser safety shutters. LLNL currently produces and uses this device extensively on NIF. The current design has undergone thorough testing for functionality and reliability. Current devices have been operated reliably for over 1,000,000 operations. LLNL not only has an interest in licensing this technology, but will also consider the option of purchasing these devices from the licensee once they are commercially available. This device also has potential application outside the field of laser optics. Any application that needs to move fragile material in a quick, precise, gentle, and automated manner between two positions separated by a 90 degree arc could potentially benefit from this technology. LLNL has three patents pertaining to this device. The patents are as follows: ? 6,144,506 (Bi-Stable Optical Actuator). ? 6,381,080 (Bi-Stable Optical Element Actuator Device). ? 6,384,990 (Two Position Optical Element Actuator Device). Note: THIS IS NOT A PROCUREMENT. Companies interested in commercializing LLNL's two-position optical actuator device should provide a written statement of interest, which includes the following: 1. The company name and address. 2. The name, address, and telephone number of a point of contact. 3. A description of corporate expertise and facilities relevant to commercializing this technology. Written responses should be directed to: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Industrial Partnerships and Commercialization P.O. Box 808, L-795 Livermore, CA 94551-0808 Attention: FBO02-014-301 Please provide your written statement within thirty (30) days from the date this announcement is published to ensure consideration of your interest in LLNL's two-position optical actuator device.