Electronic Neutron Generator Yield Evaluation Test Instrument

LICENSING OPPORTUNITY: A potential licensing opportunity exists with Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC (BEA), P.O. Box 1625, Idaho Falls, ID 83415-3805, the Management and Operating Contractor for the Department of Energy (DOE) at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL). BEA is seeking parties interested in potentially entering into a license agreement for the purpose of commercializing the technology described below. BEA does not make any representations, provide any warranties, or otherwise endorse or guarantee the suitability of this intellectual property to a licensee's specific needs. INVENTION SUMMARY: This technology is a new tool to determine the yield of electronic neutron generators (ENGs). The tool is capable of assessing ENGs using the deuterium-deuterium (DD) fusion reaction, which produces approximately 2.5-MeV neutrons. The tool is also equally capable of assessing ENGs using the deuterium-tritium (DT) fusion reaction producing approximately 14.1-MeV neutrons. This approach can also assay steady state, single pulse and repetitively-pulsed ENGs. No commercially available instrument currently exists to meet this need so makers and users of ENGs are required to develop ad-hoc approaches to measure ENG yield. Approaches are often not well documented and typically make comparisons regarding measurements made by different makers. The tool is easily hand carried and can be easily shipped or carried on a plane as luggage. This invention has an associated intellectual property filing US Patent Application No. 15/363,510, "Detectors for use with particle generators and related assemblies, systems and methods" which was submitted to the USPTO by BEA on November 29, 2016 and currently unpublished but allowed on August 9, 2017. DEVELOPMENT STATUS: This technology has been tested and validated with a few prototype tools in operation. Additional development may be required to further develop the technology prior to full scale commercialization. BEA may be in a position to support additional research and development of this technology under a mutually acceptable Cooperative Research & Development Agreement (CRADA), Strategic Partnership Projects (SPP), or similar agreement subject to prior approval by DOE. SELECTION PROCESS: BEA seeks to license this intellectual property to the best qualified candidate to ensure its successful commercialization. If multiple parties are interested in licensing this intellectual property, BEA may select an exclusive licensing arrangement with a single candidate or choose alternative licensing strategies (e.g., non-exclusive or exclusive field of use licenses) to increase the probability of successful commercialization. BEA reserves the right to defer any licensing decision if, in BEA's sole opinion, the submitted business plans are unacceptable to BEA. BEA may consider inquiries made prior to the release of this notice and inquiries made through other channels. Although interested parties are encouraged to respond before the date provided to ensure consideration, all inquiries may be considered prior to a formal selection unless this notice specifically states otherwise. This is not an opportunity to provide goods or services to BEA or DOE. REQUIREMENTS In order to be considered for a possible license, interested parties may be required to submit a business plan for the development and commercialization of Patent Application No. 15/363,510, "Detectors for use with particle generators and related assemblies, systems and methods," prior to October 13, 2017. The business plan must contain detailed information on the following topics in relation to commercialization of the licensed intellectual property: Executive Summary - 2 pages Description of the Business Model Description of the Products or Services to be Offered Marketing Plan Competitive Matrix - address competitor's strengths and weaknesses Company Goals and Business Strategy Quality Assurance Plan Financial Plan - include pro-forma Income Statement, Cash Flow Statement, and Source and Use of Funds Statement Management Structure - include brief biographies SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION Concerns or complaints regarding BEA's technology transfer process, if not resolvable with BEA's technology deployment office, may be raised with BEA's Technology Transfer Ombudsman whose contact information can be found at: https://inlportal.inl.gov/portal/server.pt/community/technology_transfer/269/ombuds_program For additional information please contact the individual(s) listed below. Mark A. Kaczor Sr. Commercialization Lead Technology Deployment Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC P. O. Box 1625, MS3805 Idaho Falls, ID 83415-3805 Mark.kaczor@inl.gov Jon Cook Licensing and Commercialization Manager Technology Deployment Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC P. O. Box 1625, MS3805 Idaho Falls, ID 83415-3805 jonathan.cook@inl.gov