TECHNOLOGY/BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY A novel apparatus for characterizing neutrons produced in high yield and high shot rate Inertial Fusion Energy implosions

Opportunity: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), operated by the Lawrence Livermore National Security (LLNS), LLC under contract no. DE-AC52-07NA27344 (Contract 44) with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), is offering the opportunity to enter into a collaboration to further develop and commercialize its novel apparatus for characterizing neutrons produced in high yield and high shot rate Inertial Fusion Energy implosions. Background: An important tool for determining the shape and integrity of the compressed Deuterium-Tritium fuel assembly in Inertial Fusion Energy (IFE) implosions is to measure the angular distribution of the emitted high energy neutrons. The current state-of-the-art for making these measurements uses compact Real-Time Nuclear Activation Detectors (RTNADs) placed around the target chamber. While RTNAD spectrometers allow the signal from the activated elements to be separated from the backgrounds, at high neutron fluxes (> 3x1011 neutrons/cm2) the background overwhelms the electronics. Consequently, there is a growing need to be able to characterize high yield shots occurring at high rates. Description: This novel detector for characterizing IFE implosions is an alternative to the current RTNADs to measure neutron fluxes > 3x1011 neutrons/cm2 at high shot rates. The detector consists of a stack of small square metal wafers separated by thin insulating spacers. Every other wafer is held at high voltage while the remaining wafers are grounded. The stack acts as an ionization chamber and will detect the passage of charged particles in a manner similar to a Geiger counter. To detect high energy neutrons, the stacks are made of metals containing isotopes that become activated when struck by high energy neutrons. The activated isotopes decay into electrons or gamma rays, some of which interact in the wafers and also produce electrons that enter the gap between wafers producing a detectible avalanche pulse at the signal terminal. The detector produces an electrical pulse proportional to the neutron yield of each target implosion thus allowing the energy output of the IFE facility to be continuously monitored. Advantages/Benefits: LLNL's novel apparatus for characterizing neutrons produced in high yield and high shot rate Inertial Fusion Energy implosions has several advantages over other approaches: Enables characterization of high neutron flux (> 3x1011 neutrons/cm2) in IFE implosions Enables characterization of high IFE implosion shot rates Can be produced in a compact form factor Can be built for long operational lifetime Potential Applications: Characterizing high yield, high shot rate implosions at IFE facilities Development Status: Current stage of technology development: TRL 2 (March 2023) LLNL has filed for patent protection on this invention. LLNL is seeking industry partners with a demonstrated ability to bring such inventions to the market. Moving critical technology beyond the Laboratory to the commercial world helps our licensees gain a competitive edge in the marketplace. All licensing activities are conducted under policies relating to the strict nondisclosure of company proprietary information. Please visit the IPO website at https://ipo.llnl.gov/resources for more information on working with LLNL and the industrial partnering and technology transfer process. Note: THIS IS NOT A PROCUREMENT. Companies interested in commercializing LLNL's novel apparatus for characterizing neutrons produced in high yield and high shot rate Inertial Fusion Energy implosions should provide an electronic OR written statement of interest, which includes the following: Company Name and address. The name, address, and telephone number of a point of contact. A description of corporate expertise and/or facilities relevant to commercializing this technology. Please provide a complete electronic OR written statement to ensure consideration of your interest in LLNL's novel apparatus for characterizing neutrons produced in high yield and high shot rate Inertial Fusion Energy implosions. The subject heading in an email response should include the Notice ID and/or the title of LLNL's Technology/Business Opportunity and directed to the Primary and Secondary Point of Contacts listed below. Written responses should be directed to: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Innovation and Partnerships Office P.O. Box 808, L-779 Livermore, CA 94551-0808 Attention: IL-13764