This Government Contract opportunity from Department Of Energy was posted on May 6, 2026. The submission period has ended. Browse the details below for market research, or find similar active opportunities.
TECHNOLOGY LICENSING OPPORTUNITY: BroadQ
Contract Overview
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BroadQ presents a novel infrared sensing technology that leverages entangled photons to perform Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and microscopy without relying on traditional thermal detectors or cryogenic cooling. Developed at Los Alamos National Laboratory, this platform employs broadband entangled photon generation combined with a dual-mode imaging system that supports both near-field and far-field measurements within a single setup. This innovation offers enhanced spectral coverage across the near- to mid-infrared range, operates effectively at very low light levels to minimize damage to sensitive samples, and improves portability and integration potential compared to conventional FTIR instruments. The system's design uses spatially varying entangled photon sources scanned by a pump beam, with optics that maintain high image quality and avoid chromatic dispersion, thus providing a versatile solution adaptable to different entangled photon sources such as nonlinear crystals or metasurfaces. The BroadQ technology addresses practical limitations of existing infrared spectroscopy tools and is positioned for applications across analytical instrumentation, life sciences, chemical sensing, defense and security, semiconductor and materials characterization, and remote sensing. Its flexible imaging architecture allows easy switching between near-field and far-field modes without hardware reconfiguration, enhancing usability and resolution versatility. Currently at a technology readiness level of 3 with a US patent pending, this offering is available for licensing through LANL’s program aimed at commercializing advanced research inventions. Interested parties may engage with the Los Alamos National Laboratory licensing office to explore collaboration opportunities and bring this cutting-edge quantum FTIR technology to market.
General Info
Agency
NAICS
Place of Performance
Los Alamos, NM, 87545, USASet-Aside
Documents
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Timeline
Submission Closed
Organization & Contact Information
Full Description
Entangled Photon Quantum FTIR
BroadQ introduces a new way to gather infrared information by using entangled photons without the need of conventional thermal detectors. Developed by scientists at Los Alamos National Laboratory, the platform combines broadband entangled photon generation with a dual-mode imaging layout, creating a path toward compact infrared spectroscopy and microscopy that can operate at very low light levels, avoid cryogenic cooling and support both near-field and far-field measurements from one setup. That combination makes BroadQ attractive for sensitive samples, portable field instruments and advanced imaging workflows where conventional FTIR systems face practical limits.
How it Works
BroadQ Entangled Photon Quantum FTIR scans a pump beam across entangled photon sources containing spatially varying regions that produce entanglement across different spectral bands, then uses descan optics to combine the output into a stationary broadband beam. Reflective parabolic optics and scan/descan mirror pairs help preserve image quality while avoiding chromatic dispersion, which would otherwise weaken performance across such a wide spectral range. The resulting entangled photons can be the input for an imaging system that supports either near-field or far-field operation without rebuilding or reconfiguring the instrument, which gives the platform flexibility for different spectroscopy and microscopy needs.
Technical Description
The core innovation is a source of broadband entangled photons. Rather than relying on a single narrowband entangled source, the BroadQ Entangled Photon Quantum FTIR platform scans across structured regions in a source and merges the emitted output into one beam, extending spectral coverage across the near- to mid-infrared range. The approach is source-agnostic, so it can work with nonlinear crystals, meta-surfaces or liquid crystals.
A second layer of BroadQ is the imaging architecture. The optical layout places the source at an imaging plane and then relay images or collimates the beam so the same setup can support both near-field and far-field imaging. That matters because near-field imaging can resolve smaller features than far-field methods, while far-field arrangements remain useful for readout of larger fields of view. The disclosed system is intended to make quantum FTIR and related quantum imaging workflows more practical by pairing broadband entangled light with an instrument layout that is easier to use and more adaptable than current approaches.
Advantages
- Broadband infrared coverage from a single platform
- No need for cryogenic MCT detectors
- Supports both near-field and far-field imaging without reconfiguration
- Works at very low light levels, reducing sample damage risk
- Compatible with multiple entangled photon source types
- More portable and integration-friendly than conventional FTIR setups
Market Applications
- Analytical Instrumentation (FTIR microscopes, spectroscopy systems)
- Life Sciences (light-sensitive biological samples, cellular imaging, plant imaging)
- Chemical Sensing (material identification, spectral analysis)
- Defense and Security (trace detection, threat reconnaissance)
- Semiconductor and Materials Characterization (thin films, advanced materials)
- Remote Sensing (field-deployable infrared analysis)
TRL 3
US Patent pending
LA-UR-26-23629
LANL Tech Partnerships: Unlock the Innovative Potential
Los Alamos National Laboratory offers a wide range of cutting-edge technologies and capabilities that may provide your company with a competitive edge in the market and unlock the innovative potential that can enhance, refine, and revolutionize your products.
LANL’s licensing program focuses on moving inventions developed by our researchers to commercial innovations. Patented and patent pending inventions and copyrighted software are available to existing and start-up companies through exclusive and non-exclusive licensing agreements. For specific discussions, please contact licensing@lanl.gov.
Note: This is not a call for external services for the development of this technology.
https://www.lanl.gov/engage/collaboration/feynman-center/partner-with-us/licensing-technology
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