TECHNOLOGY LICENSING OPPORTUNITY: M-Resistor
Contract Overview
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M-Resistor, developed by Los Alamos National Laboratory, is an advanced resistor assembly designed to enhance the safety and reliability of pulsed power systems by managing reflected energy more effectively. It functions as a charge resistor for MARX generators while incorporating an adjustable spark-gap switch that directs unwanted reflected pulses to an isolated ground instead of allowing them to return to the power supply, thereby reducing the risk of damage. The device features a clear epoxy casing that enables direct visual inspection of its internal components and spark switch setting, allowing operators to adjust the gap according to voltage levels and easily detect any internal damage. This design improves overall system protection, extends equipment lifespan, and boosts operator confidence in high-voltage environments. The technology builds on prior resistor designs by replacing metal enclosures with a durable plastic case and introducing enhanced grounding and inspection capabilities. It serves a range of applications including pulsed power research platforms, defense systems, industrial electronics, and scientific research facilities. Currently at Technology Readiness Level 4 and with a US patent pending, M-Resistor offers a flexible, practical fail-safe solution for challenging pulsed power operations. Licensing opportunities are available through Los Alamos National Laboratory for companies interested in integrating this technology to enhance their high-voltage system performance and durability.
General Info
Agency
NAICS
Place of Performance
Los Alamos, NM, 87545, USASet-Aside
Documents
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Organization & Contact Information
Full Description
M-Resistor, developed by Los Alamos National Laboratory, offers pulsed power operators a more protective and more inspectable way to manage reflected energy in high-voltage systems. Unlike prior resistor designs that could fail internally without obvious signs and could return damaging energy to the power supply, M-Resistor adds an adjustable spark-gap path to isolated ground, improving protection across different voltage conditions while also giving personnel a clear visual view of the internal assembly and adjustment process. That combination supports longer equipment life, lower risk of surprise failures and greater operator confidence in demanding test and research environments.
How it Works
M-Resistor works by serving as a charge resistor for a MARX generator while also providing a controlled path for unwanted reflected energy. During normal operation, low-voltage current can charge the system, but if a reflected pulse occurs, the adjustable spark switch can divert that energy to an isolated ground instead of allowing it to travel back into the power supply. The adjustable gap lets the operator match the setting to the voltage being used, and the clear epoxy housing allows direct visual inspection of the internal condition and spark switch position.
Technical Description
M-Resistor is an improved resistor assembly derived from an earlier X-ray charge resistor architecture, but modified to address inspection, grounding and reflected-energy protection limitations identified in prior use. The M-Resistor design replaces a steel enclosure with a dense plastic case and uses clear epoxy potting so internal components remain visible for inspection. A central feature is the inclusion of an adjustable spark switch, or spark air gap, that can be set by a worker according to the voltage used to energize the system. That adjustability adds operating flexibility, missing from prior products.
M-Resistor is intended for MARX-generated pulsed power technology and is designed to route reflected electrical pulses to a secondary isolated ground rather than back to the power supply or through the coaxial cable ground conductor.
Advantages
• Helps protect power supplies from damaging reflected energy
• Adds an adjustable response for different operating voltages
• Improves worker visibility during setup and inspection
• Makes internal damage easier to detect because of clear epoxy potting
• Uses an isolated ground path to improve system safety
• Fits pulsed power environments that need a practical fail-safe layer
Market Applications
• Pulsed Power Systems (research platforms, test systems, laboratory pulse generation)
• Instrumentation (charging systems, protective interfaces, power conditioning assemblies)
• Defense (pulsed X-ray systems, evaluation platforms, hardened test assets)
• Industrial Electronics (specialty power equipment, high-voltage integration packages, reliability upgrades)
• Scientific Research Infrastructure (physics laboratories, experimental facilities, university-scale pulsed power setups)
Development Status: TRL 4
US Patent pending
LA-UR-26-24306
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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