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Contract Opportunity

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 its Trace Gas Detection with 2P3C Ring-Down Spectroscopy technology.

Background:

Cavity Ring-Down Spectroscopy (CRDS) can be used to detect minute quantities of gaseous species in a gas sample by first introducing the sample into an optical cavity, typically between highly reflective mirrors. A pulse of laser light is then trapped in the gas-containing cavity, which will circulate between the mirrors, slowly decreasing in intensity as it gets absorbed (sample gets excited), scatters and leaks from the cavity. The ring-down (decay) time is measured and compared to the baseline decay time when there is no sample in the cavity; results can be used to calculate the concentration of the gaseous species. One of the drawbacks of CRDS involves baseline variations which limits sensitivity and accuracy. LLNL researchers have been able to develop a novel two photon, two color cavity (2P3C) ring down spectroscopic method that can overcome this challenge, providing high sensitivity even under non-ideal experimental conditions.

Description:

LLNL’s novel approach combines 2-color spectroscopy with CRDS, a combination not previously utilized. This second-generation CRDS system is comprised of two light sources (a “pump” laser and a “probe” laser), a three-mirror high-finesse optical cavity and a detector. The “pump” laser is used to turn the target gas absorption “off” and “on” while the “probe” laser is used to measure the population of excited target gas molecules with CRDS. When the “pump” laser is turned off, the “probe” laser can be used to measure the background signal. This is advantageous as it solves inherent sensitivity flaws of traditional CRDS due to baseline variations.

Advantages/Benefits:

• Increased sensitivity measurements without the exacting experimental conditions.


• Ability to detect ultra-trace species such as less abundant isotopologues and radioisotopes.


• Can be deployed outside a lab environment.

Potential Applications:

Trace gas sensing applications

Development Status:

U.S. Patent No. 11,585,753 Trace Gas Detection with 2-Photon, 2-Color, Cavity Ring-Down Spectroscopy issued 2/21/2023

Current stage of technology development: TRL 4

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 Trace Gas Detection with 2P3C Ring-Down Spectroscopy technology should provide a written statement of interest, which includes the following:

1. Company Name and address.

2. The name, address, and telephone number of a point of contact.

3. A description of corporate expertise and/or facilities relevant to commercializing this technology.

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-13644

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 Trace Gas Detection with 2P3C Ring-Down Spectroscopy technology.

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