SPECIAL NOTICE
A -- TECHNOLOGY/BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY 7-MeV Neutron Interrogation Based Scanner for Detection of Special Nuclear Material In Cargo Shipments
- Notice Date
- 4/11/2007
- Notice Type
- Special Notice
- NAICS
- 238990
— All Other Specialty Trade Contractors
- Contracting Office
- Department of Energy, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (DOE Contractor), Industrial Partnerships & Commercialization, 7000 East Avenue L-795, Livermore, CA, 94550, UNITED STATES
- ZIP Code
- 00000
- Solicitation Number
- Reference-Number-FBO143-07
- Response Due
- 4/27/2007
- Archive Date
- 4/28/2007
- Description
- TECHNOLOGY/BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY 7-MeV Neutron Interrogation Based Scanner for Detection of Special Nuclear Material In Cargo Shipments Opportunity: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), operated by the University of California under contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), is offering the opportunity to partner with LLNL to further develop a neutron interrogation system to detect special nuclear materials (SNM) in cargo containers. This technology addresses applications associated with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Department of Defense (DOD), and DOE. In preparation for possible future solicitations from the U.S. Government for an advanced demonstration of this technology, LLNL is seeking potential commercial partners that could respond to such a solicitation. Background: Improving security at U.S. seaports is one of the nation?s most difficult technical and practical challenges. Detection of contraband such as special nuclear materials (SNM) in closed containers is of growing concern internationally for security reasons. High-energy photon (radiography) inspection systems remain one of the only technologies capable of inspecting loaded cargo containers and vehicles. Description: This invention provides a new concept and technology for sensitive and reliable detection of SNM in cargo shipments. Lab researchers have designed and tested a neutron interrogation system for cargo containers. This system quickly screens incoming shipments to ensure that nuclear materials such as plutonium and highly enriched uranium (HEU) are not smuggled into the U.S. Potential concepts of operations for the Livermore system include irradiating suspicious containers or zones within containers identified by radiography with neutrons to actively search for nuclear materials. A truck carrying a container laden with suspicious cargo would pass by the neutron generator or be positioned in front of the generator and irradiated with neutrons. The cargo container would then be passed through an array of detectors optimized to detect the unique SNM signatures. Advantages: This technology is a new approach for interrogation of suspect cargos. The primary features of this concept that are considered unique include: ? Medium-energy (3-7 MeV) neutrons are utilized to provide enhanced cargo penetration and reduced activation of cargo materials that would interfere with detection ? Beta-delayed gamma?nrays characteristic of induced fission in the SNM are detected in a large, pixelated, linear array of detectors to provide high detection efficiency and to locate the contraband SNM in the cargo ? Characteristic decay half-life is utilized along with its high energy to identify SNM and to distinguish it from other interfering sources to improve sensitivity ? This technique allows substantial suppression of background and interferences which increases detection sensitivity Benefits: Gamma-ray sensitivity is very high, thus enabling small amounts of special nuclear material to be detected. See S&TR article titled: ?Screening Cargo Containers? for more information. http://www.llnl.gov/IPandC/technology/profile/announcement/documents/screening_cargo_containersarticle.pdf Development Status: A patent application has been filed for 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 IPAC website at http://www.llnl.gov/IPandC/workwithus/partneringprocess.php 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 this LLNL technology to detect special nuclear materials in cargo shipments should provide a written statement of interest, which includes the following: 1. Name of company, location(s) and descriptions including a. Recent annual report or other overview of your organization and the team that you are proposing b. Experience relevant to working on Federally funded joint projects c. Experience with developing and commercializing accelerator-based radiation detection technologies d. Experience with Department of Homeland Security Written responses should be directed to: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Industrial Partnerships and Commercialization P.O. Box 808, L-795 Livermore, CA 94551-0808 Attention: FBO 143-07 Please provide your written statement within fifteen (15) days from the date this announcement is published to ensure consideration of your interest in LLNL's 7-MeV neutron interrogation technology for detecting special nuclear materials in cargo shipments.
- Record
- SN01270892-W 20070413/070411220643 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
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