Loren Data's SAM Daily™

SAMDAILY.US - ISSUE OF JANUARY 23, 2026 SAM #8824
SPECIAL NOTICE

A -- TECHNOLOGY LICENSING OPPORTUNITY: Tunable-Index Nanoscale OAM Beams via van der Waals Materials

Notice Date

1/21/2026 10:13:33 AM
 

Notice Type

Special Notice
 

NAICS

541715 — Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
 

Contracting Office

TRIAD - DOE CONTRACTOR Columbus OH 43201 USA
 

ZIP Code

43201
 

Solicitation Number

S-167749
 

Response Due

2/11/2026 4:00:00 PM
 

Archive Date

02/11/2027
 

Point of Contact

Satya Srinivasan, Lindsay Augustyn
 

E-Mail Address

licensing@lanl.gov, licensing@lanl.gov
(licensing@lanl.gov, licensing@lanl.gov)
 

Description

Structured light beams with tunable wavelength and orbital angular momentum (OAM) are enabling new frontiers in optical communication and quantum information science. However, conventional methods for generating such beams rely on spatial light modulators or bulk nonlinear optical crystals, which limit scalability and integration. This new platform leverages van der Waals materials to tune both the wavelength, OAM, and radial structure of vortex beams, using nonlinear optical processes such as sum frequency generation, difference frequency generation, four-wave mixing, and higher-order harmonic generation, all over exceptionally broad spectral ranges due to the elimination of phase matching constraints. The result is an ultracompact material platform that supports robust structured-light manipulation, readily integrable with vertically-integrated free-space nanophotonic vortex light sources to enable applications in optical and quantum communication and optical sensing. Advantages Allows for the free tuning of wavelength, orbital angular momentum, and radial index across a broad spectral range. Integrates into compact, planar, nanophotonic platforms. Supports seamless compatibility with metasurfaces and similar nanophotonic devices. Delivers high nonlinear conversion efficiency in a minimal volume. Eliminates the need for bulky optical components such as spatial light modulators (SLMs) and bulk nonlinear crystals. Enables both quantum and classical applications in integrated optics. Technology Description The technology leverages the unique nonlinear optical properties of atomically thin van der Waals materials to manipulate all the elementary properties of structured light-fields carrying orbital angular momentum. These materials enable broadband nonlinear conversion (due to the absence of phase matching constraints) with improved efficiency and compactness compared to traditional bulk nonlinear optical crystals at comparable lengthscales. Unlike existing solutions, this platform would eliminate the need for external spatial light modulators and bulk nonlinear optical crystals. It is fully compatible with metasurfaces and can be integrated into nanophotonic and optoelectronic devices for wavelength-tunable structured light generation. Market Applications This technology is well suited for integrated photonics platforms in both classical and quantum domains. Potential uses include: enabling high-density data transmission through OAM-multiplexed optical interconnects; producing compact, tunable structured-light sources for quantum communication; and enhancing optical sensing and detection using structured-light techniques. The ability to robustly generate and manipulate OAM beams at the nanoscale would open new possibilities for data transmission, quantum communications, and light-matter interaction control in next-generation optical devices. Development Status: TRL 3 LA-UR-25-31343 US Patent Pending 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 https://www.lanl.gov/engage/collaboration/feynman-center/tech-and-capability-search
 

Web Link

SAM.gov Permalink
(https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/76361e3b00f14cb09c23e4486bb37924/view)
 

Place of Performance

Address: Los Alamos, NM 87545, USA

Zip Code: 87545

Country: USA
 

Record

SN07691948-F 20260123/260121230030 (samdaily.us)
 

Source

SAM.gov Link to This Notice
(may not be valid after Archive Date)

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