A -- BATTELLE SEEKS INDUSTRIAL PARTNERS TO COMMERCIALIZE TIMED NEUTRON DETECTOR

Notice Date

June 12, 2001

Contracting Office

Battelle, Pacific Northwest National Laboratories (PNNL), P.O. Box 999, (MSIN K3-04), Richland, WA 99352

ZIP Code

99352

Response Due

July 31, 2001

Point of Contact

Gary B. Morgan, Commercialization Manager, Battelle, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, PO Box 999, Mail Stop K8-46, Richland, WA 99352. Phone: (509) 375-2373. Fax: (509) 375-2345. E-mail: gary.morgan@pnl.gov

E-Mail Address

Click here to e-mail the Commercialization Manager, (gary.morgan@pnl.gov)

Description

Battelle Memorial Institute, the management and operating contractor for the U.S. Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is seeking expressions of interest from companies interested in licensing and commercializing Battelle's intellectual property in the technology area of timed neutron moderation, which is applicable to the field of landmine detection. PNNL has developed a Time Neutron Detector (TND) apparatus that utilizes timed neutron moderation to detect hydrogenated materials. Timed neutron moderation is a technique that relies on the contrast between the hydrogen content of a mine and its surroundings. All explosives and all plastics contain hydrogen and are, therefore, susceptible to detection by this means. Because hydrogen has a small mass and a strong propensity to scatter neutrons, it slows (moderates) neutrons more effectively than do other materials. Slow neutrons are easy to detect efficiently whereas fast neutrons are less efficiently detected. Timed neutron moderation allows us to observe the slow neutrons in the presence of the more abundant, interfering fast neutrons. The Timed Neutron Detector (TND) apparatus allows for rapid and effective detection of hydrogenated materials that may be hidden from view in the ground, in buildings, vehicles, baggage, or by other means. The technology transfer process will be facilitated through appropriate licensing of Battelle's intellectual property and associated research and development undertaken cooperatively between Battelle and the licensee. Research and development will focus on transitioning the technology from the current laboratory demonstration stage to commercialization. Interested companies with experience and expertise commensurate with the requirements of this commercialization effort are invited to respond to this announcement. Companies interested in this opportunity should provide a written statement of interest, including a written description of their company and its activities, appropriate points of contact, and an explanation of their potential application of the technology. One-page expressions of interest should be received not later than July 31, 2001. This is not a procurement activity. Additional information is available on the PNNL web site at: http://www.pnl.gov/nsd/commercial/TND/index.html

Web Link

Click here to go directly to Timed Neutron Detection (http://www.pnl.gov/nsd/commercial/TND/index.html)

Record

Loren Data Corp. 20010614/ASOL005.HTM (W-163 SN50O705)