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TECHNOLOGY LICENSING OPPORTUNITY Active Compensation of Radiation Effects on Optical Fiber for Sensing Applications A new technique to measure macroscopic properties in real-time to actively account f... TECHNOLOGY LICENSING OPPORTUNITY Active Compensation of Radiation Effects on Optical Fiber for Sensing Applications A new technique to measure macroscopic properties in real-time to actively account for sensor drift. Opportunity: Idaho National Laboratory (INL), managed and operated by Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC (BEA), is offering the opportunity to enter into a license and/or collaborative research agreement to commercialize this new measurement technique to account for sensor drift. This technology transfer opportunity is part of a dedicated effort to convert government-funded research into job opportunities, businesses and ultimately an improved way of life for the American people. Overview: Neutron and gamma irradiation are known to compact the silica material used resulting in macroscopic changes in refractive index (RI) and geometric structure. The changes in RI and linear compaction in a radiation environment is caused by three well known mechanisms: 1) radiation induced attenuation (RIA), 2) radiation induced compaction (RIC), and 3) radiation induced emission (RIE). These macroscopic changes induce errors in monitoring physical parameters such as temperature, pressure, and strain in optical fiber-based sensors which limit their application in radiation environment. Description: Researchers at Idaho National Lab have developed a technique for actively compensating for the sensor drift common in neutron and gamma irradiation in optical fibers. This drift results from the change in macroscopic properties of the fiber from the environment. Specifically, the index of refraction and compaction of the glass. This new technique can measure these properties in the optical fiber in real time and apply these measured properties, through a model, to correct for sensor drift due to property change. Benefits: Does not rely on parameters like dose, dose rate or temperature. Enables many more measurements in a single lead of data points per fiber depending on the sensors used. When applied to reactor use, this can enable the autonomous operation of microreactors and provide more operational data. Applications: Designed for use in the additive manufacturing of nuclear fuels. May be applied to any specialized alloy fabrication used for additive manufacturing in non-nano material industries. Development Status: TRL 2, concept has been fully formulated and is in need of testing. IP Status: Provisional Application No. 63/366,378, “Apparatuses Including Sensor Devices for Active Compensation of Sensor Drift, and Related Methods and Systems,” BEA Docket No. BA-1282. INL is seeking to license the above intellectual property to a company with a demonstrated ability to bring such inventions to the market. Exclusive rights in defined fields of use may be available. Added value is placed on relationships with small businesses, start-up companies, and general entrepreneurship opportunities. Please visit Technology Deployment’s website at https://inl.gov/inl-initiatives/technology-deployment for more information on working with INL and the industrial partnering and technology transfer process. Companies interested in learning more about this licensing opportunity should contact Andrew Rankin at td@inl.gov.