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Special notice

CALL FOR COMMERCIALIZATION PARTNERS: Plasma Liner Experiment (PLX)

25-28862

Department of Energy, Triad - DOE Contractor. Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology).

Response deadline

October 15, 2025 at 7:00 PM EDT

Closed 338 days ago. Posted March 24, 2026, first published September 5, 2025. Scheduled to archive March 24, 2026.

Description

As published on SAM.gov.

On behalf of Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), Triad National Security, LLC (Triad) invites qualified commercial partners to submit proposals for the advancement, commercialization, and deployment of the Plasma Liner Experiment (PLX) —a novel, scalable platform for plasma-jet-driven magneto-inertial fusion (PJMIF) and high-energy plasma applications. Triad seeks commercialization partners from aerospace, fusion, and advanced energy sectors who can commit to a phased, multi-year commercialization plan.

Partners should address how they intend to relocate PLX from LANL, develop and implement a roadmap for short- and long-term markets, and deploy the platform into high-demand short-term markets while advancing fusion development. BACKGROUND The plasma-jet-driven magneto-inertial fusion (PJMIF) concept originated at LANL in 2010 as a hybrid between magnetic confinement fusion (MCF) and inertial confinement fusion (ICF). It uses high-speed plasma jets to create a spherical plasma liner that compresses a magnetized plasma target to achieve fusion conditions.

PLX Milestones to Date: • Built and operated a 36-gun array of supersonic plasma jets to form spherical plasma liners. • Built and operated a 6-gun array of magnetized plasma jets to form plasma targets. • Demonstrated liner symmetry and ram pressure performance in experiments. • Developed and integrated real-time diagnostic systems. • Will achieve deuterium target compression with a plasma liner toward fusion-relevant parameters by mid-2026.

ABOUT TECHNOLOGY Key Features • Hybrid Fusion Model — Combines strengths of MCF and ICF for potentially lower-cost, modular scale-up. • Non-destructive Operation — Plasma jets are isolated from the burn region, reducing wear and extending system life. • Scalable Architecture — Configurable number of plasma guns for different performance needs. • Compact Footprint — Operates without large magnets or multi-megajoule lasers. • High Repetition Potential — Designed for repeatable, rapid test cycles. • Real-time diagnostics and control software.

Technology Readiness Level:

3 Patent Status: Pending (App. 63/725137)

Copyright Status: PLX Firmware- LabVIEW (#T4974), Plasma Liner Experiment (PLX) LabVIEW Control System (#T4951) SUBMIT YOUR COMMERCIAL PLAN TO Richard P. Feynman Center for Innovation at PLXT2M@lanl.gov Subject: PLX Commercial Plan Submission LEGAL AND DISCLAIMERS This Call for Commercialization Partners does not constitute a solicitation for procurement or licensing negotiations. Submissions will be evaluated for suitability and alignment with LANL’s mission. Qualified respondents will be invited to participate in follow-up discussions and may receive a request for full business proposals.

Publications

Every notice SAM.gov issued under this solicitation number, oldest first. Each is a separate record on SAM.

  1. September 5, 2025

    Special notice

    Due October 15, 2025 at 7:00 PM EDT. SAM.gov, notice 5f43ba9f715b4f939a58c8e7b1d80f73

  2. March 24, 2026

    Special notice

    Due October 15, 2025 at 7:00 PM EDT. SAM.gov, notice b37e624389b94e3a9cbe0ba62298e9ec

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