TECHNOLOGY/BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY Large Area Optical Waveplate Fabrication For Enhanced Durability and Density Multiplication

Opportunity: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), operated by the Lawrence Livermore National Security (LLNS), LLC under contract no. DE-AC52-07NA27344 (Contract 44) with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), is offering the opportunity to enter into a collaboration to further develop and commercialize its Large Area Optical Waveplate Fabrication For Enhanced Durability and Density Multiplication.

Background: Laser systems often utilize waveplates to control the polarization of the light, and, when used in conjunction with other optical elements, they can be used to control the transmitted laser power. Conventional birefringent materials have some limitations, namely: (1) optical materials exhibiting desirable natural birefringence often have a low laser-induced damage threshold, placing an upper limit on the laser power the system can safely use before the waveplate, and (2) these specialized materials exhibiting bulk birefringence also tend to be more expensive for shorter wavelengths.

Description: This LLNL invention allows for the fabrication of complex waveplate features and topologies from fused silica, a highly desirable and durable waveplate material. It also is a unique technique for density multiplication and high-fidelity bidirectional deposition, which can create optical components that are generally for entirely new classes of optical materials.

Advantages/Benefits: This technique enables highly dense and controllable fabrication and deposition of durable waveplate features in fewer steps leading to lower costs, less complex process development Potential Applications: High laser damage threshold fused silica components Optical components with Complex birefringent optical material topologies Increased density of replicable features with higher reliability Development Status: Current stage of technology development: TRL ? 0-2 ? 3-5 ?

5-9 LLNL has filed for patent protection on 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 IPO website at https://ipo.llnl.gov/resources 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 LLNL's Large Area Optical Waveplate Fabrication For Enhanced Durability and Density Multiplication should provide an electronic OR written statement of interest, which includes the following:

Company Name and address. The name, address, and telephone number of a point of contact. A description of corporate expertise and/or facilities relevant to commercializing this technology. Please provide a complete electronic OR written statement to ensure consideration of your interest in LLNL's Large Area Optical Waveplate Fabrication For Enhanced Durability and Density Multiplication. The subject heading in an email response should include the Notice ID and/or the title of LLNL’s Technology/Business Opportunity and directed to the Primary and Secondary Point of Contacts listed below. Written responses should be directed to:

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Innovation and Partnerships Office P.O.

Box 808, L-779 Livermore, CA 94551-0808 Attention: IL-13978