The University of Rochester’s Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE) is collaborating with a technology transfer partner Sydor Technologies, which has been awarded a $1.15 million Phase-II Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant from the US Department of Energy (DOE) for their project “Plasma-Electrode Pockels Cells for Inertial Fusion Facilities.” This academic–industry collaboration aims to advance the development of optical devices for high-powered laser systems. The project will focus on commercializing mid-scale plasma-electrode Pockels cell (mPEPC) technology—an electro-optic component essential for enabling and reducing the cost of future fusion facilities.
The mPEPC technology offers several key benefits for inertial fusion applications, including:
- Facilitating multipass laser amplification, maximizing performance while reducing costs and facility size.
- Enabling high-power, high-energy modular lasers necessary for scalable inertial fusion systems.
- Integrating optical isolation and retroreflection protection within high-energy laser systems without additional optical components.
- Pioneering future commercial facility designs by enabling various modular and economically reproducible configurations.
By addressing these critical aspects of laser system design and performance, the mPEPC plays a vital role in advancing inertial fusion research and development. mPEPC technology was developed by LLE under National Nuclear Security Administration funding for next-generation laser technologies.
David Garand, principal investigator at Sydor Technologies, says, “This grant provides the opportunity to work hand in hand with the experts at LLE while leveraging facility resources to construct a first-article mPEPC electro-optic cell and to further refine plasma-electrode Pockels cell technology. The Sydor team is excited to continue working toward commercializing this technology and to make it accessible for broad adoption.”
Christopher Deeney, director of LLE, says, “Our historic partnership with Sydor Technologies exemplifies the power of collaboration between research institutions and industry. This project will accelerate the transition of cutting-edge fusion technologies from the lab to commercial applications.”
Nicholas West, president of Sydor Technologies, adds, “This Phase-II SBIR grant reinforces our commitment to advancing fusion research. By commercializing key technologies like the plasma-electrode Pockels cells, we’re supporting both established national laboratories and emerging startups.”
The project builds on Sydor Technologies’ record as a key manufacturing partner for inertial fusion facilities and researchers. The long-standing relationship between Sydor Technologies and LLE has been instrumental in facilitating technology transfer from research institutions to commercial applications. The Phase-II SBIR award expands this partnership beyond advanced diagnostics to laser system technologies.