Inrad Optics Receives SBIR Phase III for stilbene production for fast neutron detection

The Domestic Nuclear Detection Office of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has awarded Inrad Optics (Northvale, NJ) a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase III contract to support continued development of neutron detection materials. After successfully demonstrating commercialization of stilbene scintillators in Phase II, Inrad Optics is now focused on reducing costs and expanding format sizes during the Phase III effort.

Inrad Optics is a manufacturer of crystalline materials, optical components and photonic devices.

The detection of neutrons is a critical capability for the monitoring of special nuclear materials in security applications, as well as applications in research and radiation protection. The organic crystalline material stilbene has been shown to be well suited for neutron detection, but has not been fully deployed in its many applications due to limited commercial availability. The Phase III contract is a continuation of work dating back to 2011 and is part of an ongoing collaborative effort with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory for large-scale production of stilbene.

“Our continued commitment to novel materials research and product development provides compelling value to industry for critical applications such as nuclear detection,” said Inrad Optics CEO Amy Eskilson on the Phase III award.