Optics

Inrad Optics lauded with awards for R&D

June 26, 2014

On June 10, Inrad Optics received two awards for research and developent performed under contract for the Department of Homeland Security’s Domestic Nuclear Detection Office for exceptional contributions to advanced materials development for neutron detection of radiological and nuclear material. The award was accepted on behalf of Inrad Optics by senior scientist Candace Lynch at a ceremony held during the 2014 Symposium on Radiation Measurements and Applications in Ann Arbor, MI.

On June 16, the company was one of 25 to receive the Tibbetts Award from the U.S. Small Business Association for playing a critical role in R&D for the government and for their success in driving innovation and creating new jobs. This award honors outstanding small businesses and individuals who participate in the SBA’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. Candace Lynch and Inrad Optics CEO/President Amy Eskilson accepted the award at a White House ceremony.

Eskilson commented, “The successful transition of stilbene to commercial production is a testament to the talented team of scientists, engineers, and technicians at our Northvale, NJ facility.” In 2012, Inrad Optics received approximately $1 million in Phase II SBIR funding from DNDO to develop a commercial supply of the crystalline material stilbene, which produces a measurable optical signal in the presence of neutron radiation. The contract is part of a collaborative effort with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, where pioneering work on stilbene crystal growth was conducted. Inrad Optics began shipping stilbene crystals to customers at the end of 2013, in advance of the completion of the 2-year SBIR contract.

Related article: Stilbene crystals improve neutron detection by LFW senior editor Gail Overton

Source: Inrad Optics

About the Author

Conard Holton | Editor at Large

Conard Holton has 25 years of science and technology editing and writing experience. He was formerly a staff member and consultant for government agencies such as the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority and the International Atomic Energy Agency, and engineering companies such as Bechtel. He joined Laser Focus World in 1997 as senior editor, becoming editor in chief of WDM Solutions, which he founded in 1999. In 2003 he joined Vision Systems Design as editor in chief, while continuing as contributing editor at Laser Focus World. Conard became editor in chief of Laser Focus World in August 2011, a role in which he served through August 2018. He then served as Editor at Large for Laser Focus World and Co-Chair of the Lasers & Photonics Marketplace Seminar from August 2018 through January 2022. He received his B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania, with additional studies at the Colorado School of Mines and Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.