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LightSlingers: Superluminal Antenna Technology

A Novel Directional Antenna Approach

Researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory have developed LightSlingers, a directional broadband antenna system that offers a compact, energy-efficient, and versatile solution for modern communication needs. LightSlingers employs a unique emission mechanism based on polarization currents moving faster than the speed of light within a dielectric material, enabling precise directional control.

Technology Overview

LightSlingers antennas differ from conventional designs by using superluminal polarization currents to emit radiation. This approach enables the generation of focused wave packets that can be directed with high angular precision.

Key Features

  • Energy Efficiency
    Delivers several percent more emitted power than comparable phased array systems.
  • Signal Discretion
    Transmissions are only detectable within the main beam, reducing the risk of unintended interception.
  • Beam Control
    Capable of producing tightly focused beams that can be directed in various orientations.
  • Broadband Operation
    Inherently supports wide frequency ranges without the need for tuning.
  • Simplified Design
    Constructed from a limited number of monolithic components, easing manufacturing processes.
  • Signal Versatility
    Can generate signals with novel phase fronts suitable for multiplexing applications.
  • Environmentally Conscious
    Designed with recyclable materials and a streamlined supply chain.

Download the Lightslingers Technology Brief 

Partnership Opportunity

Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking a U.S.-based commercial partner to support the development, production, and deployment of the LightSlingers antenna technology. The intellectual property is available for licensing on a non-exclusive basis.

Preferred Partner Attributes

  • U.S.-based OEM manufacturing or strong U.S. operational presence
  • Demonstrated environmentally responsible practices
  • Established management and engineering teams
  • Capacity to develop and scale a Minimum Viable Product (MVP)
  • Market experience and distribution strategies for antenna systems
  • Compliance with U.S. Export Control regulations

Next Steps

Interested organizations are invited to submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) describing their interest in licensing the LightSlingers technology and how they meet the outlined partnership criteria.

Submit LOI to: licensing@lanl.gov
Deadline: May 22, 2025

Patent Portfolio

LightSlingers technology is supported by the following issued U.S. patents:

  1. US Patent No. 9,948,011 – Superluminal Antenna
  2. US Patent No. 9,608,330 – Superluminal Antenna
  3. US Patent No. 11,217,898 – Continuous Antenna Arrays

This is not a solicitation for a license agreement. Selected respondents may be invited to submit a full commercialization plan for further consideration.