Plasma Liner Experiment (PLX)

Why PLX?

• Hybrid Fusion Approach: Combines principles of magnetic and inertial confinement.
• Compact and Modular: Configurable design that adapts to performance needs.
• Non-Destructive Operation: Plasma jets remain isolated from the burn region, reducing wear and extending system life.
• Efficient and Scalable: Operates without massive infrastructure, lowering barriers to entry.
• Frequent Operation: Supports rapid, repeatable experiments with integrated diagnostics.

Applications

Near-Term (1–3 years):

• Testing of heat shields and thermal protection systems for re-entry.
• Component survivability assessments for hypersonic vehicles.
• Validation studies for high-enthalpy and directed energy systems.
• Evaluation of telemetry and tracking components in relevant plasma conditions.

Long-Term (3–10+ years):

• Development of grid-scale fusion energy systems.
• Modular plasma gun systems for defense, research, and industry.
• Exploration of scalable power plant designs based on PJMIF.

Partner Criteria

Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking partners in aerospace, fusion, and advanced energy who can:

• develop and execute a phased, multi-year commercialization plan;
• relocate PLX from The Laboratory and establish operations by June 30, 2026;
• demonstrate technical capability, financial readiness, and a clear commercialization vision; and
• Engage through one or more of the following mechanisms:
• License Agreement (minimum requirement)
• Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA)
• Strategic Partnership Project with Non-Federal Entity (SPP-NFE)
• Technical Assistance (for New Mexico companies)

Submission Details

Commercialization Plans should include the following:

• Company background and qualifications
• Short- and long-term commercialization goals
• Technical transition and facility readiness plans
• Business and financial model
• Team qualifications and milestones
• IP and compliance strategies

Key Dates

Submit To:

PLXT2M@lanl.gov

Subject line: PLX Commercial Plan Submission

• Download Full Commercial Call (pdf)

Learn More

PLX is currently at Technology Readiness Level 3 with patents pending. Demonstrated milestones include:

• operation of a 36-gun array to form spherical plasma liners,
• deployment of integrated diagnostic systems, and
• progress toward hydrogen compression experiments by 2026.

PLX provides an opportunity to advance plasma-driven testing and fusion research through collaboration with Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Next Step

Organizations with relevant capabilities are encouraged to submit a Commercialization Plan by October 1, 2025.