Plasma Liner Experiment (PLX)

A Scalable Platform for Fusion and High-Energy Plasma Research

The Opportunity

Los Alamos National Laboratory sought commercial partners to advance the Plasma Liner Experiment (PLX), a compact and scalable platform for plasma-jet-driven magneto-inertial fusion (PJMIF) and advanced plasma applications.

PLX uses synchronized supersonic plasma jets to form imploding plasma liners. This approach enables research and testing without large magnets or multi-megajoule lasers. The platform is modular, compact, and designed for repeatable, non-destructive experiments.

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

This call is now closed. Los Alamos National Laboratory is sought 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 Questions to:

PLXT2M@lanl.gov

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

This call is now closed.

LA-UR-25-28938