Sensible Photonics and Pitt Selected by U.S. DOE for Demonstration at Idaho National Laboratory

Sensible Photonics, Inc. and the University of Pittsburgh today announced that their advanced fiber optic sensing technology has been competitively selected by the U.S. Department of Energy's Center for Used Fuel Research (CUFR) for demonstration at Idaho National Laboratory.

The technology, originally developed through a Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) collaboration between Sensible Photonics and the University of Pittsburgh, provides advanced monitoring capabilities for used nuclear fuel storage systems. The project represents a significant milestone in the transition of federally funded research from the laboratory to deployment in support of the nation's nuclear energy infrastructure.

Used nuclear fuel storage systems require reliable, long-term monitoring solutions to support safety, operational efficiency, and informed asset management. The selected sensing platform utilizes advanced passive fiber optic technology capable of providing continuous monitoring in challenging environments while delivering valuable operational data.

"This selection by the Department of Energy and the Center for Used Fuel Research is an important validation of both the technology and the strong collaboration between Sensible Photonics and the University of Pittsburgh," said Rob A. Rutenbar, Senior Vice Chancellor for Research at the University of Pittsburgh. “We are pleased to have the opportunity to demonstrate how advanced sensing technologies can contribute to the safe and reliable management of used nuclear fuel storage systems while strengthening America's energy security.”

The technology was developed under the leadership of Paul Ohodnicki, PhD, co-founder of Sensible Photonics and associate professor of mechanical engineering and materials science at the University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering, whose research has focused on advanced optical sensing technologies for energy, industrial, and nuclear applications. 

"This project highlights the critical role that university-industry partnerships play in advancing innovative technologies from research to real-world deployment," said Ohodnicki, who is also is director of Pitt's Center for Energy. "We are excited to work with Idaho National Laboratory and DOE partners to demonstrate the value of advanced fiber optic sensing technologies for nuclear energy applications."

The demonstration will be conducted through the Center for Used Fuel Research, a Department of Energy initiative focused on advancing technologies that improve the safety, security, and management of used nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste.

The selection further demonstrates the growing importance of advanced sensing technologies in supporting the future of nuclear energy, grid reliability, and critical infrastructure resilience.