Inrad Optics Receives SBA Tibbetts Award for Its Advances in Technology and Innovation

On Jun 17, 2014

Inrad Optics of Northvale was one of 25 companies, nationwide, to receive the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Tibbetts Award for playing a critical role in the  research and development for the government and for their success in driving innovation and creating new jobs

The Tibbetts Awards, given by SBA, honors outstanding small businesses and individuals who participate in the SBA’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Techology Transfer (STTR) programs. The Tibbetts Awards, named after Roland Tibbetts, who was instrumental in developing the SBIR program, are presented to companies and individuals from all over the United States who are beacons of promise and models of excellence in high technology.

Inrad Optics, a US-based manufacturer of crystalline materials, optical components and photonic devices, was awarded a Phase II contract for approximately $1M by the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO) of the US Department of Homeland Security to support development of organic crystals for neutron detection. The detection of neutrons is a critical capability for the detection of special nuclear materials in homeland security applications, as well as applications in research and radiation protection. The overall objective of the Phase II effort is to demonstrate a method for industrial production of stilbene neutron detectors.

The Phase II contract is a continuation of work begun under a Phase I award in 2011, and is part of an on-going collaborative effort with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL). The collaboration has recently demonstrated that solution crystal growth is a highly promising route towards large-scale production of organic scintillators. Inrad Optics has leveraged its long and successful history producing other solution grown crystals for laser applications and UV filters in this new development effort.

Inrad Optics CEO Amy Eskilson commented  “Inrad Optics is continuing to push forward its development of organic scintillator crystals, and we are making significant progress on an almost daily basis. We appreciate the support and guidance of both LLNL and the DNDO, and are committed to providing the agency both high quality research results and a market ready product.”

“Photonics is one of the fastest growing high-tech industries in the world today,” said SBA’s NJ District Al Titone. “The Small Business Innovation Research program is helping New Jersey companies like Inrad Optics advance technologies that are critical to them being able to compete globally.  It’s no secret that technology driven firms are also  a big source of job creation here in New Jersey and across the country.”

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