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Sensible Photonics and University of Pittsburgh Technology Selected by U.S. Department of Energy for Demonstration at Idaho National Laboratory
- Leah Ohodnicki
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
PITTSBURGH, PA — 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," 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 Dr. Paul Ohodnicki, Co-Founder of Sensible Photonics and Professor at the University of Pittsburgh, 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 Dr. Paul Ohodnicki. "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.
About Sensible Photonics
Sensible Photonics is a Pittsburgh-based advanced sensing company developing next-generation fiber optic sensing and analytics platforms for energy, utility, industrial, battery storage, and nuclear applications. The company's patented technologies provide real-time monitoring and actionable intelligence to improve safety, reliability, and operational performance of critical infrastructure assets.
About the University of Pittsburgh
The University of Pittsburgh is a leading public research university committed to advancing innovation, scientific discovery, and technology commercialization. Through collaborative partnerships with industry and government, Pitt researchers develop solutions to some of society's most pressing challenges in energy, healthcare, manufacturing, and national security.
Media Contacts:
Sensible Photonics, Inc.Michelle McGregor-Smith – CEO
University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering
Paul Kovach - Director of Marketing and Communications