Background Information:

Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) are a broad category of electronic sensors, including gyroscopes and accelerometers, that provide measurements for calculating an object’s force, orientation, and velocity. While a variety of IMUs are available in today’s market, the most accurate are known for their bulky size, weight, and intensive power requirements. There is an increasing need for smaller, lighter units that can withstand harsh shock and vibration environments. To this end, researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have developed a MEMS-based chip-scale accelerometer and gyroscope assembly that overcomes technical challenges that have historically prevented MEMS-based technologies from outperforming competing miniaturized ring laser and fiber optic gyroscope IMUs.

Opportunity Description:

SNL is seeking partners to commercialize the technologies described in one or more of the following patents:

US Patent # 10,458,795  Optomechanical Gyroscope Utilizing the Sagnac Effect (SD 14018)

US Patent Appl # 15/594,133  High Sensitivity Single-Axis MEMS Accelerometer with Bilateral Flexures (SD 13933)

US Patent # 10,139,564  Vertically Integrated Optoelectronics Package for MEMS Devices (SD 13215)

US Patent # 8,726,730  Optically Transduced MEMS Gyro Device (SD 11475)

US Patent # 8,783,106  Micromachined Force-Balance Feedback Accelerometer with Optical Displacement Detection (SD 11413)

US Patent # 8,204,497  Microelectromechanical Inertial Sensor (SD 10940)

US Patent # 7,106,448  Integrated Resonant Micro-Optical Gyroscope and Method of Fabrication (SD 7566)

Sandia National Labs has developed a number of technologies for high-end tactical grade IMUs.  Compared to commercially available units, some of Sandia’s IMUs are significantly smaller, consume less power, are more sensitive and have higher mechanical stiffness and bandwidth. Sandia is seeking commercial partners to deploy these technologies for both US Government and commercial applications through a combination of licensing (up to exclusive) and Cooperative Research And Development Agreements (CRADAs).

Potential Applications:

• Advanced Manufacturing
• Aircraft and Aerospace
• Industrial Machinery
• Medical Devices
• Microelectronics
• Mining
• Oil & Gas
• Public Safety
• Semiconductor Manufacturing
• Transportation and Automotive

Keywords:

Accelerometer, gyroscope, IMU

Sandia National Laboratories is a multimission laboratory managed and operated by National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Honeywell International Inc., for the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration under contract DE-NA0003525.