Exail Signs LLNL Contract, Partners with Eelume

Exail, a high-tech industrial group specializing in photonics technologies, has signed a contract with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) to provide more than 60 dual-stage modulators to the equip the high-fidelity pulse shaping (HiFiPS) system at the National Ignition Facility (NIF)’s master oscillator room. This is the second optical component ordered from Exail to enhance NIF’s capabilities.

The NIF target bay at LLNL. Exail’s previously supplied optical fibers to the facility before it was contracted to supply NIF dual-stage modulators. Courtesy of Damien Jemison/LLNL, U.S. Energy Dept.

The HiFiPS system’s role is to enable better power balance and symmetry control in implosions by increasing accurate pulse shaping of NIF’s 192 laser beams.

Exail has previously supplied the NIF radiation resistant multimode graded-index fiber for diagnostic purposes important for understanding laser performance and refining laser delivery for fusion ignition experiments. The fiber is used to monitor the laser power signal entering the target chamber without radiation induced losses limiting the monitoring capabilities. Since 2022, several kilometers of Exail fibers replaced the NIF obsolescent fibers.

Partnership with Eelume

Prior to its contract with LLNL, Exail had been selected by Eelume, a provider of underwater technology, to supply its Phins Compact C3 Inertial Navigation System (INS) for Eelume’s new S-Series all-terrain autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs).

Eelume’s S-Series AUV, which will come equipped with Exail’s Phins Compact C3 INS. Courtesy of Exail.

The S-Series are all-terrain AUVs designed for mapping and operating in challenging underwater terrains using 360° of maneuverability in roll and pitch. The company says that the Phins Compact C3 INS will enhance Eelume AUVs’ capabilities for efficient exploration, inspection, and monitoring in environments such as hillsides, under-ice areas, vessels, and harbors.