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Special Notice Expired 2 notices

Available for Licensing:High-Quality Superconducting ZrN Thin Films via Molecular Beam Epitaxy for Quantum Computing and Advanced Superconducting Technologies BA-1552

Solicitation BA-1552 Copied Notice ID b0baab0c522841d4ba948df363890f0d Copied ENERGY, DEPARTMENT OF — BATTELLE ENERGY ALLIANCE–DOE CNTR
SAM.gov
Posted
Mar 04, 2026
Deadline
Apr 20, 2026
Set-aside
None
NAICS
334413
PSC
AJ13

Summary

AI-generated · Oct 24, 2025

Licensing of high-quality superconducting zirconium nitride (ZrN) thin films produced by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) is offered. INL has established the deposition parameters—growth rate, temperature, Zr/N flux ratios, and substrate choice—that yield single-crystal ZrN with superior crystalline quality, and has developed methods to induce unconventional superconductivity in ZrN. The approach allows precise control of impurities, defects, and stoichiometry to tune properties such as critical temperature and magnetic field, with MBE enabling wafer-scale, epitaxial, high-uniformity films not typically achievable with polycrystalline methods. Applications include superconducting qubits, epitaxial superconducting heterostructures, and broader R&D and fault-tolerant computing initiatives.

Context and purpose: this is a licensing opportunity to commercialize or further develop ZrN thin-film superconductors for quantum computing and advanced superconducting technologies. Unique aspects include the use of MBE-deposited ZrN, not previously deployed by MBE, and the associated capability to tailor growth parameters for high-quality, wafer-scale films. The notice does not specify brand-name requirements, certifications, or site-visit obligations, so those aspects are not stated; interested parties should be prepared to discuss licensing terms and demonstrate capability in producing high-quality MBE ZrN films and related structures.

High-Quality Superconducting ZrN Thin Films via Molecular Beam Epitaxy for Quantum Computing and Advanced Superconducting Technologies Description INL researchers have successfully established the parameters necessary for the deposition of high-quality superconducting zirconium nitride (ZrN) using molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). Key parameters include growth rate, temperature, flux ratios of zirconium (Zr) and nitrogen (N), and the choice of substrate. These parameters significantly impact the crystalline quality of the ZrN, which in turn affects its physical properties. Additionally, novel methods have been developed to induce unconventional superconductivity in conventional superconductors like ZrN. Key Benefits Superior Quality: MBE allows for fine-tuned growth parameters, resulting in top-quality, single-crystal ZrN superconducting films. Unconventional Superconductivity: Methods for inducing unconventional superconductivity in ZrN have been conceptualized, potentially enabling more fault-tolerant computing. Novel Application: ZrN has not previously been deposited using MBE, offering a unique advantage over existing superconducting thin films, which are often polycrystalline. Tunable Impurities, Defects, and stoichiometry: The precise control during deposition minimizes impurities and defects, enabling better performance and higher critical temperatures. Direct control of stoichiometry allows for tunable performance metrics such as critical field and temperature. Market Applications Quantum Computing: Superconducting ZrN thin films can be used as platforms for superconducting qubits, a key component in the development of quantum computers. Epitaxial Superconducting Heterostructures: The high-quality, high-uniformity films can be used to create advanced structures needed for unconventional superconducting technologies with atomic layer precision at wafer scale. Research and Development: The technology can be utilized by researchers and companies focused on advancing superconducting materials and their applications. Fault-Tolerant Computing: Unconventional superconducting schemes based on this technology could lead to more robust and fault-tolerant computing systems. This technology represents a significant advancement in the field of superconducting materials, with broad implications for quantum computing and other high-tech applications.

From Special Notice posted on Oct 23, 2025

High-Quality Superconducting ZrN Thin Films via Molecular Beam Epitaxy for Quantum Computing and Advanced Superconducting Technologies Description INL researchers have successfully established the parameters necessary for the deposition of high-quality superconducting zirconium nitride (ZrN) using molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). Key parameters include growth rate, temperature, flux ratios of zirconium (Zr) and nitrogen (N), and the choice of substrate. These parameters significantly impact the crystalline quality of the ZrN, which in turn affects its physical properties. Additionally, novel methods have been developed to induce unconventional superconductivity in conventional superconductors like ZrN. Key Benefits Superior Quality: MBE allows for fine-tuned growth parameters, resulting in top-quality, single-crystal ZrN superconducting films. Unconventional Superconductivity: Methods for inducing unconventional superconductivity in ZrN have been conceptualized, potentially enabling more fault-tolerant computing. Novel Application: ZrN has not previously been deposited using MBE, offering a unique advantage over existing superconducting thin films, which are often polycrystalline. Tunable Impurities, Defects, and stoichiometry: The precise control during deposition minimizes impurities and defects, enabling better performance and higher critical temperatures. Direct control of stoichiometry allows for tunable performance metrics such as critical field and temperature. Market Applications Quantum Computing: Superconducting ZrN thin films can be used as platforms for superconducting qubits, a key component in the development of quantum computers. Epitaxial Superconducting Heterostructures: The high-quality, high-uniformity films can be used to create advanced structures needed for unconventional superconducting technologies with atomic layer precision at wafer scale. Research and Development: The technology can be utilized by researchers and companies focused on advancing superconducting materials and their applications. Fault-Tolerant Computing: Unconventional superconducting schemes based on this technology could lead to more robust and fault-tolerant computing systems. This technology represents a significant advancement in the field of superconducting materials, with broad implications for quantum computing and other high-tech applications.

From Special Notice posted on Mar 04, 2026

Notice history

2
  1. Special Notice Posted Oct 23, 2025 View
  2. Special Notice LATEST Posted Mar 04, 2026
    • Response Deadline: Nov 20, 2025Apr 20, 2026

Details

Solicitation number BA-1552
Notice ID b0baab0c522841d4ba948df363890f0d
Notice type Special Notice
Product / Service (PSC) AJ13
NAICS 334413
Place of performance Idaho Falls, Idaho
Archive date May 05, 2026

Award Information

Not yet awarded

Documents

No files available

View on SAM.gov

Contacts

primary
Javier Martinez

Email

Agency

ENERGY, DEPARTMENT OF
ENERGY, DEPARTMENT OF
BATTELLE ENERGY ALLIANCE–DOE CNTR

Place of Performance

Idaho Falls, Idaho 83401
USA

Dates

Posted Mar 04, 2026 5 months ago
Last Updated Aug 06, 2026 1 day ago
Due Apr 20, 2026 3 months ago