Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has partnered with Hexium, Inc. to develop domestic lithium isotope production using laser technology, supported by funding from the US Department of Energy's Technology Commercialization Fund. The collaboration addresses critical supply needs for advanced nuclear reactors that rely on lithium isotopes for cooling and fusion fuel. LLNL will adapt Atomic Vapor Laser Isotope Separation (AVLIS), a technology originally developed 50 years ago, using modern laser systems. The process heats lithium metal to create vapour, then uses lasers to selectively ionise and collect specific isotopes. Through a Cooperative Research & Development Agreement, LLNL will design high-power lasers whilst Hexium constructs the separation system. The team aims to demonstrate industrial-scale lithium enrichment and achieve full commercial production within three years.

Hexium has emerged from stealth with $8 million in seed funding.