Phoenix, LLC

About Phoenix, LLC

Phoenix, LLC functions as a specialized provider of neutron imaging services, a critical form of nondestructive testing (NDT) for clients in the aerospace, defense, and energy sectors. The company was established in Madison, Wisconsin, in 2005 by Dr. Gregory Piefer, a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison's nuclear engineering program. Dr. Piefer's vision was to commercialize fusion technology for practical, near-term applications as a stepping stone toward the long-term goal of clean fusion energy. The company's core technology is a proprietary, accelerator-driven neutron generator that produces high-flux neutrons without relying on a nuclear reactor. This approach offers clients greater reliability and accessibility compared to the limited and aging research reactors that have historically provided these services.

The business model centers on providing neutron radiography as a commercial service for quality assurance, failure analysis, and research and development support. This is particularly valuable for inspecting mission-critical components, such as munitions or jet engine turbine blades, where internal flaws undetectable by X-rays can be identified. Phoenix operates the Phoenix Neutron Imaging Center in Fitchburg, Wisconsin, one of the few facilities in the world offering production-scale neutron radiography services. Revenue is generated by performing these specialized NDT services for manufacturers and government agencies, including a long-standing relationship with the US Army. The company holds numerous certifications and licenses, including ISO 9001:2015, AS9100D, and compliance with DoD safety and security manuals, enabling it to handle sensitive and regulated components.

In April 2021, Phoenix merged with SHINE Medical Technologies (now SHINE Technologies), becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary. This merger was a natural progression, as Dr. Piefer also founded SHINE in 2010 as a spin-off from Phoenix to apply the same core neutron generation technology to the production of medical isotopes. The two companies had collaborated closely for over a decade, and the merger aligned their shared mission to advance fusion technology. Phoenix now represents the commercialization of the first phase of SHINE's multi-phase approach to developing practical fusion energy. Dr. Evan Sengbusch, who joined Phoenix in 2012 with a background in medical physics and technology management, serves as a key leader within the organization.