08 Statement of Work.pdf

STATEMENT OF WORK

FOR

Mid-IR Probe OPO Source

15 November 2023

1. Scope: This effort seeks to acquire a middle-infrared (mid-IR) optical parametric oscillator (OPO), which uses momentum phase matching to produce spectrally pure, tunable optical radiation to probe the excited structure of rubidium at these exotic wavelengths and for use as a seed source in laser amplifiers at these wavelengths.

1.1 Background: Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) MS and PhD students are conducting research to develop high-efficiency high-power sources of coherent optical radiation based on laser oscillation of alkali atoms such as cesium or rubidium in the vapor state. Recently progress on this technology by AFIT PhD students has shown that there is a straightforward path toward high-gain laser operation at mid-IR wavelengths of 2931, 3011, 3096, 3614, and 3490 nm. Currently, AFIT students do not have access to probe sources that are needed for use in interrogating the excited electronic states of rubidium to determine their lifetimes, cross-sections, and other properties relevant to demonstration and optimization of laser sources based thereon. An optical parametric oscillator (OPO), such as the one proposed for purchase from TOPTICA, would enable precision interrogation of these states and the construction of power optical amplifiers and laser based on rubidium vapor with output wavelength of critical interest for USAF remote sensing and directed energy applications.

The tunable nature of this sources would enable it to address all five wavelengths in sequence, which would ordinarily require five separate laser sources. This permits the rapid evaluation of which wavelength is the most optimal for efficient extraction of energy from the excited vapor.

2. Applicable Documents: None

3. Requirements/Salient Characteristics: The following specification lists the minimum requirements for the tunable mid-IR OPO.

1. Continuous-wave operation

2. Linewidth <50 MHz

3. Beam quality M2<2

4. > 500 mW at 3.5 µm

5. Tunable output from 2.9-4.0 µm.

6. LabVIEW Compatible

7. Closed-loop fine-tuning with < 300 MHz absolute wavelength accuracy.

4. Delivery/Period of Performance: The vendor shall deliver and complete all requirements of this Statement of Work no later than 18 weeks after contract award. Contractor shall be responsible for transportation of all new products, loading, unloading, storage and all necessary movement from factory to final onsite set up. The contractor Project Manager shall be responsible for on-site coordination of all deliveries of their product, to include access to and operation of any equipment needed for unloading and movement of materials or product necessary to complete all requirements of this Statement of Work.

4.1 Place of Performance: This is an F.o.b. destination requirement.

Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT/ENP) ATTN: Greg Smith 2950 Hobson Way, Building, # 640 Room #264 Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433-7765

4.2 Payment: 100% payment upon completion of all requirements specified in this Statement of Work. Payment shall be made on a net 30 basis. Invoices shall be submitted and paid through Wide Area Work Flow (https://wawf.eb.mil/).