20-003906 - Purchase Description.pdf

Version 11-30-2016-1 FAR Part 11—Describing Agency Needs

PURCHASE DESCRIPTION

1. Statement of Need and Purpose:

The Section on Critical Brain Dynamics, NIMH (Senior investigator: Dietmar Plenz, PhD) requires a pulsed laser for their 2-photon imaging needs to cover a broad range of wavelengths (~600 nm to ~1300 nm). The availability of a broad wavelength range for imaging will allow to combine their imaging technology with new laser stimulation technology (optogenetics) to make the best use of recently developed modern fluorescent probes for neuroscience research.

2. Background Information and Objective:

The Section on Critical Brain Dynamics, NIMH (Senior investigator: Dietmar Plenz, PhD) requires a pulsed laser for their 2-photon imaging needs. The Plenz lab studies normal and pathological brain dynamics in awake behaving transgenic mice using laser technology. In short, the imaging laser excites fluorescent molecules that are being expressed in nerve cells of a mouse. This excitation allows for monitoring simultaneously the activity of thousands of neurons in the behaving animal. Using animal models for mental disease, the Plenz lab derives statistical features of normal and pathological brain function in order to identify mechanisms of mental diseases.

The purchase is required due to recent advances in laser technology and fluorescent molecule design. A modern laser for 2-photon imaging needs to cover a broad range of wavelengths to take advantage of modern fluorescence molecules/probes. Specifically, the lab needs to be able to excite probes in the short wavelength range of ~800 nm as well as long wavelength range of up to 1300 nm.

One of the current lasers used in the Plenz lab was purchased approximately 10 years ago and only covers the short wavelength range. The new laser in addition will cover the long wavelength range. By being able to cover a broad wavelength range for imaging, the Plenz lab will be able to combine 2-photon imaging with the most efficient fluorescent probes available to date providing needed flexibility in experimental designs for their experiments and their optical stimulation techniques.

3. Generic Name of Product:

Broad wavelength range pulse-laser system

4. Purchase Description: Brand name or equal Chameleon DISCOVERY NX SYSTEM Part Number- 1404200

Version 11-30-2016-1 FAR Part 11—Describing Agency Needs

5. Salient characteristics

Technical requirments for acquisition of this system includes the following:

1. High power, dual output tunable femtosecond laser system for multiphoton microscopy, non-linear optics and ultrafast spectroscopy.

2. Totally automated for hands free operation, the Chameleon Discovery NX delivers high peak power right to the sample plane using built in dispersion precompensation for the tunable output. The combination of short pulses (100fs at 900nm), high average power (>1400mW at 900nm) and widest tuning range (660-1320nm) gives brighter and deeper images for in-vivo imaging applications.

3. A second output at 1040nm, with high power (>3500mW) and short pulses (140fs) further enables multimodal capability for dual color excitation and activation of optogenetics probes. The two outputs are phase locked, enabling techniques such as CARS, SRS and 2P wavelength mixing.

4. Chameleon Discovery NX is controlled via an intuitive graphical user interface (GUI), installable on any WindowsTM PC system. Alternatively the system can be controlled direct via the RS232 or USB interface located on the rear of the laser head.

5. The system is designed to exacting industrial standards, using HASS and HALT methodologies. This ensures highest system lifetime and performance over the widest range of operating conditions.

Requiring only single-phase AC power and operating for thousands of hours without maintenance, the system includes:

a. Compact laser head with integrated dispersion precompensation and light loop power control for excellent long term stability

b. Power supply unit with shutter control and interlocks

c. Closed-loop water chiller.

d. MRU-X1 closed-loop air re-circulator, ensuring clean integrity of the ultrafast laser cavity

e. Secure remote service capability included with system warranty to optimise system uptime, productivity and performance.

The Government requirments are to facilitiate the purchase of item through COAC. The contractor/vendor will deliver the purduct after purchase, set-up and fine tune according to the lab specifications.

6. Quantity: 1

Chameleon DISCOVERY NX SYSTEM Part Number- 1404200

7. Delivery Date: Within 60 days ARO

8. Period of Performance: N/A

9. Option(s): N/A