BZ-2026-05.pdf

LBNL Request for Information No. BZ-2026-05 Page 1

July 31, 2026

Subject: Request for Information (RFI) Number BZ-2026-05 Response Due Date: August 10, 2026

Introduction The University of California, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) is conducting market research to identify sources that possess the capabilities and experience necessary to deliver a femtosecond laser system with two synchronized outputs.

The Laser Technologies Group at LBNL intends to procure a laser system that will enable remote sensing measurements through femtosecond laser filamentation. Specifically, the group is looking for a laser system that enables the following funded remote sensing experiments and research: femtosecond beam propagation and remote plasma generation for isotope sensing; air-lasing schemes leveraging novel two-color synchronized beams; spatiotemporally shaped; free-standing plasma channels in air for manipulation and reflection of different portions of the electromagnetic spectrum; and high-energy beams to study filament–filament interactions.

This suite of remote sensing research problems described above utilizes different facets of femtosecond laser filamentation and involves two appropriately synchronized beams, with target specifications listed below. These specifications are preliminary and subject to change.

The laser system must have two synchronized outputs that both meet the following key specifications:

• Pulse Energy >9.0 mJ

• Repetition rate 1 kHz

• Pulse Width <35 fs with no active stabilization mechanism

• Energy Stability <0.5% rms

• Beam Quality: TEM00, M2 <1.25

• Center Wavelength: 800 nm nominal

• Pre-Pulse Contrast: 1000:1

• Post-Pulse Contrast: 100:1

• Power Stability: 0.5% rms over 24 hours

• Polarization: Linear, horizontal

• Pointing Stability <10 urad over 24 hours

• Output beam size: 13 mm 1/e² diameter

Additional Key Performance Features:

a) Laser must be two one-box systems with a single seed laser due to space constraints and needs for reliable low maintenance operation.

b) Each laser amplifier must provide >9 mJ, <35 fs pulses at 1 kHz with a singular standard fs oscillator at 80 MHz. Each laser amplifier also needs to be equipped with a standard pump laser that provides >45 mJ of pump energy. These requirements are critical to the success of certain experiments.

LBNL Request for Information No. BZ-2026-05 Page 2

c) The laser system MUST have the diffraction gratings (which are absolutely critical to the laser performance) completely sealed in a gasket-sealed compartment with interior desiccant. Diffraction gratings are particularly sensitive to ambient humidity and will degrade unless protected by a gasket seal.

d) All fs laser amplifier cavity optics to be mounted directly to the temperature stabilized baseplate for optimum stability (no mounting posts/clamps located on the regen baseplate). Posts, rods & mounting clamps are inherently less stable and are not acceptable.

e) We require that the laser employ only water-cooling (as opposed to thermo-electric cooling and/or cryogenic cooling) of the laser crystals. This removes the possibility of ice buildup on the crystal due to ambient humidity (typical for TE cooling).

f) The Laser vendor must perform 6-axis, 10 g vibration tests and -10 to 40 C thermal cycling for 8 hours as a standard quality control protocol on major subcomponents of the system to ensure any and all defects in workmanship are screened prior to shipment. This is referred to as the HASS process (Highly Accelerated Stress Screen).

g) All pump laser routing and telescope optics mounted to temperature stabilized regenerative amplifier subassembly. Doing this makes the laser more stable and facilitates HALT/HASS certification.

h) The UF laser amplifier must be able to show long term pulse length stability without recourse to active compensation systems which could conflict with data collection and are therefore not acceptable. Active feedback loops on the UF Laser compressor are strictly NOT acceptable as these inherently create noise, instability, and errors in the collected data.

NAICS Code and Size Standard The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code for this acquisition will be 334510 (Electromedical and Electrotherapeutic Apparatus Manufacturing). The corresponding small business size standard is 1,250 or fewer employees.

Instructions Respondents who can demonstrate a proven record of delivering laser systems of similar scope to the preliminary specifications above should email the LBNL Procurement Representative at bzatkow@lbl.gov with relevant company information. A list of similar previous deliveries should be included, but contact information for previous customers is not required. Attachments or hyperlinks are both acceptable. Budgetary estimates are welcome but not necessary.

All responses must be submitted by email no later than 3:00pm Pacific on Monday August 20, 2026.

Request for Information Only This RFI is for informational and planning purposes only. This is not a request for quote or proposal. It does not constitute a solicitation and shall not be construed as a commitment by the University. Responses in any form are not offers and no subcontract will be awarded as a result of this announcement. No inquiries regarding a bid package or solicitation will be answered, because there is no bid package or solicitation yet available. Any information submitted by respondents to this RFI is strictly voluntary.

In order to protect the procurement integrity of any future procurement that may arise from this RFI, information regarding the technical point of contact will not be given and no appointments for presentations will be made. No funds are available to pay for preparation of responses to this mailto:bzatkow@lbl.gov

LBNL Request for Information No. BZ-2026-05 Page 3 announcement, and no reimbursement will be made for any costs associated with providing information in response to this RFI or any follow-up information requests related to this RFI. Responding to this RFI does not provide any advantage or disadvantage to potential offerors if LBNL chooses to issue a formal solicitation at a later date.

This Request for Information is governed by procurement policies and procedures established under the University's Prime Contract with the U.S. Government, represented by the Department of Energy, for management and operation of LBNL.

Proprietary Information Because information received in response to this RFI may be used to structure future programs and may be made available to the public, respondents must not include any information in their responses that might be considered business sensitive, proprietary, or otherwise confidential. Responses must be submitted with the understanding that their contents may be publicly disclosed and, in the event of a public disclosure, LBNL will not notify respondents or provide any opportunity to revise or redact submitted information.

Brian Zatkow LBNL Procurement Representative

(510) 495-2547 bzatkow@lbl.gov

(End of RFI document) mailto:bzatkow@lbl.gov

NAICS Code and Size Standard