CO Review02Requirements TCSPC.pdf

NIST Requirements Document

Purchase of a multichannel Time-Correlated SPC (TCSPC) for DC-QNet

I. Introduction/Background:

A quantum networking testbed has been identified as the major thrust of NIST’s grand challenge in response to the National Quantum Initiative (NQI). PML is building quantum network nodes (in close collaboration with other labs) in this grand challenge for the purpose of building a local area quantum network. The research plan includes connecting this local area quantum network to a Metro-sized quantum network, the

DC-QNet. A quantum network node requires a time-correlation single photon counter

(TCSPC) to collect and process detections of photons, to be purchased here.

II. Purpose:

The quantum measurement division requires one multichannel Time-Correlated SPC to serve as a data-collecting unit of an optical quantum node. We are currently building local network nodes to form part of the network infrastructure consisting of Nodes at

NIST and other agencies on the DC-QNet in support of the quantum measurement division’s mission to explore quantum information and communication protocols. Each node will receive quantum signals from various quantum sources and because the nodes are physically separated, the timing of the arrival of the quantum signals becomes a critical issue. With a multichannel Time-Correlated SPC we can meet these requirements in support of the quantum measurement division mission.

In addition, to fulfill its mission, Quantum Measurement Division requires compatibility with the other nodes of the NIST local quantum network, which are equipped with a particular time-tagger (Swabian). For compatibility, we need a high-resolution (1pS) multiple channels (at least 4) time-correlation single photon counter that is interchangeable with the time-tagging hardware of the other nodes and can be operated with our existing single-photon detectors (SPDs).

III. Minimum Requirements:

The system shall meet or exceed the salient characteristics identified below. All items must be new. Used or remanufactured equipment will not be considered for award. Experimental, prototype, or custom items will not be considered. The use of “gray market” components not authorized for sale in the U.S. by the proposer is not acceptable. All line items shall be shipped in the original manufacturer’s packaging and include all original documentation and software, when applicable.

Contract Line Item 0001: The Contractor shall provide a quantity of 1 stand-alone

Swabian Time Tagger Ultra Performance time-correlated single photon counter

(TCSPC), meeting or exceeding the following minimum specifications:

▪ Number of detection channels: ≥ 4 (expandable)

▪ Minimal input pulse width: 0.6 nS or shorter

▪ Maximal input pulse width: 50 nS or longer

▪ Pulse detection: Triggering with the positive and negative voltage threshold

▪ Pulse detection: Raising and falling edge triggering

▪ Minimal input signal amplitude for pulse detection: 100mV or less for positive pulses and -100mV or more for negative pulses

▪ Maximal input signal amplitude: 2V or more for positive signals and -2V or less for negative signals.

▪ Timing resolution (time bin width available): ≤ 1 pS.

▪ Timing shot-to-shot jitter: ≤ 10 pS rms.

▪ The time-tagger must measure timestamps of detection events with respect to an internally maintained clock that can continuously operate from the beginning to the end of the measurement with no reliance on external synchronization.

▪ Continuous experiment length: > 100 hrs

▪ Dead time (inactive time after a pulse detection): < 2.5 nS

▪ Count rate (in all channels combined): > 60 Mcps.

▪ Clock: Internal and external synchronization options

▪ PC OU/interface: Win 10/USB 3.0 (with LabVIEW compatibility).

▪ Software: Setting measurement parameters, displaying results, loading/saving of measurement parameters, and measurement curves. The ability to continuously display measurement data, including count rate, count maximum, and correlation histograms.

▪ Saving timestamp and which-channel information for every detection event with no data loss within the stated count rate to a file for post-processing.

▪ Software library for integration with python and c/c++ with real-time access to each detection event and correlation data.

▪ Data formats and software library functions must be compatible with Swabian

Instruments Time Tagger Ultra.

▪ New and with the full original manufacturer’s warranty.

IV. Delivery:

Deliverable One (1):

Delivery shall be FOB destination and shall occur within the vendor’s standard commercial lead time. FOB Destination means: The contractor shall pack and mark the shipment in conformance with carrier requirements, deliver the shipment in good order and condition to the point of delivery specified in the purchase order, be responsible for any loss of and/or damage to the goods occurring before receipt and acceptance of the shipment by the consignee at the delivery point specified in the purchase order; and pay all charges to the specified point of delivery.

Due to the current campus access restrictions at NIST, delivery shall occur at a mutually agreed upon date between the contractor and the NIST technical point of contact (TPOC), but by no later than 10/31/2022. The contractor shall NOT deliver any items until the delivery date has been agreed upon in writing. The contractor/delivery service must be approved to access the NIST campus, so the contractor must first receive TPOC confirmation prior to delivering items. All items shall be delivered to the following address:

The National Institute of Standards and Technology

100 Bureau Drive, Building 220

Gaithersburg, MD 20899-1640

V. Inspection and Acceptance:

In addition to the inspection and acceptance terms articulated in 52.212-4, the

Government reserves the right to perform such performance tests and evaluations as defined below to verify specified system performance. Such tests and evaluations, if performed, shall be conducted within the environment that the system is to be operated.

The Contractor has the right to be present during the tests and evaluations, if performed, at the Contractor’s expense.

The scope of general inspection included:

▪ Structural, mechanical, and electrical evaluation of product

▪ An operational evaluation of the time tagging unit

▪ Evaluation of the system’s performance and software interfacing

▪ Evaluation of compatibility with custom software written for Swabian Ultra timetagger.

A visual inspection of the time tagging unit will be performed by the NIST TPOC to identify defects or any form of indication that the time tagging unit was damaged during transport to NIST. The Government shall have sole discretion to require repair or replacement of damaged and/or nonconforming supplies at no cost to the Government.

The Government at any time prior to acceptance shall reject the time tagging unit due to defects and/or nonconformance.

The vendor is responsible for latent defects discovered any time after final inspection.

However, the extent of its liability shall be prorated over the useful life of the time tagging unit.

The place of acceptance shall be:

100 Bureau Drive

Building 220

Gaithersburg, MD 20899

Ownership (title) of the Time Correlated Single Photon Counter (TCSPC) unit shall transfer to NIST upon acceptance.

VI. Warranty

The contractor shall warrant the entire system in accordance with the contractor’s commercial warranty terms and shall be in accordance with terms in FAR 52.212-4

VII. Payment Schedule

The Contractor shall be paid, in accordance with Net 30-day payment terms, upon receipt and acceptance of a proper invoice, in accordance with the following schedule:

1. 100% after receipt and acceptance by the TPOC of fully delivered system.

2. The Government anticipates inspection will occur upon:

a. After the testing procedures set forth in this document have been complete

NOTE: Partial shipments and partial invoices will not be accepted, unless other-wise requested and accepted by the Contracting Officer prior to award offer. Proposed payment schedules shall be submitted with vendor’s response to the RFQ for consideration.