DnF for OTFOC (Redacted).doc

BRAND NAME DETERMINATION & FINDINGS FOR OTHER THAN FULL & OPEN COMPETITION

(ACTIONS SAT AND BELOW)

1. DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED PROCUREMENT: One (1) tunable single- frequency VECSEL laser system and one (1) tunable double single-frequency VECSEL laser system.

2. PROPOSED CONTRACTOR/MANUFACTURER:

Vexlum Oy

Kauhakorvenkatu 53 B

Tampere

33710, Finland

Cage Code: A929G

UEID: CMDKTUAU1RD1

Large Business

3. ESTIMATED TOTAL VALUE: $[REDACTED]

4. STATUTORY AUTHORITY PERMITTING CONTRACTING WITHOUT PROVIDING FOR FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION: The statutory authority permitting sole source is 41 USC 1901(e), implemented by FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i):

_X Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements

5. JUSTIFICATION FOR THE AUTHORITY CITED ABOVE:

The item(s) listed in section one above is available from only one source and competition is precluded for reasons indicated below. There are no substitutes available.

X Other reasoning to support a sole-source buy:

The Quantum Technology Branch (FCDD-RLA-PD) of the Sensors and Electron Devices Directorate (SEDD) at Army Research Lab (ARL) requires one (1) tunable single-frequency VECSEL laser system and one (1) tunable double single-frequency VECSEL laser system manufactured by Vexlum OY.

The Vexlum tunable single-frequency VECSEL laser system is a high-performance laser designed for applications requiring precise control over wavelength and output power. VECSEL stands for Vertical External Cavity Surface Emitting Laser, a type of semiconductor laser known for its ability to generate high-quality, single-frequency output with a narrow linewidth.

The system is tunable, meaning it allows for the adjustment of the output wavelength over a specific range, which makes it suitable for various scientific and industrial applications, such as spectroscopy, metrology, and atomic physics. The single-frequency nature of the laser means it emits light at a single wavelength, which is essential for applications requiring high coherence and stability.

The Vexlum VALO SF series, which includes this type of laser, is known for its compact design, efficient operation, and the ability to produce high output power with excellent beam quality. This makes it a valuable tool in research and development environments where precise and reliable laser performance is critical.

High-power laser systems are essential for continuing exploratory research on exciting atoms to Rydberg states, which is a critical part of the quantum electric field sensor research at ARL. Without the procurement of these specific lasers, ARL will be unable to pursue alternative Rydberg-state preparation schemes. The lasers must be tunable over the specified frequency ranges to excite atoms to a range of principal quantum numbers. Additionally, the devices must provide the required optical power to excite enough atoms for detection and must have a fundamental transverse electromagnetic (TEM00) output mode to ensure proper spatial shaping of the beam before it interacts with the atoms.

The Vexlum VALO-SF (Single-Frequency) laser system stands out from other vendors' offerings due to several key features:

1. VECSEL Technology: The VALO-SF uses VECSEL technology, which is known for its ability to produce high-quality, single-frequency output with a narrow linewidth. This makes it particularly suitable for applications requiring high coherence and stability.

2. Wide Tunability: The VALO-SF offers broad tunability over a range of wavelengths, allowing precise control over the laser's output. This tunability is crucial for applications like spectroscopy and atomic physics, where specific wavelengths are required to excite atoms to different quantum states.

3. High Output Power: Despite its compact size, the VALO-SF can achieve high output power levels, which are necessary for experiments that require sufficient energy to excite many atoms. This makes it ideal for applications in quantum research and other fields that demand high power.

4. TEM00 Mode Output: The VALO-SF operates in the fundamental transverse electromagnetic mode (TEM00), which ensures a high-quality, well-shaped beam with a Gaussian profile. This is important for applications requiring precise beam control and spatial shaping, such as in quantum optics and metrology.

5. Compact and Efficient Design: The VALO-SF is designed to be compact and energy-efficient, making it easier to integrate into various experimental setups and reducing the overall footprint of the laser system.

6. Versatility and Customization: Vexlum offers flexibility in configuring the VALO-SF to meet specific customer requirements, allowing for customization in terms of wavelength range, power output, and other parameters, which may not be as readily available from other vendors.

These features make the Vexlum VALO-SF a unique and powerful tool for advanced scientific research and industrial applications where precision, stability, and tunability are paramount.

The VALO-SF Double Single-Frequency VECSEL is a specialized laser system that offers two (2) distinct single-frequency outputs within a single compact design. Here’s what makes it unique:

1. Dual Single-Frequency Operation: Unlike many lasers that produce a single-frequency output, the VALO-SF Double provides two (2) separate single-frequency beams. This dual-output capability is highly advantageous for applications that require simultaneous or sequential use of two different wavelengths, such as in advanced spectroscopy, quantum optics, or metrology.

2. VECSEL Technology: Utilizing VECSEL technology, the VALO-SF Double is capable of producing highly stable, narrow linewidth outputs. This ensures exceptional coherence and spectral purity, which is essential for precision applications.

3. Wide Tunability Across Two Frequencies: Each of the two single-frequency outputs can be independently tuned over a wide wavelength range. This allows researchers to fine-tune the laser frequencies to match specific experimental needs, such as exciting different atomic transitions or exploring various quantum states.

4. High Output Power: Despite delivering two independent beams, the VALO-SF Double maintains high output power levels, necessary for applications where both beams must deliver significant energy to interact effectively with targets, such as in quantum research or Rydberg atom excitation.

5. TEM00 Mode: Both beams operate in the fundamental transverse electromagnetic mode (TEM00), ensuring that each beam has a high-quality Gaussian profile. This is crucial for precise beam shaping and focusing, particularly in experiments requiring exact spatial control.

6. Compact Design with Dual Capability: The VALO-SF Double integrates dual single-frequency operation into a single, compact laser system. This design minimizes the footprint in lab setups, offering a more efficient and space-saving solution compared to using two separate lasers.

7. Versatility and Customization: Vexlum provides options to customize the wavelength ranges, power outputs, and other specifications of the VALO-SF Double to meet specific research or industrial requirements, making it a versatile tool for a wide range of applications.

The combination of dual single-frequency outputs, high tunability, and VECSEL technology makes the VALO-SF Double a powerful and flexible laser system for advanced scientific and industrial applications.

Market research was conducted by [REDACTED], a research physicist with over ten years of experience in the field, from June 1, 2024, through June 25, 2024. The research involved consulting with subject matter experts within both the Government and industry, reviewing previous market research efforts for similar or identical items, examining published formal requests for information in technical publications or journals, and surveying the internet for companies that might meet the requirement. The market research identified three potential companies—Vexlum Oy, Toptica Photonics, and Moglabs—that may be capable of meeting the Government’s minimum requirements. However, it remains unclear if any of these companies can meet all the requirements simultaneously.

The Contract Specialist posted a Sources Sought notice on SAM.gov from July 18, 2024, through July 25, 2024. The responses indicated that Moglabs is unable to offer 1W at 1253-1271 nm, and their option for the 740-755 nm range will also not reach 1W, with uncertainty about whether they can procure a laser that meets these specifications. Toptica responded that they are currently unable to supply a laser within the 745.62-738.8 nm range. To date, no additional sources have expressed interest or demonstrated the capability to meet the minimum requirements.

Given these circumstances, it is in the Government’s best interest to pursue a sole-source solicitation with Vexlum Oy, the only company identified that can meet the Government’s requirements.

6. FAIR AND REASONABLE PRICE DETERMINATION:

It has been determined that the anticipated cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable and that approval of this recommendation is in the best interest of the government. This justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Template last updated 4/23/2018