FINAL NIST Requirements Document.docx

NIST Requirements Document

PULSE TUBE CRYOCOOLER

Background

The Thermodynamic Metrology group is developing a MgF molecule laser cooling experiment that will enable quantum metrology of thermal radiation. The first cooling stage is a cryogenic buffer gas beam source, where MgF molecules are collisionally cooled by cryogenic helium. The cryogenic beam source is to be cooled to around 4.2 K and must be able to provide high cryocooling power at this low temperature. High cooling power will enable molecules to be produced at a higher rate, enabling more sensitive detection and measurements. This procurement seeks a pulse tube refrigerator which can provide 2.5 W of cooling at 4.2 K.

Minimum Requirements

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

The Contractor shall provide the following pulse tube cryocooler that meets the following minimum specifications:

1. Cryocooler based on the pulse tube cryocooler design. Coolers with moving parts on the cold end will not be considered due to their susceptibility to mechanical vibration and electromagnetic interference.

2. Provide 2.5 W of cooling power at 4.2 K

3. Include >60 ft long stainless-steel lines between pulse tube cold head and compressor

4. Pulse tube cold head should include a vacuum flange and bolt circle for installation in a vacuum chamber

5. Pulse tube cold head should include a helium damping pot for temperature stability of +/-10 mK or better at 4.2 K

6. Compressor should be compatible with either 208V or 440/480V 60 Hz electrical standards

8. Compressor should operate in ambient temperature 16 C – 26 C.

9. Compressor should operate in ambient relative humidity up to 80%.

10. No-cost telephone and e-mail support for the life of the instrument

1.0 Hardware

The hardware consists of the pulse tube cold head, compressor, flex lines and all associated control electronics.

2.0 Software

Any software required to operate the laser in order to meet the technical requirements

Delivery

Delivery shall be FOB Destination (or equivalent terms, such as INCOTERMS Delivered Duties Paid) are required and shall occur not later than (NLT) 32 weeks ARO.

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. The contractor shall deliver all Line Items to:

The National Institute of Standards and Technology 100 Bureau Drive, Building 301, Shipping and Receiving Gaithersburg, MD 20899-1640

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.

NIST personnel will verify equipment operation meets technical standards post installation. This will be accomplished through testing the pulse tube cryocooler under a typical ultrahigh vacuum environment. Cooling will be tested by applying heat electrically or optically on the cold head. Temperature will be monitored using silicon diode thermometers.

The Government will test, inspect, and accept the equipment onsite within 7 business days of the receipt of the pulse tube cryocooler. A visual inspection of the pulse tube cryocooler will be performed by the NIST TPOC to identify surface defects or any form of indication that the pulse tube cryocooler 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 pulse tube cryocooler due to defects and/or nonconformance.

Warranty

The contractor shall warrant the entire system for a period of a minimum of 1 year after receipt of the equipment or 3000 hours of operation, and shall be in accordance with terms in FAR 52.212-4

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 acceptance by the TPOC of fully installed system

2. The Government anticipates inspection will occur upon:

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