ModeLockedLaser_SOW.pdf

NIST Requirements Document Mode-locked laser

I. Background/Purpose:

The research work of the Microsystems and Nanotechnology Division includes the development of nonlinear integrated photonics devices for applications in quantum sensing and timekeeping. To support this research, a mode-locked laser source is required. This system must have adequate pulse power and pulse duration to drive nonlinear processes and must have low enough noise and fast enough actuation mechanisms to enable its stabilization.

II. Minimum Requirements

The Contractor shall provide a Firm Fixed Price quotation for a mode-locked laser system.

This system must meet or exceed the technical specifications listed 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.

Technical Specifications:

1. Center wavelength must be between 1550 nm and 1560 nm

2. 3 dB spectral bandwidth must be greater than 10 nm with a hyperbolic secant squared spectral envelope and no competing modes or spurious sidebands

3. Repetition rate must be 400 MHz, to within one part in 10^9 or lower

4. The average output power across the whole spectrum must be greater than 40 mW, with a power per comb tooth of >10 microWatts within the 3 dB bandwidth. These specifications must be achieved without any amplification.

5. The free-running comb optical linewidth, taken at offsets between 1 Hz and 10 MHz, must be 10 kHz or narrower

6. The system must come equipped with a fast actuator that enables fine tuning of the comb repetition rate for locking it to a cavity-stabilized laser. The bandwidth of this actuator must be at least 20 kHz, and the tuning range must be at least 1 kHz. The power change within this tuning range must be < 5 %.

7. The system must additionally come with a slow actuator (e.g., <10 Hz bandwidth) for coarse tuning of the comb repetition rate. The tuning range of this actuator must be at least 30 kHz, and the power change within this tuning range must be < 5 %.

8. The phase noise of the laser must be shot-noise limited at offset frequencies of greater than 1 MHz

9. The relative intensity noise (RIN) of the laser must be shot-noise limited at offset frequencies of greater than 1 MHz

10. The system must have an actuator for feedback control of the carrier envelope offset frequency, e.g., via pump current

11. The system timing jitter must be 20 fs or less

12. The system output must be through an optical fiber with FC/APC output connector

13. The laser system must be hermetically sealed and not require user alignment for operation

14. The system must have an internal photodiode used to generate an electrical clock signal at the repetition rate of the laser, and provided through an SMA or BNC output.

15. The laser dimensions must be <300 mm x 300 mm (dimension parallel to the optical table) and <75 mm (thickness dimension)

16. The system must come with a baseplate or other mounting fixture that enables it to be secured to an optical table without using posts.

17. Overall system must come with at least a 12 month warranty with options to extend the warranty up to three years

III. Deliverables:

Delivery shall be FOB destination and shall occur within 140 days. 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:

National Institute of Standards and Technology 100 Bureau Drive Gaithersburg, MD 20899-1640

IV. 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 place of acceptance shall be:

100 Bureau Drive Building 216 Gaithersburg, MD 20899

V. Installation

Installation will be completed by the purchaser.

VI. Training

No in-person training is required. The vendor will provide any relevant videos, operating manuals, and other materials needed to use the equipment.

VII. Warranty

The contractor shall warrant the system and provide support for a minimum of one year after receipt of the software and shall be in accordance with terms in FAR 52.212-4

VIII. 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 within two weeks of system delivery

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.