N0018918RZ056_PWS.docx

STATEMENT OF WORK

FIBER LASER SYSTEM FOR GENERATING 780 NM LIGHT

United States Naval Observatory Clock Development Division

Overview

We are seeking to procure a laser system to provide for an upgrade of the main laser system that drives the operation of the rubidium fountain clocks. These lasers would deliver light more efficiently to their target, improving performance and reducing maintenance downtime. Deploying them reduces the number of elements that have to be replaced and periodically aligned. They potentially will last longer than the diode-based lasers in use, so while the up-front cost is slightly greater, this could represent a long-term cost savings.

The laser system must be compatible with the existing fountains in terms of available space, power dissipation, and electronic connections. It must not suffer from the laser degradation issues of the existing system (780 nm semiconductor lasers generally last less than two years)

Specifications

1) Center wavelength: 780.24nm

2) CW laser Linewidth: <250 kHz

3) CW power output up to 1 W, adjustable

4) Continuously tunable (mode-hop free) over at least 8 GHz (covers the Rb D2 transition manifold)

5) Wavelength-lock capability via external servo input

6) Output coupled into a single-mode polarization-maintaining fiber with FC/APC coupler, yielding a linearly-polarized output

7) Separate monitor output, capable of providing >3 mW

8) Fit into a 3U space in a standard equipment rack

9) Wall-plug power consumption < 250W

10) System shall not employ 780 nm semiconductor components to generate the output

11) Minimum 2-year guarantee

These are the minimum specifications required by the government