Updated_Statement_of_Work.pdf

Statement of Work Ti:Sapphire Laser with Frequency Doubler

US Naval Observatory

Background

The Clock Development Division at USNO is conducting research into optical clock technology, investigating some systems based on calcium and others based on strontium. We require a versatile continuous-wave (CW) laser system that can deliver high powers at a variety of possible wavelengths, particularly: 813nm, 801nm, 461nm, and 423nm. This will allow us to use the laser for laser cooling or for lattice trapping for either atomic species. We believe that the only system capable of delivering all of this capability is a Ti:sapphire laser with an optional frequency doubled output. The near IR output from the Ti:sapphire laser can be tuned to reach either 801nm or 813nm, and, alternatively, if the near

IR output is sent through a frequency doubler, the system can be tuned to generate either 423nm or

461nm.

Purchase of a single laser system that can be tuned to one of these wavelengths is less expensive than purchasing multiple fixed-wavelength laser systems, one at each wavelength.

Required Specifications

1 – The laser must have continuous wave (CW) output; a pulsed laser is not acceptable.

2 – The system must be able to generate useable, accessible light at the following wavelengths: 801nm, 813nm, 461nm, 423nm. There must be polarizing-beam-splitting cube and half waveplate combination between the laser cavity and the doubler to allow us to use the Ti:sapphire laser light directly or to send it to the frequency doubler for generating blue light.

3 – Near IR output from Ti:sapphire laser at 801nm and 813nm must be at least 2W. We require this tuning without the necessity of replacing mirror sets. The 532nm pump laser power must be at least

15W.

4 – The laser linewidth must be 150kHz or less.

5 – Blue light output from frequency doubler at 423nm and 461nm should be at least 400mW when the system is optimized to either of these wavelengths. Any residual amplitude modulation (AM) on the blue light due to frequency modulation (FM) in the Ti:sapphire cavity (eg. etalon dither for locking) must be able to be removed with a servo, and the 400mW spec still be met (i.e. the minimum power over an

AM cycle must be ~400mW).

6 – We require that the frequency doubler has the capability of auto-relocking.

7 – The system must be installed at our laboratory in Washington, DC, and essentially work as a turn-key system from day-to-day.

Technical POC

Please contact {redacted}, with any technical questions about this Procurement Request.