Requirements Document.pdf

NIST Requirements Document Title: High-efficiency, low dark-count single photon detection system

Lab: Quantum Measurement Division (QMD), Quantum Optics Group

1. Background

The mission of the Quantum Optics Group of the Quantum Measurement Division is to develop and characterize measurement methods that take advantage of the quantum nature of light so as to achieve better performance and uncertainties or to enable new applications that are not possible with classical methods. Typically, these measurements are of single quantum states, and thus are done in very low-light environments. Therefore, one of the most important aspects of Quantum Measurement Division’s research is the photon arrival time detection and photon number statistics for probing these states of light.

We are seeking a high-efficiency, low-noise single photon detection system compatible with Quantum Measurement Division’s measurements of faint and/or nonclassical sources. We will use the single photon detectors to characterize the output of faint classical sources, single photon sources and sources of exotic quantum light, with applications ranging from classical and quantum telecommunication networks, in-situ source recognition and classification, and quantum effects in biological systems.

2. Scope

We are seeking one (1) versatile low-dark-count single photon detection system comprised of a minimum of four single-photon sensors capable of detecting single photons between 1000 nm and 2000 nm. This device shall be optimized for counting telecom photons. This device will be an integral component in NIST’s Physical Measurement Laboratory’s Quantum Measurement Division’s laboratory. It will be used to conduct single-photon measurements of faint states of light in association with quantum optics experiments. Light emitters from the Quantum Measurement Division’s experiments will be collected and coupled into the sensor unit by fiber, single photons will be detected, and arrival times will be accessible via an electronic output. Because sometimes NIST will be measuring photon number statistics of the same field and of two possibly correlated fields, it is required that the system has a minimum of four single-photon sensors.

The contractor shall provide one (1) versatile low-dark-count single photon detection system in accordance with the specifications below, inclusive of FOB destination shipping, remote installation support, and warranty.

3. 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. 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 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 software should work under Windows 10 and Linux RHEL 7.

Contract Line-Item Number (CLIN) 0001: The Contractor shall provide a high-efficiency, low dark-count single photon detection system that must include four or more single-photon sensors that meet the following minimum specifications:

• Operating Ambient Temperature: 295-305K

• The cryostat base temperature shall be at or below 800mK

• The cryostat temperature should be held for at least 24 hours with no thermal load

• The system must contain a closed-cycle cryocooler. An operational base temperature of 2.5 K or lower must be maintained.

• Cooldown time to 2.5K shall be 12 hours or less

• System shall be air-cooled

• Target temperature at the detectors of 0.8K or lower

• Compressor Flex-lines length: 6m or longer

• 100-120V/60Hz/1-Phase compressor

• Power consumption of cryocooler compressor shall not exceed 1.5kW

• The cryostat should be delivered with 4 detectors. All detector specifications shall be met at the same time i.e., with the same set of operating conditions.

o Dark count rate at target temperature: 50 cps or lower o Recovery time after single photon detection: < 100 ns (to maximal detection efficiency) o Timing jitter: < 100 ps FWHM o Output pulse voltage: 100 mV or more.

o Fiber type: Single mode o Detection efficiency between 1510nm and 1590nm must be above 80% everywhere in this spectral range o Detection efficiency at 1550nm must be above 90% o True-latch-free operation: detectors should not suffer from latching. No unlatching mechanism should be necessary in any operating condition.

• The system must support the upgrade to up to the total of 8 detectors or more by the end user

(include all the necessary mounts/feedthroughs/fibers/cables for 8 or more detectors of the same type)

4. Delivery

Delivery shall be FOB DESTINATION and shall occur no later than 12 months 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 Shipping and Receiving 100 Bureau Drive, Building 301 Gaithersburg, MD 20899-1640 C/O: TBA Build 221/Rm 224

5. 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 may choose at its discretion to forego this part of acceptance testing.

Upon installation, the operational base temperature and the target temperature will be verified. A measurement of quantum efficiency and dark count noise of all sensors will be performed by NIST researchers and data will be compared to the list of required specs. NIST will use CW and/or pulsed lasers and other sources with known power, emission wavelength and spectral width as an input. Other testing methods may be acceptable, upon the vendor’s request with a detailed description of the proposed acceptance method.

The Government will test, inspect, and accept the equipment onsite within 7 business days upon receiving and installing the single photon detection system. A visual inspection of the High-efficiency, low dark-count single photon detection system will be performed by the NIST TPOC to identify surface defects or any form of indication that the High-efficiency, low dark-count single photon detection system was damaged during transport to NIST. The Government will 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, will reject the High-efficiency, low dark-count single photon detection system due to defects and/or nonconformance.

6. Installation

The system shall be installed and tested by NIST. The Contractor shall provide detailed instructions and unlimited remote videoconference support during the installation and the initial testing for no extra charge, during normal business hours of 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM, EST. No evenings or weekends will be required. The installed device must meet contract specifications.

7. Warranty

The contractor shall warrant the entire system for a period of a minimum of one (1) year after receipt of the equipment and shall be in accordance with terms in FAR 52.212-4

8. 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 installation and acceptance by the TPOC of fully installed system.

2. The Government anticipates inspection will occur upon:

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

NOTE: Partial shipments and partial invoices will not be accepted, unless otherwise 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.