Mode-Locked Laser

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is conducting market research for a mode-locked laser system to support nonlinear integrated photonics research in quantum sensing and timekeeping, with responses due by June 12, 2026. This is a sources sought notice for information-gathering purposes and does not constitute a binding solicitation or guarantee of award.

The system must be new, commercially available equipment meeting strict technical specifications: center wavelength between 1550–1560 nm, spectral bandwidth exceeding 10 nm with hyperbolic secant squared envelope, 400 MHz repetition rate stable to 1 part in 10^9, average output power over 40 mW without amplification, free-running optical linewidth of 10 kHz or narrower, fast and slow actuators for repetition rate tuning with specified bandwidth and range requirements, shot-noise limited phase noise and relative intensity noise above 1 MHz offset frequencies, carrier envelope offset control, timing jitter of 20 fs or less, FC/APC fiber output connector, hermetically sealed design with internal photodiode for electrical clock output, dimensions under 300 mm x 300 mm with less than 75 mm thickness, optical table mounting fixture, and minimum 12-month warranty with extension options to three years. Used, remanufactured, experimental, prototype, or custom equipment will not be considered. Gray-market components unauthorized for U.S. sale are not acceptable. All equipment must ship in original manufacturer packaging with complete documentation and software.

Respondents must provide company and manufacturer information, technical specifications, country of origin, customization capabilities, authorized reseller status if applicable, manufacturing location, business size classification, installation and training availability, warranty details, published pricing, federal contract availability, and customer references in responses limited to four pages. NAICS 334516; PSC 6695.