Polarization-Entangled Photon Source

The National Institute of Standards and Technology seeks one Polarization-Entangled Photon Source based on spontaneous parametric down-conversion technology, with quotations due August 13, 2026 and written questions due August 5, 2026.

The procurement is unrestricted, classified under NAICS 334515 (Instrument Manufacturing for Measuring and Testing Electricity and Electrical Signals), and seeks a firm-fixed-price quotation. Place of performance is Boulder, Colorado for the equipment source, with delivery required to NIST-Gaithersburg, Mail Stop 676.02, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899 within 16 weeks after receipt of order.

The system must be built using a periodically poled lithium niobate waveguide with turntable alignment-free design, capable of accepting an external pump laser. Minimum technical requirements include photon pair wavelength centered at 1550 nm with 3 nm bandwidth; noise suppression greater than 75 dB; fidelity exceeding 98 percent; pair generation rate above 2 MHz; two-photon interference visibility greater than 98 percent; fiber-coupled FC/APC connector terminated input/output; external temperature controller capability; and continuous 24/7 operation design. The system requires 120V single-phase power at 10 amperes maximum, 60 Hz frequency, and includes turnkey installation services. A 1-year base manufacturer warranty covering labor, parts, and return costs applies.

Award goes to the responsible quoter submitting the lowest priced, technically acceptable quotation demonstrating all proposed equipment meets or exceeds minimum requirements. The Government reserves the right to award without discussions based on initial quotes and will not consider prototypes, demonstration models, used, or refurbished instruments. All quoters must maintain active SAM.gov registration through final payment. Quotations must be submitted electronically to Contracting Officer Lia Arthofer at lia.arthofer@nist.gov.