Superconducting Nanowire Single-Photon Detection (SNSPD) System
Closed Pre-Solicitation Posted
Not the latest version. See the latest solicitation from .
- Solicitation number
- SS-AFRL-RMZB-2026-0048
- Agency
-
Air Force Research Laboratory
Air Force Materiel Command, Department of Defense
- Responses due
- Set-aside
- No set-aside
Opportunity facts
- NAICS code
- 334516 Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing
- PSC
- 6640 Laboratory Equipment And Supplies
- Place of performance
- Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio 45433, United States
Notice details come from SAM.gov. Updated .
About this opportunity
The Air Force Research Laboratory at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is conducting a Sources Sought to identify vendors capable of supplying a Superconducting Nanowire Single-Photon Detection (SNSPD) System, with responses due by September 2, 2026 at 2:00 PM Eastern Time. This is a market-research notice, not a solicitation; the Government will not accept quotes at this time and is not obligated to award a contract.
The system must deliver single-photon detection across visible and near-infrared wavelengths (approximately 700 nm to 2100 nm) with photon detection efficiency of at least 80% for near-infrared and at least 60% for extended infrared wavelengths to approximately 2000 nm or greater. Timing resolution must be 100 picoseconds or less (full width at half maximum), recovery time 300 nanoseconds or less to 50% efficiency depending on wavelength, and dark count rates of 1,000 counts per second or lower as preferred. The system must include multiple fiber-coupled detection channels (FC/PC connectors or equivalent), a closed-cycle, air-cooled cryocooling system with integrated temperature control and automated operation, all readout electronics (DC and RF), control software, data acquisition capabilities compatible with laboratory test equipment, and all necessary cables, connectors, helium lines, drive cables, and vacuum components. The system will serve as a research platform for detector characterization, calibration, and hardware-in-the-loop integration to support laser detection and ranging (LADAR), free-space optical/laser communications, ISR, and tactical remote sensing applications. The system must comply with applicable federal safety and laboratory equipment standards including electromagnetic, electrical, and cryogenic safety requirements with complete documentation for safe operation and maintenance.
Interested parties, including Small Business concerns, should submit responses addressing company information, Small Business status and category, and relevant capability and experience to michael.hornberger.1@us.af.mil with subject line "Superconducting Nanowire Single-Photon Detection (SNSPD) System."
Notice text
The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base has a requirement for a Superconducting Nanowire Single-Photon Detection (SNSPD) System.
This is a Sources Sought (SS). This is not a presolicitation or Request for Quote (RFQ) and is not to be construed as any commitment by the Government. This notice does not obligate the Government to award a contract and or pay for any quote preparation costs. The Government will not accept quotes at this time. This notice is not an offer by the Government to enter into a contract. Interested Small Business concerns must identify to the contracting officer their interest and capability to satisfy the Government's requirement by closing date listed. Responses will allow the Government to conduct an initial review of market capabilities in support of requirements identified in the Draft Minimum Requirements Document.
NAICS Code: 334516 - Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing
SUBMISSION DETAILS: All interested parties are encouraged to submit a response to this Sources Sought. Responses will be accepted until 2 September 2026 at 2:00 PM Eastern Time and should address the following questions:
1. Company name, cage code, address, point of contact, phone number, and email address
2. Identification of whether the company is currently designated as a Small Business as defined in FAR Part 19.1 and the appropriate category (e.g., 8(a), HubZone, etc.).
3. Company description of relevant capability and experience to provide supplies/services in accordance with the minimum requirements.
Capability package responses and questions shall be sent electronically to Mike Hornberger at michael.hornberger.1@us.af.mil.
Be advised that all correspondence sent via e-mail shall contain a subject line that reads “Superconducting Nanowire Single-Photon Detection (SNSPD) System.” Note that e-mail filters at Wright-Patterson AFB are designed to filter e-mails without subject lines or with suspicious subject lines or contents (i.e., .exe, or .zip files). Therefore, if this subject line is not included, the e-mail may not get through the e-mail filters. Also be advised that .zip or .exe files are not allowable attachments and may be deleted by the e-mail filters at Wright-Patterson AFB. If sending attachments with e-mail, ensure only .PDF, .doc, docx, xls, or .xsls documents are sent. The e-mail filter may delete any other form of attachments.
Files
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| MRD - SNSPD System.pdf |
Notice history
| Notice | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| Superconducting Nanowire Single-Photon Detection (SNSPD) System | Solicitation | |
| This notice | Pre-Solicitation |
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