Solicitation for 4K Recirculating Cryostat

Statement of Work 4K recirculating cryostat with optical and microwave access Background The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Nanoscale Device Characterization Division’s (NDCD) mission is to develop and advance the measurement and knowledge infrastructure to characterize nano- and atom-scale engineered materials and solid-state devices for innovation in information processing, sensing, and future quantum technologies. The NDCD’s technical activities span atom scale devices, nanoscale spectroscopy, nanoscale imaging, nanoscale processes and measurements, and alternative computing. To meet mission requirements, the NDCD requires a 4K recirculating cryostat with optical and microwave access. This acquisition will enable new capabilities in single-defect spectroscopy and single photon emission of defect qubits that can serve as memory nodes in quantum networking applications. Scope The NDCD requires a 4K recirculating cryostat with optical and microwave access for spectroscopically characterizing the spin and optical properties of quantum networking nodes. Specifically, this system will be used for characterizing single silicon vacancy defects in the 4H polytype of silicon carbide, which are a leading platform for quantum memory and quantum networking. This cryostat system will serve as the platform for temperature control, electrical tuning, and microwave spin resonance excitation of these qubit systems and will be a foundational component of cryogenic spin defect qubit metrology at NIST. 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 Contractor shall provide a 4K recirculating cryostat with optical and microwave access that meets the following minimum specifications. The system must have: Recirculating cryogens (no external liquid helium source needed). A base temperature at the sample position of 4.2 K or lower. A cooling power of 100 mW or greater at 5 K. The ability to vary the sample temperature to a user-defined temperature anywhere between base temperature and room temperature. High vacuum operation with integrated vacuum pump and vacuum gauge. An air-cooled compressor. A software-controllable temperature controller. Temperature sensors at the base plate and on the sample mount. At least one additional temperature sensor at a user-defined position within the vacuum space. Temperature stability of 10 mK or better. Vibrational stability of 10 nm or better in all dimensions at the base plate. A sample space at least 50 mm in diameter. A time to reach base temperature of 4 hours or less. 5 optical access ports (1 from above, 4 from the sides) with fused silica windows. At least 10 DC and 2 AC (GHz frequency) electrical connections and feedthroughs. A sample mount/holder with integrated DC and AC inputs. A three axis nanopositioner with 5 mm travel in all three directions, 25 nm resolution or better, a minimum incremental motion of 25 nm or less, and a unidirectional repeatability of 200 nm or less. A python compatible control interface, such that system operations can be fully executed by an existing laboratory PC. Compatibility with Windows 11. Delivery Delivery shall be FOB Destination (or equivalent terms, such as INCOTERMS Delivered Duties Paid) are required and shall occur not later than (NLT) 6 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 100 Bureau Drive, Building 217 Gaithersburg, MD 20899-1640 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. The Government will test the 4K recirculating cryostat on test samples and verify that its performance meets the requirements. The Government will test, inspect, and accept the equipment onsite within 14 business days of the acceptance of the 4K recirculating cryostat. A visual inspection of the 4K recirculating cryostat will be performed by the NIST Technical Point of Contact (TPOC) or Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) to identify surface defects or any form of indication that the tunable laser system was damaged during transport to NIST. The Government shall 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 shall reject the tunable laser system due to defects and/or nonconformance. Installation The system shall be installed by t…