Ultrastable Optical Reference Cavity System

COMMERCE, DEPARTMENT OF

Notice type
Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
Solicitation #
NB688000-26-01743
NAICS
334516
PSC
6640
Posted
June 12, 2026
Response due
June 29, 2026
Place of performance
Boulder, CO

What this opportunity is

The Department of Commerce is seeking to procure an ultrastable optical reference cavity system with a primary operating wavelength of 1396 nm for a quantum sensing project. This opportunity is suited for small businesses in the manufacturing sector, specifically those classified under NAICS 334516. As a Combined Synopsis/Solicitation notice, interested vendors should prepare to submit proposals rather than simply track the opportunity, as it indicates an active solicitation for bids.

Analysis by Mindy, grounded in the SAM.gov notice.

Description

Use this document to detail specifications/requirements for an item and/or ancillary services. 🛈 TITLE: Ultrastable optical reference cavity system for 1396 nm 🛈 Requesting Lab/Division/Group: PML / 688 / 688.60 General Statement of Need 🛈 We are required to purchase an ultrastable optical reference cavity system with operating wavelength of 1396 nm for our quantum sensing project, which is developing and exploring a strontium optical lattice clock with integrated photonics. Items and/or Ancillary Services 🛈 Item 1: 1396 nm optical frequency reference cavity system Quantity: 1 Specifications: 1.1 Ultrastable reference cavity system with thermal noise fractional frequency stability of 6x10^(-16), enabling a stabilized laser linewidth less than 1 Hz.1.2 Primary Operating wavelength of 1396 nm with a finesse of 200,000 to 400,0001.3 Secondary operating wavelength of 689 nm with a finesse of 1,000 to 20,0001.4 AR coating with less than 0.1% reflection at primary and secondary operating wavelengths1.5 Must accommodate operating temperature in laboratory of 24 deg C1.6 Vacuum housing with invar mounting block and positioned viton balls for low vibration stability1.7 Temperature control at the cavity inside shielding must be <1 mK/day1.8 Heaters and thermistors for temperature control must be included1.9 The thermal time constant must be approximately 38 hours, to ensure sufficient thermal isolation from the room temperature environment and so equilibration time after a temperature change will be ~200 hours.1.10 Vacuum housing windows must be AR coated at the primary and secondary operating wavelengths 1.11 The cavity housing will be tunable to the zero-crossing temperature of the cavity.1.12 The vendor will provide a measurement and characterization of the zero crossing temperature of the optical reference cavity. The zero crossing temperature will be suitable for operation in a laboratory temperature of 24 deg C. The zero crossing temperature of the optical reference cavity must be in the range of 28 to 40 deg C.1.13 Temperature controller will be included and the temperature controller will be tuned to control the vacuum housing of the cavity system.1.14 Ion pump, cable, and controller and vacuum valve will be provided for the vacuum enclosure of the cavity system1.15 Vendor must report necessary laboratory operating conditions to achieve specified performance1.16 Ultrastable reference cavity system must enable laser stabilization to a modified Allan deviation at 1550 nm of 6x10^(-16) at 1 second averaging time.1.17 Less than 15 kHz/day at 1550 nm equivalent near zero crossing1.18 Less than 1x10^(-10)/g fractional acceleration sensitivity along all axes Separately Priced Options and Services: Item 2: [List minimum specifications. Quantity: [Enter quantity here.] Specifications: [Enter quantity here.] [List any other item(s) or service requirements here using the same format above.] Service Requirements / Item Specifications Section 🛈 Requirements/Specifications 🛈 Planning Considerations N/A List any visits required to allow potential vendors to see site specific constraints. An on-site visit may be appropriate to understand the sizing and environmental conditions of the laboratory. NIST would evaluate whether to host an on-site visit based on demonstrated proposer qualifications. US citizen required on-site (foreign nationals require preregistration 30 days prior) Vendor rep on-site more than three days Other considerations: [List other considerations to ensure an accurate quote] Shipping & Delivery N/A Fedex or similar commercial shipping for sensitive laser equipment Shipping criteria: Partial delivery acceptable Direct delivery to building required [Explain need for requirement here] Building has: Loading dock Containerization preference: [Choose container] Other requirements: [List any other requirements here] Delivery date criteria: Delivery of goods, installation, and training shall be completed no later than: 20 Weeks ARO Deliver no earlier than: [Insert date here] Other: [List other shipping, delivery, or specil requirements] Electronic Media N/A All electronic media to operate the laser shall be delivered. Software Electronic manuals License Key Other: [List any other Electronic Media requirements here] [Enter email address for software delivery here] Installation N/A Installation requirements should be detailed by proposer. Vendor technician on site Rigging Uncrating / Unpackaging Removal of packaging material Equipment set up Start-up services Turn key installation Other [Enter details here.] Note: When installation is required, TPOC or COR shall be the coordination point. Facility / Utility Considerations N/A [List site specific utility considerations by item here.] OFPM Work Order Number(s) [List any Work Order Number(s) here] Power available Voltage: [Enter voltage here] (V) Max Current: [Enter max current draw here] (A) Phase: [Choose phase] Frequency: [Typically 60Hz] (Hz) NEMA Plug Type: [Enter plug type here] (i.e.: NEMA L5-20P) Environment: [Choose environment] Other power consideration: [List any other power considerations here] Utility connections: [List relevant available utilities, pressure(s), and flowrate(s)] Other considerations: [List other considerations to ensure an accurate quote] Warranty N/A Base Manufacturer Warranty is acceptable [If you require an Extended Manufacturer Warranty, describe the warranty requirements per item here.] What is included? Labor Parts Travel Cost and liability for returns Other: [Enter other requirements here] Warranty length: 12 months and 3000 hours of operation Period Length:[Ex. month, 6 month, year etc.] Training N/A [Training requir

Source: SAM.gov, as posted. Verify the current solicitation before responding.

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