59 -- SINGLE FREQUENCY LASER

The U. S. Department of Commerce, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) proposes to negotiate on a sole source basis, under the authority of 41 U.S.C. 253(c)(3), with Coherent Laser Group for a Solid State, Sealed, Single-Frequency Laser with the following technical specifications:1) Power -6W Wavelength, 532nm Noise, less than 0.02% rms from 10Hz to 1GHz Linewidth less than 5MHz, single longitudinal mode, Power Stability plus or minus 1% over 2 hours after a 15 minute warm-up, Pointing Stability less than 5 urad/ degrees Celsius. 2) The laser must deliver non-mode-hop, single-longitudinal-mode output. Systems based on a multi-axial design (MAD or QMAD) are not acceptable because of the mode-beating noise inherent in this design. 3) The laser must have a noise performance of lower than 0.02% rms from 10Hz to 1GHz. This low-noise performance is required for us to pursue our research goals. 4) When replacing the pump laser diode modules, the laser head position and beam propagation path must not change, nor shall the laser cavity require any realignment or exposure to the laboratory environment. Therefore, the pump diode module and the delivery fiber must detach from each other. The delivery fiber must not detach at the laser head when replacing the laser pump diode module. 5) The pump diodes must be manufactured using aluminum-free active area diodes. Diodes using Al in the active region are unacceptable because of shortened lifetime caused by Al oxidation-induced optical failure. 6) The laser system must automatically and continuously optimize the pump diode wavelength to maximize optical conversion efficiency. Systems that use an assumed pre-programmed decay rate are unacceptable. 7) All optical elements must be permanently fixed and aligned in the optical cavity for long term ease of use and reliability. Adjustable optic mounts of any kind are unacceptable. Furthermore, re-adjustment of laser optics must not be required if the pump laser is moved or repositioned. This procurement is being conducted per FAR Part 13, Simplified Acquisitions (NTE $100K). FAR Clauses in full text are available at http://www.ARNET.gov/far/. Based on our market research, Coherent is the only contractor who can meet these requirements. This synopsis is issued for information only. No competitive solicitation is planned. Information submitted in response to this notice will be used solely to determine whether or not use of competitive procedures to fulfill this requirement would be in the Government's best interest and must address qualifications pertinent to this requirement. Any contractors doing business with the Government must now be registered with the Central Contractor Registry. The web site is http://www.ccr.gov/. Agency level protest procedures can be found on web site http://oamweb.osec.doc.gov/conops/reflib/alp1296.htm. Hard copy in full text available from office address and phone number listed in notice. Any questions regarding this notice must be submitted in writing to the attention of Ms. Rima (e-mail preferred). Anticipated award date is August 6, 2004.