Narrow-Linewidth Fiber Laser

The Department of Commerce, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), is conducting market research through a Sources Sought notice for two narrow-linewidth fiber lasers to support optical frequency standards and precision measurements with trapped ions. This notice, identified by solicitation number NB688000-26-02254 and posted on July 22, 2026, with a response deadline of August 3, 2026, is explicitly not a request for quotations or proposals and does not constitute a commitment to award a contract. The requirement is for two laser systems with precise performance parameters, including tunable output wavelengths at 1071.18 nm and 1071.36 nm, output power of at least 20 mW, spectral linewidth under 3 kHz, and piezo modulation speed exceeding 20 kHz. Additional specifications require single-frequency operation with both thermal and piezo tuning, relative intensity noise below -110 dB/Hz at 1 MHz, signal-to-noise ASE ratio greater than 65 dB at 50 pm, and side mode suppression ratio above 50 dB. The lasers must feature PM fiber-coupled output with FC/APC connectors, polarization extinction ratio of at least 20 dB, internal output isolators, and full control electronics and software for temperature and wavelength management. Delivery is to be made to Boulder, Colorado, with direct building access required and partial deliveries permitted, with a preferred timeline of 10 weeks after receipt of order and an absolute deadline of 12 weeks. Installation must be performed on-site by a vendor technician in a temperature-controlled laboratory environment (±0.5 °C), and electronic manuals and software must accompany delivery. The procurement is designated as a total small business set-aside under NAICS code 334516, with a small business size standard of 1,000 employees, contingent on identification of at least two qualified small businesses during this research phase. Respondents must submit capability statements of four pages or less via email to the contract specialist, including the name of the providing and manufacturing companies, country of origin, technical data sheets, examples of prior products, typical lead time, and any other relevant information. Proprietary information must be clearly marked, and U.S. citizenship may be required for on-site work, with foreign nationals needing 30-day pre-registration. No pricing or cost information is requested or accepted at