Notice of Intent to Noncompetitively Acquire 780 Widely Tunable Laser with PDH Module

Announcement Type: Special Notice
Classification Code: 6695

Announcement Number: NIST-SS26-142

Subject: Notice of Intent to Noncompetitively Acquire 780 Widely Tunable Laser with PDH Module

The Photonics and Optomechanics Group of the Physical Measurement Laboratory at NIST develops quantum sensing technology for a broad range of applications, including inertial measurement. As part of that work one widely-tunable laser is required to readout sensors. In addition, fast laser frequency modulation electronics are required to allow the laser to be locked to an optical frequency reference.

The laser shall cover the wavelength range between 750 nm to 790 nm. Required specifications are given below.  A set of fast Pound-Drever-Hall (PDH) detection electronics are also required that can provide a signal to frequency modulate the laser and generate a PDH error signal to frequency lock the laser to a frequency reference using a separate PID controller not included in this procurement. The controller for the laser must also include the ability to measure spectra as the laser wavelength is swept, display the spectra, lock to spectral features independently of the fast laser modulation electronics, and control these operations from the front panel or a computer interface. The controller must also be able to control the PDH electronics.

The controller for the laser must also have an interactive screen for selecting operational modes, setting parameters, visualizing optical resonances of an optically interrogated cavity as the laser tunes, and selecting resonances for locking. The controller must be fully digital with 24 bit input resolution and include a single mode, polarization-maintaining fiber-coupled output. The laser wavelength must be tunable using a coarse motion stage and a piezoelectric motion stage. These tuning methods must be able to operate simultaneously.

NIST intends to award a non-competitive contract to Toptica Photonics for a CTL 780 with PDH Module to be used at the PML.

This notice is not a request for a quotation. A solicitation document will not be issued, and quotations will not be requested.

This acquisition is being conducted under the authority of RFO 12.102(a). The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 334516, Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing.

NIST requires a solution that meets the following minimum requirements:

1. Tunable laser with (1) a tuning range of at least 750 nm to 790 nm without mode hops
2. Built-in frequency stabilization capabilities to lock the laser to photonic sensors
3. Fast external stabilization electronics to enable laser linewidth reduction to decrease frequency noise and improve measurement precision.

After thorough evaluation, it has been determined that the CTL 780 with PDH Module from manufacturer, Toptica, is essential for several reasons:

1. Technical: PML requires the capability to test photonic sensors and integrated circuits. A tuning range of at least 750 nm to 790 nm without mode hops is required to access multiple optical modes of sensors and allow measurement of spectra over the full range of wavelengths. Adding built-in frequency stabilization allows the laser to lock to specific optical modes of the sensor and readout the sensor by interrogating a single mode in a repeatable manner. Adding fast locking increases measurement precision, which is particularly important for applications such as inertial measurement where measurement precision and repeatability are key factors limiting performance. Toptica is the only manufacturer that creates such devices capable of meeting NIST’s minimum requirements. Based on market research, no other vendor offers a similar product that meets these requirements. A prototype product is not acceptable. Without a laser that meets these mimimum requirements does not allow to NIST to support national needs in Positioning, Navigation and Timing, and may prevent NIST from meeting our obligations in developing next-generation photonic sensors. Therefore, it was determined that only Toptica could provide a system that meets the Government’s minimum requirements.
    

NIST conducted market research from February – May 2026 by conducting online searches and discussions with sources to determine what sources could meet NIST’s minimum requirements.  The results of that market research revealed that only Toptica Photonics, 1120 PITTSFORD VICTOR RD, PITTSFORD, NY 14534 USA (UEI: EYC4JKCBA7J9) appears to be capable of meeting NIST’s requirements. The Government intends to issue a Sole Source Award to Toptica, under the authority of FAR 12.102(a). The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 334516. 

However, any sources that believe they are capable of meeting NIST’s minimum requirements are encouraged to respond to this notice by the response date to provide the following information at a minimum: Company Unique Entity Identifier number in https://sam.gov; details about what your company is capable of providing that meets or exceeds NIST’s minimum requirements; whether your company is an authorized reseller of the product or service being cited and evidence of such authorization; and any other information that can help NIST determine whether this requirement may be competitively satisfied.