R -- Magnetic Microcalorimeters and Thermometers

The U.S. Department of Commerce, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Time and Frequency Division proposes to negotiate on a sole source basis under the authority of 41 U.S.C. 253(c)(1) with University of Denver, Department of Physics & Astronomy for the services of the remainder of fiscal year 2007, the NIST Quantum Sensors Project requires the following course of research to be completed as a subcontract to support the Project's research on - Multiplexed Arrays of Magnetic Calorimeters. DESIGN OF NEW MMCS Work to complete conceptual design and physical layout of new microcalorimeter detectors and magnetic thermometers that couple efficient flux transformers to the current state-of-the-art low-noise SQUID amplifiers being tested by the QSP. This phase of the project will also involve prediction of the noise performance and sensitivity of the magnetic thermometers and microcalorimeters. Involve Graduate Research Assistants or Post-doctoral scholars, when appropriate. This phase of the effort should be completed in Spring of 2007. FABRICATION OF MMCS: Most of the fabrication of the devices will be carried out by QSP staff. The sub-contracted team will provide advice or support as necessary throughout the process, and also coordinate fabrication of the paramagnetic sensor thin-films, expected to be the final step in preparing MMC devices for testing. Our goal is to finish device fabrication by April 2007. 4 K TESTING: Initial testing of the devices for noise performance and coupling efficiency will be carried out by the subcontracted team. In order to accomplish this, a 4 K SQUID testing station will be purchased and installed by the subcontractors. The assembly of this station will begin immediately, so that 4 K testing can be complete in April or May of 2007. LOW TEMPERATURE TESTING: When 4 K testing is complete, Magnetic Calorimeters and Thermometers will be tested at low temperatures. If facilities allow, this testing will be carried out by the subcontractors, otherwise, the QSPs ADR facilities at NIST may be used. If devices offer promise of excellent performance as x-ray detectors, ADR testing at 50 mK will be completed by early summer 2007, so that results may be presented at the 12th International Workshop on Low Temperature Detectors in July 2007. MAGNETICALLY-DOPED FILM DEVELOPMENT: We require the sub-contracted team to develop and test methods to grow metallic and semiconducting (silicon-based) films doped with magnetic moments. This requires electronbeam evaporation, and some funds will be provided to the sub-contractors team to add this extended deposition capabilities to a film deposition system being designed and built in FY2007. These films will be designed to provide potential improvements in future magnetic thermometer devices. DISSEMINATION OF RESULTS: We expect that the subcontracted team will present plans and preliminary results at conferences such as the yearly meetings of the American Physical Society and the Materials Research Society. If the performance of the MMC devices or magnetic thermometers is suitable, results will be presented at LTD12 and submitted for publication in either Applied Physics Letters, Journal of Applied Physics, or Review of Scientific Instruments. If results do not warrant publication as a journal article, a final report on FY2007 activities will be prepared by the subcontracted team submitted the NIST QSP. This procurement is being conducted per FAR Part 13, Simplified Acquisition Procedures (NTE $100K). This synopsis is issued for information only. Based on our market research, University of Denver, Department of Physics & Astronomy is the only vendor who can meet the required specifications. 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 questions regarding this notice must be submitted in writing to the attention of Ms. Yates (e-mail preferred). Questions need to be received by March 30, 2007. Anticipated award date is April 6, 2007.