Toptica TOPO Tunable MIR Laser

The National Research Council of Canada is procuring a Toptica TOPO Tunable MIR Laser system under sole-source justification due to unique technical requirements that only this vendor can meet. The system must deliver continuous-wave operation across a broad wavelength range from 1.45 to 4.0 micrometers, encompassing both near-infrared and mid-infrared spectra, with fully automated, hands-free wavelength scanning across the entire range without requiring any manual optical or module changes. Performance specifications include peak optical power exceeding 1 watt in both signal (1450–2000 nm) and idler (2200–4000 nm) outputs, a spectral linewidth under 10 MHz, absolute wavelength accuracy within 500 MHz, a mode-hop-free tuning range of at least 30 GHz in the idler band, and a minimum scan spacing of 10 MHz. Fiber-coupled delivery with polarization-maintaining fiber is mandatory, and the system must integrate seamlessly with existing NRC infrastructure including the DLC Pro controller, CTL 950 laser, T-Rack platform, and Toptica’s Python Laser SDK for full remote control and multi-instrument synchronization. The procurement is justified under multiple international trade agreements, including CETA, CPTPP, and WTO-AGP, due to the absence of technical competition, with only Toptica Photonics, Inc. capable of delivering the required integration and performance. The contract has a fixed value of $275,973.40 USD with delivery required no later than May 31, 2027, and proposals must demonstrate compliance with all technical criteria as outlined in the Statement of Capabilities, evaluated on a pass/fail basis with no quantitative scoring. All submissions must be received by June 15, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. EST to Adebisi Adeyeye at the NRC’s Ottawa facility, and no competitive bidding will proceed unless another supplier meets every technical requirement. The contract does not specify packaging, marking, inspection location, invoicing system, or accounting codes, and the point of contact serves as the primary liaison for all communications, though their formal role is not designated as COR, COTR, or PCO.