Large Sample Stage Cryostat – Combined Sources Sought/Notice of Intent to Sole Source

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is seeking information from sources that may be capable of providing a large sample stage cryostat. The cryostat will be used to support advanced cryogenic characterization of mixed-signal digital and analog circuits, as well as semiconductor devices, at temperatures down to 4.2 K. The system will support simultaneous DC, RF, and optical access to accommodate realistic operating conditions for complex electronic subsystems. The key requirements for the cryostat include: • Cooling performance: minimum cooling power of 2 W at 4.2 K • Cold plate size and geometry: 4 K cold plate with diameter greater than Ø250 mm and height of approximately 200 mm • Thermal cycling performance: cool-down time of less than 90 minutes and warm-up time of less than 120 minutes • Electrical access: support for a minimum of 50 DC lines and 30 RF lines • Optical and fiber access: support for more than one fiber-optic feedthrough and more than one optical access port • Application compatibility: suitable for simultaneous digital and analog mixed-signal circuit testing NIST conducted market research and found that only Four Nine Design LLC appears to be capable of meeting NIST's requirements.