Sources Sought Notice for CHIPS R&D Optical frequency comb, Control electronics

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is conducting market research to identify potential sources of commercial products/services that can meet their anticipated needs for a mid-infrared femtosecond laser source, femtosecond laser control electronics, and an optical frequency reference. The equipment is required for the CHIPS Metrology Program, specifically for the project RF Waveform and Rapid Frequency-Comb Diagnostics for Plasma Etching. NIST is seeking information from manufacturers capable of providing a solution that meets the technical specifications outlined in the notice. The ideal solution should enable the application of novel optical diagnostics to the study of chemical transformations in key plasma etching processes. Some key points to consider: • The mid-infrared femtosecond laser source should have a pulse repetition rate of 100 MHz ± 5 MHz and a pulse width of less than 400 femtoseconds. • The femtosecond laser control electronics should be rack mountable and have a control unit that interfaces with a personal computer via USB. • The optical frequency reference should be an ultrastable laser system with a wavelength between 1061 nm and 1067 nm. • The equipment should be compatible with standard US wall output voltage of 120 V and have a linear drift rate of less than 10 kHz/s. • The optical reference cavity unit should have dimensions of width ≤200 mm, length ≤200 mm, and height ≤100 mm.