Purchase of silicon-based photonics integrated circuit (PICs) for laboratory testing for the AstroPIC project.

The AstroPIC project at NASA Ames Research Center is seeking to manufacture silicon-based photonics integrated circuit (PICs) for laboratory testing. These PICs feature input grating coupler designs that need to be manufactured to fabrication tolerances to enable high efficiency coupling. The selected contractor will be required to deliver a total of 56 photonic integrated circuit devices based on the provided silicon photonic layout design files. The devices will be used for high-contrast imaging demonstrations for coronagraphy. • The contractor will use an electron-beam write lithography process with both full and partial etch capabilities to fabricate silicon PIC devices that meet fabrication tolerances. • The contractor will deliver the devices to NASA Ames Research Center. • The period of performance is approximately 16 weeks after receipt of order.