Notice of Intent to Sole Source with Coherent for CW UV Laser Model OBIS 320nm XT, 40mW

Notice of Intent to Sole Source

This notice indicates the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Physical Measurement Lab intends to procure one (1) CW UV Laser (Coherent Model OBIS 320nm XT, 40mW) on a sole source basis with Coherent, Inc. This procurement is for a commercial product under FAR Part 12.

The laser is required for NIST's semiconductor supply chain research, specifically for photoemission-based measurements to develop new materials, packaging, and production methods. It will enhance photoemission electron spectroscopy and microscopy capabilities, accelerating measurement throughput for a CHIPS metrology project focused on chip-to-chip bonding uniformity and defects.

• Item: One (1) CW UV Laser, Coherent Model OBIS 320nm XT, 40mW.
• Specifications:
  • Continuous wave (CW) output.
  • 320 nm output wavelength.
  • 40 mW output power.
  • TEM00 spatial mode.
  • Beam quality factor M2 less than or equal to 1.1.
• Delivery: FOB Destination.
• Warranty: One year.

Interested firms should submit documentation demonstrating how they can meet the minimum requirements and technical specifications. Responses should include:

• Company name and address.
• Point of Contact (phone and email).
• Teaming partners (if applicable).
• Classification of the supply (COTS, modified COTS, prototype).
• Any other pertinent information.

Note: This is NOT a Request for Quote. No award will be made based on this notice. Information submitted will not be used for future solicitations unless explicitly stated.

• Questions Due: April 28, 2026, 12:00 PM ET.
• Responses Due: May 1, 2026, 6:00 PM ET.
• Submission Email: ranae.armstrong@nist.gov
• CC Email: Donald.collie@nist.gov

Important: Do not provide proprietary information. Telephone and faxed questions or responses will not be accepted.

Sources Sought Notice

This notice is a market research tool to identify potential sources for a Continuous Wave (CW) Ultraviolet (UV) Laser system. It is not a Request for Quote (RFQ) or a pre-solicitation notice, and no award will be made from this survey. The government is seeking domestic commercial products if available.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) requires a CW UV laser to enhance photoemission-based measurements for electron microscopy and spectroscopy. This laser will be used to analyze changes in chemical and spatial structure related to pre-bonding processes.

• Product: One (1) CW UV Laser system.
• Delivery: FOB Destination (or equivalent INCOTERM).
• Warranty: One year.
• Technical Specifications:
  • Housing dimensions: Max 80 mm [W] x 120 mm [L] x 40 mm [H].
  • Wavelength: Monochromatized at a single wavelength between 290 nm and 320 nm.
  • Output Power: At least 40 mW at the specified wavelength.
  • Drive Mode: Continuous Wave (CW).
  • Spatial Mode: TEM00.
  • Beam Quality: M2 <= 1.1.
  • Polarization Ratio: >= 100:1.
  • Pointing Stability: < 10 μradian per °C.
  • Beam Diameter: 0.7 mm ± 15%.
  • Power Stability: < 2% rms.
  • Power Supply: Enables hands-free operation of pump laser.
  • Cooling: Must include a heat sink.
  • Power Input: 120 VAC at 60 Hz.
• Documentation: One operations and maintenance manual (electronic or hard copy) covering operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and software.

Interested firms should submit documentation demonstrating how they meet the minimum requirements and technical specifications. This may include brochures, manuals, reports, videos, or technical data. Proprietary information should not be included.

Required Response Information:

• Company name and address

• Point of Contact (name, phone, email)

• Teaming partners (if applicable)

• Classification of supply (COTS, modified COTS, or prototype)

• Any other pertinent information

• Questions Due: March 16, 2026, 4:00 PM ET (via email only).

• Responses Due: March 19, 2026, 4:00 PM ET (via email only).

• Email for Questions & Responses: ranae.armstrong@nist.gov and Donald.collie@nist.gov.

• Note: Telephone and fax inquiries/responses will not be accepted.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a Sources Sought Notice (SSN) to conduct market research and identify potential sources for a Narrow-Linewidth, Frequency-Doubled 556 nm Laser System. This notice is not a Request for Quote (RFQ) and no award will be made. The government is seeking a domestic commercial product, if available, that meets the specified technical requirements. The Fundamental Thermodynamics Group at NIST requires this system for research purposes.

• One (1) Narrow-Linewidth, Frequency-Doubled 556 nm Laser System.

• The system must include a narrow seed laser (1111.60 nm output, < 1 kHz linewidth, > 130 mW power) and a frequency-doubled fiber amplifier (556 nm output, > 1 W power, < 2 kHz linewidth).

• Laser narrowing electronics, including Pound-Drever-Hall (PDH) error signal generation/detection and PID controllers, are required.

• All components must meet stringent technical specifications for wavelength, linewidth, power, stability, noise, polarization, beam quality, and control interfaces (USB, TCP/IP, PC GUI, Python programmability).

• Control electronics should be rack-mountable or benchtop as specified.

• Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price Purchase Order (anticipated).

• Delivery Terms: FOB Delivery or equivalent (e.g., DDP).

• Interested firms must submit documentation demonstrating how they meet the minimum requirements and technical specifications. Brochures, manuals, reports, videos, technical data, and customer identification are acceptable.

• Do not provide proprietary information.

• Required response elements: Company name/address, Point of Contact (phone/email), Teaming partners (if applicable), classification of supply (COTS, modified COTS, prototype).

• Questions deadline: February 23, 2026, 6:00 PM ET.

• Response submission deadline: February 25, 2026, 6:00 PM ET.

• Submissions and questions must be via email only to Ranae Armstrong (ranae.armstrong@nist.gov) and Don Collie (Donald.collie@nist.gov).

• The government is seeking a domestic product if commercially available.

• This is a market survey, not a pre-solicitation notice. A formal solicitation may be issued later.

• Respondents will not be notified of survey results.