Sources Sought Notice - Narrowband Mid-IR laser with tunable wavelength and tunable repetition rate
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is conducting market research via a Sources Sought Notice to identify potential sources for a narrowband, mid-IR laser with tunable wavelength and tunable repetition rate. This laser will enhance advanced AFM metrology for measuring thermal properties of materials at the nanoscale within NIST's CHIPS metrology program in Gaithersburg, MD. Responses are due January 28, 2026.
Scope of Work
NIST requires a laser system to be integrated into their photothermal induced resonance (PTIR) setup. The laser must emit light pulses with a narrow linewidth and broad wavelength tunability to selectively excite a wide range of samples, short pulse length for efficient photothermal excitation, and a moderately high, tunable repetition rate for optimized high-throughput measurements. Key technical specifications include:
- Wavelength: Tunable between ~2.5 µm to 10.0 µm (or wider) without gaps.
- Pulse Length: Between 0.1 ns and 10 ns.
- Linewidths: < 8 cm-1 (preferred < 4 cm-1).
- Wavelength Tuning: Continuous or stepped tuning with 1 cm-1 steps at an average rate of 9 cm-1/s or faster (preferred ≥ 50 cm-1/s).
- Repetition Rate: Tunable between 100 kHz to 200 kHz (or wider) with 1 kHz resolution.
- Average Power: > 5 mW at 200 kHz repetition rate.
- Polarization: Linear polarization.
- Alignment Laser: Reference visible alignment laser (< 4 mW) collinear with main output.
Respondents should provide company details, product specifications, performance capabilities, customization limits, manufacturing location, NAICS code feedback, available services (installation, training, maintenance), standard terms, pricing, federal contract availability, and customer references.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Research
- Set-Aside: None specified (market research stage)
- Response Due: January 28, 2026, 4:00 PM ET
- Published: January 15, 2026
Evaluation
This notice is for market research to identify potential sources and capabilities. Responses will inform NIST's understanding of commercial products/services available and may be used to determine future procurement strategies. This is not a solicitation, and the Government is not obligated to award a contract or pay for information submitted.
Additional Notes
Responses should not include proprietary information and must be submitted via email to the Primary Point of Contact. Companies must be registered and 'active' in SAM for any future official solicitation. Questions should be submitted 5 days prior to the response date.