Amplified Ultrafast Laser System for Scientific Research

Tender description

The University of Bristol School of Chemistry is looking to procure an amplified ultrafast laser system for use in studies of photochemical dynamics. The laser should consist of an ultrafast oscillator and an amplifier, in a one-box design for optimum stability of operation in our laboratory. Sufficient power output is required to pump two existing optical parametric amplifiers (OPAs), operating with 800-nm pump wavelengths, to generate ultraviolet and mid-infrared laser beams at a laser pulse repetition rate of 1 kHz. Lot 1: About the Project Ultrafast photochemical dynamics of molecules in solution and in protein environments will be studied using the techniques of transient absorption spectroscopy and two-dimensional infrared spectroscopy. The project is funded by EPSRC Programme Grant EP/V026690/1, Ultrafast Photochemical Dynamics in Complex Environments. The Equipment We require an amplified ultrafast laser system for use in studies of photochemical dynamics. The laser should consist of an ultrafast oscillator and an amplifier, in a one-box design for optimum stability of operation in our laboratory. Sufficient power output is required to pump two existing optical parametric amplifiers (OPAs, operating with 800-nm pump wavelengths) to generate ultraviolet and mid-infrared laser beams at a laser pulse repetition rate of 1 kHz. Essential Requirements - One-box system*. The equipment is to be installed on an optical table and must be smaller than 1.5 m x 0.9 m in footprint. (*Note: one-box means the equipment on the optical table, and does not therefore include items such as power supplies and cooling units). - Output fundamental wavelength close to 800 nm, compatible with our OPAs - Pulse durations close to 35 fs. - Repetition rate of 1 kHz. - Average power greater than or equal to 5W at the fundamental wavelength (and 5 mJ per pulse). - Power stability of better than 0.5% RMS over 24 hours. - Pointing stability of better than 20 micro-radians. - Circular beam profile with TEM00 mode beam quality factor (M-squared value) of less than 1.3. - Compatibility with operation of two Coherent Opera Solo Optical Parametric Amplifiers. Minimum one-year on-site service warranty to cover parts, labour and travel must be included in the purchase price. Delivery to School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantock’s Close, Bristol BS8 1TS, UK. The School of Chemistry has an accessible loading bay. The laser installation will be in a basement lab which will present some access issues. On-site one-day training for at least 3 people should be available in order to bring users (Postdoctoral researchers and PhD students) up to a basic knowledge of use and maintenance of the equipment. Suppliers should include in their expression of interest the following information: Compliance to all essential criteria The expected lead-time for delivery and installation Potential supply-chain issues that may pose a risk to the delivery schedule Requirements for a Site Visit to view potential access issues Additional information: This Prior Information Notice is a Call for Competition. Suppliers wishing to express their interest should register via https://tenders.bris.ac.uk/web/login.html This procurement shall be contracted on the University of Bristol Standard Terms and Conditions for Goods and Services. A copy of the Terms and Conditions are available on request.