Optical spectrum analyzer

Contracting authority is publishing direct award notice for 'Optical spectrum analyzer'.

BACKGROUND INFO Tampere University (hereinafter ‘TAU’) has a multidisciplinary Photonics Laboratory with 11 research groups working on various topics on light-based technologies. TAU’s laboratories have over 100 m2 dedicated lab space. Optical spectrum analyzers (OSA) are standard devices used in a multitude of photonics projects. Various spectrum analyzers are used in the groups for a plethora of research purposes related for example to laser development, nonlinear optics and frequency conversion processes. NEED Existing OSA devices are starting to be at the end of their lifetime: constant maintenance and only partially functioning devices are a hindrance for work. To ensure high quality research also in the future a new OSA is required. As the variety of tasks performed in the laboratory are vast, the new OSA should be as useful in a multitude of research tasks as possible. In the HoliSTEP -project a seed laser operating around the 1060 nm band is frequency converted to 530 nm and 353 nm wavelength bands, which requires the OSA to operate at these wavelengths. Several research groups utilize Ti:Sapphire, Ytterbium and Erbium-based mode-locked lasers at these wavelengths to realize weak nonlinear optical processes, such as supercontinuum generation and Raman scattering processes in optical fibers. This means that the OSA wavelength coverage should cover from as low wavelengths as possible (<400 nm to cover frequency conversion of Ti:Sapph) to as high wavelengths as possible ( >1600 nm to cover Er-lasers). Moreover, monitoring weak nonlinear processes requires a high sensitivity and high dynamic range from the device. Finally, as the device will be transferred to different research setups it should be relatively easy to move around and set up. MARKET ANALYSIS AND CONCLUSION FOR DIRECT AWARD The Yokogawa AQ6374E is a wide-band spectrum analyzer operating from the visible to near-infrared wavelengths (350 nm – 1750 nm) covering the majority of utilized laser sources at TAU Photonics laboratory. The AQ6374E also provides the highest dynamic range (60 dB) on the market over the whole measurement range with a sensitivity of -70 dBm (400-900 nm) and -80 dBm at other wavelengths of interest. This combination of a broad wavelength coverage with a high dynamic range and sensitivity is not provided by any other OSA provider on the market. The AQ6374E can be fit on a standard lab trolley and moved around from one laboratory to another at ease. Due to the abovementioned high technical requirements, only the specific supplier can be considered. Reasonable alternatives or substitute solutions do not exist, and absence of competition is not due to an artificial narrowing of purchase conditions. Contracting authority has the right to set a quality level based on its own needs which products or services must implement.