The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) proposes to negotiate on a sole source basis, under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), with Coherent Laser Group, Denver, CO for a Verdi 8 Watt Laser System for inclusion in a newly developed pulse Ti: sapphire laser system. The Ti: sapphire laser system requires an all solid-state laser source at 532 nm that is suitable for optical frequency measurements and nonlinear mixing with other single frequency sources. The single frequency output radiation at 532 nm will be used in an optical frequency synthesis system that requires sum-and-difference-frequency mixing with other spectrally pure sources (e.g. stable 657 nm diode laser radiation). The 532 nm laser output will also be frequency-doubled to 266 nm in an external power-enhancement cavity using the nonlinear crystal BBO for use in spectroscopic investigations. The output power level at 532 nm must be 8 W or greater. ***The laser must operate in both a single transverse mode and a single longitudinal mode. The single longitudinal mode must be single frequency with a linewidth less than 5 MHz. Market research indicates that only the Coherent Laser Group product oscillates with a single frequency ****. The mode must be Gaussian (M2 less than or equal to 1.1). The power stability is to be no worse than +/- 1% after a 30 minute warm-up, and the amplitude noise must be less than 0.05% from 10 Hz - 1 GHz. The output polarization is to be linear (>100:1). The beam waist should be on the order of 1 mm. A delivery time of less than 4 weeks ARO is required for this research work to continue because the borrowed pump laser now being utilized must be returned. This procurement is being conducted under the provisions of FAR Part 13, Simplified Acquisition Procedures (NTE $100K). No solicitation is planned. Responses to this notice will be used solely to determine whether or not a competitive procurement is in the best interest of the Government. The anticipated award date is September 11, 2002.

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