Background: The laser is needed for NOAA's recently developed Aerosol Scattering to Extinction Ration (ASTER) instrument. The instrument requires an extended cavity diode laser (ECDL) that is grating stabilized, single mode, low noise, and that can accept current modulation at frequencies of several megahertz to enable a very stable lock. Given the high modulation frequencies, it is critical that the current modulation port be a 50 ohm input to match the impedance of the locking circuitry already developed for ASTER. The main component of the current ASTER locking circuitry is the Toptica Digilock module, which has a 50 ohm output for current modulation. The Toptica laser is required to integrate with the Toptica Digilock which entitles NOAA to full support from Toptica.

The sole source determination is based on NOAA's market research showing that no other sources with low noise, grating stabilized, single mode lasers at the required wavelength of 672 nm are able meet all requirements. An upper limit for the modulation frequency of 1 MHz is too low for use in ASTER. Required Technical Specifications include: Single mode extended cavity diode laser; Linewidth in the hundreds of kilohertz range; Mode hop free tuning range of tens of gigahertz; Grating Stabilized (tuning range of a few nm); Beam stabilized to avoid need for realignment with tuning; Very low susceptibility to thermal and acoustic disturbances; Low Noise diode current controller (< 1 microamp up to a megahertz)
50 ohm current modulation input; Current modulation bandwidth of several megahertz. Delivery is required on or before 12 weeks after receipt of order (ARO).
***This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals and no solicitation package is available. However, firms that believe they can provide equipment that fully meets the Government's requirements may submit substantiating documentation in writing to the identified point of contact within 10 days after publication of this synopsis. Such documentation will be evaluated solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct this procurement on a competitive basis. A determination by the Government not to conduct a competitive procurement, based upon responses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the government. Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice.