Infrared Femtosecond Laser System

Description

The Water Window X-ray Microscope Project is a new EPSRC-funded collaboration between the University of Southampton's School of Chemistry and Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC), the Rosalind Franklin Institute (RFI), and the Central Laser Facility (CLF) at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratories. The project will design and construct a lab-scale soft X-ray microscope for biological imaging using soft X-rays generated using ultrafast lasers and applying coherent diffractive imaging techniques. Suitable coherent X-ray radiation will be generated using high harmonic generation (HHG), requiring high intensity femtosecond pulses in the infrared spectral region. The signal requirements for imaging mean that a high repetition rate system is necessary. The intended end product will be a microscope that will be available to users for biological imaging. Lot 1: The Water Window X-ray Microscope Project is a new EPSRC-funded collaboration between the University of Southampton's School of Chemistry and Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC), the Rosalind Franklin Institute (RFI), and the Central Laser Facility (CLF) at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratories. The project will design and construct a lab-scale soft X-ray microscope for biological imaging using soft X-rays generated using ultrafast lasers and applying coherent diffractive imaging techniques. Suitable coherent X-ray radiation will be generated using high harmonic generation (HHG), requiring high intensity femtosecond pulses in the infrared spectral region. The signal requirements for imaging mean that a high repetition rate system is necessary. The intended end product will be a microscope that will be available to users for biological imaging. The University is conducting this procurement using the Open procedure in accordance with the requirements of the Regulations for the purpose of procuring the Goods described in the Specification. The University proposes to enter into a Contract for up to 4 years and 7 months with the successful tenderer. This will comprise of an estimated delivery lead time for 19 months followed by a 1 year warranty period which will commence upon delivery, installation and acceptance, and 2 x 12 month optional extensions to the warranty period. Should the estimated delivery date be exceeded, the contract length will be extended and the initial 1 year warranty period will begin upon delivery and completion of Site Acceptance Testing. The Contract will be effective upon signing. The estimated value of the proposal is £920,000.00 (excluding VAT). Whilst bidders are expected to provide a proposal that falls within this budget, for the benefit of doubt, the University reserves the right to automatically exclude any bidders who's proposal exceeds this figure. All related components, delivery, installation, commissioning, training and warranties MUST be included within the proposal. Details of current expenditure or potential future uptake are given as a guide based on past purchasing and current planning to assist you in the preparation of your Tender. They should not be interpreted as an undertaking to purchase any goods or services to any particular value and do not form part of the Contract. Additional information: This Contract is NOT suitable for splitting into Lots. This is the purchase of a single piece of equipment therefore dividing the requirement into Lots would not be possible from a technical perspective.