Integrated Tunable Laser Platform with Wavelength Stabilisation for photonic integrated circuit

DTU intends to purchase an integrated tunable laser platform for photonic integrated circuit (PIC) characterisation within advanced quantum and classical photonics research from TOPTICA Photonics SE. The procurement comprises a fully integrated laser system consisting of three tunable lasers centred around 795 nm, 1320 nm and 1550 nm, respectively, together with a wavelength measurement and stabilisation system. The required solution shall provide: mode-hop-free laser operation; narrow linewidth performance suitable for precision photonics applications; broad continuous tuning ranges; polarisation-maintaining fibre outputs; integrated wavelength measurement and long-term wavelength stabilisation; integrated PID-based wavelength control; unified software control of all system components; rack-integrated installation with thermal management and passive vibration isolation. The equipment will be used for advanced PIC characterisation and activities related to the QPlanet pilot line and other quantum and classical photonics research activities. High wave-length stability, automation and seamless interaction between all subsystems are essential for the intended research applications. DTU requires an integrated tunable laser platform consisting of three tunable laser sources centred around approximately 795 nm, 1320 nm and 1550 nm together with an integrated wavelength measurement and stabilisation system. The equipment will support work related to thePIC characterisation within the QPlanet pilot line and advanced quantum and classical photonics research activities. In particular, the laser operating around 795 nm is an essential requirement for the intended research applications. Prior to initiating the procurement, DTU conducted a market assessment of relevant suppliers of tun-able laser systems and associated wavelength stabilisation equipment. The assessment included, among others, Newport/MKS Instruments, Keysight Technologies, Santec and Thorlabs. The market assessment demonstrated that alternative suppliers are capable of providing individual lasers or certain parts of the required wavelength range. However, no alternative supplier was identified that can provide the complete integrated solution required by DTU. DTU's technical requirements include: - tunable laser operation at approximately 795 nm, 1320 nm and 1550 nm; - mode-hop-free operation; - narrow linewidth performance suitable for high-precision quantum photonics measurements; - broad tuning ranges across the required wavelength regions; - polarisation-maintaining fibre outputs; - integrated wavelength measurement and long-term wavelength stabilisation; - integrated PID-based feedback control; - unified software control of all lasers and measurement equipment; - rack-integrated installation with thermal management and passive vibration isolation; - future expandability to additional wavelengths within the same platform. The market assessment showed that certain suppliers can offer lasers within parts of the required wavelength spectrum but are unable to provide all required wavelengths within a single integrated platform. Other suppliers can provide wavelength measurement equipment but cannot provide the required laser portfolio. As a result, any alternative solution would require combining equipment from multiple manufacturers and undertaking significant integration efforts, including development and vali-dation of interfaces, control software and stabilisation functionality. No supplier other than TOPTICA Photonics was identified as being able to deliver a turnkey solution comprising all required laser wavelengths, integrated wavemeter functionality, integrated PID-based stabilisation, common software control and rack-based system integration within a single coherent platform. The procurement is therefore not based on a preference for a particular manufacturer but on the result of the market assessment, which identified only one supplier capable of delivering the complete technical solution required for the intended research activities. Accordingly, DTU considers that competition is absent for technical reasons and that the conditions for the use of a negotiated procedure without prior publication are fulfilled. DTU therefore intends to award to contract to TOPTICA Photonics SE priced at EUR 183,000.