Notice Information
Notice Title
Optical Vector Analyser & Optical Spectrum Analyser
Notice Description
Supply & Installation of an Optical Vector Analyser & Optical Spectrum Analyser. The LUNA OVA 5100 is the only optical vector analyzer (OVA) that would be identified that is capable of acquiring the full Jones' matrix. This enables comprehensive characterisation of passive photonic devices, including polarisation, group delay, and phase, which are essential for optimising optical buffers, delay lines, frequency combs, and microwave photonic filters. No alternative system identified provides LUNA OVA 5100's level of accuracy and measurement speed for full vector characterisation, making it the only viable choice to support SNAP-based microresonator research and maintain Aston University's leadership in photonic device development and characterisation. A sole supplier certificate for the LUNA has been provided by Lambda Photometrics Limited regarding UK distribution. When evaluating high-resolution optical spectrum analysers (OSAs) suitable for our microphotonic device fabrication and sensing applications, The APEX OSA-AP6 provides 0.04 pm (5 MHz) resolution. This level of precision is critical for tuning and characterizing high-Q microresonators and optical frequency combs. APEX also features a higher close-in dynamic range than other options considered, which improves measurement accuracy when analysing closely spaced spectral components. The APEX OSA-AP6 has a sweep speed of up to 35 nm/s, making it significantly faster than other options considered, essential for real-time spectral analysis of fast-changing optical signals, particularly in optofluidic sensing and microwave photonics applications. The APEX OSA-AP6 uses a rectangular-shape resolution filter, which provides a more uniform spectral response, improving measurement stability for broadband and high-Q optical components. Since SNAP technology demands extremely precise spectral characterization, which lower-resolution devices cannot achieve, the APEX OSA-AP6 is the only viable option identified for advancing our research. With its improved measurement method and faster sweep speed, it ensures the sub-picometre precision, resolution, and functionality essential for SNAP microphotonic research. A sole supplier certificate for the APEX has been provided by Lambda Photometrics Limited regarding UK distribution.
Procurement Information
Supply & Installation of an Optical Vector Analyser & Optical Spectrum Analyser. The LUNA OVA 5100 is the only optical vector analyzer (OVA) that would be identified that is capable of acquiring the full Jones' matrix. This enables comprehensive characterisation of passive photonic devices, including polarisation, group delay, and phase, which are essential for optimising optical buffers, delay lines, frequency combs, and microwave photonic filters. No alternative system identified provides LUNA OVA 5100's level of accuracy and measurement speed for full vector characterisation, making it the only viable choice to support SNAP-based microresonator research and maintain Aston University's leadership in photonic device development and characterisation. A sole supplier certificate for the LUNA has been provided by Lambda Photometrics Limited regarding UK distribution. When evaluating high-resolution optical spectrum analysers (OSAs) suitable for our microphotonic device fabrication and sensing applications, The APEX OSA-AP6 provides 0.04 pm (5 MHz) resolution. This level of precision is critical for tuning and characterizing high-Q microresonators and optical frequency combs. APEX also features a higher close-in dynamic range than other options considered, which improves measurement accuracy when analysing closely spaced spectral components. The APEX OSA-AP6 has a sweep speed of up to 35 nm/s, making it significantly faster than other options considered, essential for real-time spectral analysis of fast-changing optical signals, particularly in optofluidic sensing and microwave photonics applications. The APEX OSA-AP6 uses a rectangular-shape resolution filter, which provides a more uniform spectral response, improving measurement stability for broadband and high-Q optical components. Since SNAP technology demands extremely precise spectral characterization, which lower-resolution devices cannot achieve, the APEX OSA-AP6 is the only viable option identified for advancing our research. With its improved measurement method and faster sweep speed, it ensures the sub-picometre precision, resolution, and functionality essential for SNAP microphotonic research. A sole supplier certificate for the APEX has been provided by Lambda Photometrics Limited regarding UK distribution.
Notice Details
Publication & Lifecycle
- Open Contracting ID
- ocds-h6vhtk-05456d
- Publication Source
- Find A Tender Service
- Latest Notice
- https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/034593-2025
- Current Stage
- Award
- All Stages
- Award
Procurement Classification
- Notice Type
- UK7 - Contract Details Notice
- Procurement Type
- Standard
- Procurement Category
- Goods
- Procurement Method
- Direct
- Procurement Method Details
- Direct award
- Tender Suitability
- SME
- Awardee Scale
- SME
Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)
- CPV Divisions
38 - Laboratory, optical and precision equipments (excl. glasses)
-
- CPV Codes
38000000 - Laboratory, optical and precision equipments (excl. glasses)
Notice Value(s)
- Tender Value
- Not specified
- Lots Value
- Not specified
- Awards Value
- £337,257 £100K-£500K
- Contracts Value
- £337,257 £100K-£500K
Notice Dates
- Publication Date
- 24 Jun 20258 months ago
- Submission Deadline
- Not specified
- Future Notice Date
- Not specified
- Award Date
- 8 Jun 20258 months ago
- Contract Period
- 30 Jun 2025 - 30 Jun 2030 Over 5 years
- Recurrence
- Not specified
Notice Status
- Tender Status
- Complete
- Lots Status
- Complete
- Awards Status
- Active
- Contracts Status
- Active
Buyer & Supplier
Contracting Authority (Buyer)
- Main Buyer
- ASTON UNIVERSITY
- Contact Name
- Not specified
- Contact Email
- procurement@aston.ac.uk
- Contact Phone
- Not specified
Buyer Location
- Locality
- BIRMINGHAM
- Postcode
- B4 7ET
- Post Town
- Birmingham
- Country
- England
-
- Major Region (ITL 1)
- TLG West Midlands (England)
- Basic Region (ITL 2)
- TLG3 West Midlands
- Small Region (ITL 3)
- TLG31 Birmingham
- Delivery Location
- Not specified
-
- Local Authority
- Birmingham
- Electoral Ward
- Nechells
- Westminster Constituency
- Birmingham Ladywood
Further Information
Notice Documents
-
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/034593-2025
24th June 2025 - Contract details notice on Find a Tender -
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/030998-2025
9th June 2025 - Contract award notice on Find a Tender -
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/030993-2025
9th June 2025 - Transparency notice on Find a Tender
Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)
View full OCDS Record for this contracting process
The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts.
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