Superconducting Nanowire Single Photon Detector Arrays

Concepts

• edinburgh
• precision equipment
• single photon detector array
• superconducting nanowire
• detector design
• photonics for high-dimensional quantum networking
• photonics
• superconducting nanowire single photon detector arrays
• photon spot
• european research council

Location

Riccarton Campus

Description

The University requires a 64-pixel superconducting nanowire single photon detector array operating at 1 550 nm housed in a custom, pulse-tube cryocooler with free-space access, and vacuum and remote control package. This is for the European Research Council (ERC) grant ‘PIQUaNT: Photonics for High-Dimensional Quantum Networking’.

Total Quantity or Scope

Detector design and manufacturing will be subcontracted to the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). System integration and electronics interfacing shall be performed by Photon Spot.

Award Detail

CPV Codes

• 38000000 - Laboratory, optical and precision equipments (excl. glasses)

Indicators

Legal Justification

Under Regulations 2015 33(1)(b)(ii) of the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015, a contracting authority may award a contract without competition based on the following justification: (ii) competition is absent for technical reasons Superconducting nanowire single photon detector arrays are currently not commercially available and have only been the subject of very recent research studies carried out by the subcontractors (JPL) involved. This in contrast with single superconducting nanowire detectors that are commercially available from a few providers on the market. This is related to several technical reasons such as the device architecture involved, array fabrication, free-space access, device testing capabilities, etc. As such, competition for the equipment being ordered is absent for technical reasons.

Other Information

The University is entering into a voluntary 10 day standstill commencing 1 April 2021. Note: To register your interest in this notice and obtain any additional information please visit the Public Contracts Scotland Web Site at https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/Search/Search_Switch.aspx?ID=649158 (SC Ref:649158)