Three photon laser system

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) is the leading federal agency responsible for conducting and supporting research on the brain and nervous system. It is a component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Part of the NINDS mission is to promote the timely dissemination of scientific discoveries and their implications for neurological health to the public, health professionals, researchers, and policymakers.

A major goal of the research performed by the Neocortex-Cerebellum Circuitry Lab within NINDS is to understand communication between the neocortex and cerebellum while animals learn novel behavioral skills over weeks. The lab measures activity in both cortex and cerebellum simultaneously using a custom dual-site two-photon microscope, across multiple genetically defined populations using dual-wavelength two-color imaging, and by combining imaging of one neural population with stimulation of another.

To build a microscope capable of imaging far deeper structures than accessible to conventional two photon imaging, we must build an imaging system around a laser for three photon absorption imaging. NINDS requires one (1) three photon laser with integrated second pump laser, which meets the below salient characteristics:

A. Compact Footprint: The total footprint of the three photon laser head AND integrated pump laser must be no larger than 569.0 mm x 320.0 mm x 237.7 mm (22.40" x 12.60" x 9.36"). B. Three photon laser: i. Maximum user-tunable repetition rate of at least 4 MHz ii. Single wavelength centered between 1600-1700 nm iii. 500 nJ typical of pulse energy from 1 – 4 MHz (>400 nJ minimum) iv. Pulse duration between 50-100 fs C. Integrated pump laser specifications: i. Wavelength must be in the range of 1000-1100 mn ii.

Maximum user-tunable repetition rate of at least 10 MHz iii. >20 W of time-averaged power at 11 MHz iv. >3 uJ from 1 - 5 MHz and >2 uJ at maximum repetition rate of 11 MHz v. Pulse durations of <250 fs vi. Integrated motorized dispersion pre-compensation for drive laser D. Warranty that covers parts and labor for at least 12 months. See attached combined synopsis / solicitation and attachments for complete requirement details and terms and conditions.