Large area ion beam deposition system for optical coatings

The Contracting Authority seeks notes of interest for a potential procurement exercise for the below requirement.

The provision of a large area vacuum deposition system, based on ion beam deposition, for the fabrication of thin film optical coatings for laser and optical sensing applications. The system will require:

• Two access doors, one for maintenance and one for loading of substrates.
• Two independent ion sources should be utilised, one for sputtering and the other for pre-cleaning of substrates and ion-assisted depositions.
• Both ion sources will require appropriate neutralisers.
• Rotational target holder for a minimum of 3 targets; each target mount includes appropriate shielding to prevent contamination between targets.
• Film thickness will be monitored by a crystal oscillator and the option of optical monitoring must be possible (initially or as a subsequent retrofittable upgrade).
• System will be capable of coating 6 x 7" planets, or a single substrate of diameter up to 620mm and weight up to 200 kg.
• Minimum deposition rate 2Å/s in each planet, and uniformity ≤ 0.6% between two adjacent planets.
• System must be automated for the production of multilayer coatings appropriate for the manufacture of narrow-band optical filters and highly-reflective laser mirrors.
• Delivery from order date expected to be 9 months or less.

Potential tenderers who believe can they can fulfil the above requirement are asked to note their interest in order to be involved in the potential pre-tender engagement.

Lots

This procurement was divided into 1 lots, each awarded separately.