Scope
Reference
UKRI-5617
Description
Purchase of 1x Pharos-4mj-20W, with <250 fs, 20W 4 mJ Specifications and 1x Repetition Rate Locking Capability for synchronisation with the Vulcan 20-20 Front-End. VOPPEL is a petawatt-level laser system that is presently being refurbished to be physically included in the Vulcan 20-20 project as an independent beamline precisely synchronised - within less than the pulse duration - with the main 20-petawatt beamline of Vulcan 20-20.
Contract 1. UKRI-5617 VOPPEL Refurbishment
Supplier
Contract value
- £192,925 excluding VAT
- £231,510 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Date signed
20 January 2026
Contract dates
- 30 January 2026 to 31 March 2027
- 1 year, 2 months, 2 days
Main procurement category
Goods
CPV classifications
- 38636100 - Lasers
Contract locations
- UKJ14 - Oxfordshire
Other information
Applicable trade agreements
- Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Direct award
Direct award justification
Single supplier - technical reasons
The proposed supplier is uniquely positioned to deliver the required solution due to compatibility with a range of technical features already integrated and tested within existing systems. The solution encompasses critical elements such as software control, synchronisation, and operational spares, which are essential for maintaining system integrity and performance.
Supplier
Photonics Solutions
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PYNC-9658-MBVV
Unit 2.2 Quantum Court Heriot Watt University Research Park
Currie
EH14 4AP
United Kingdom
Telephone: +441316648122
Email: sales@photonicsolutions.co.uk
Website: https://photonicsolutions.co.uk/
Region: UKM75 - Edinburgh, City of
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Supported employment provider: No
Public service mutual: No
Contract 1. UKRI-5617 VOPPEL Refurbishment
Contracting authority
UK Research & Innovation (UKRI)
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PDQJ-7126-JDHG
Polaris House
Swindon, Wiltshire
SN2 1FL
United Kingdom
Region: UKK14 - Swindon
Organisation type: Public authority - central government