Scope
Reference
1038 1039
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.
Contract 1. Optical Spectrum Analyser
Supplier
Contract value
- £151,749.60 including VAT
Below the relevant threshold
Award decision date
9 June 2025
Earliest date the contract will be signed
20 June 2025
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2030
- 5 years
Main procurement category
Goods
CPV classifications
- 38000000 - Laboratory, optical and precision equipments (excl. glasses)
Contract locations
- UKG31 - Birmingham
Contract 2. Optical Vector Analyser
Supplier
Contract value
- £185,508 including VAT
Below the relevant threshold
Award decision date
9 June 2025
Earliest date the contract will be signed
20 June 2025
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2030
- 5 years
Main procurement category
Goods
CPV classifications
- 38000000 - Laboratory, optical and precision equipments (excl. glasses)
Contract locations
- UKG31 - Birmingham
Procedure
Procedure type
Direct award
Supplier
LAMBDA PHOTOMETRICS LIMITED
- Companies House: 01332370
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PLZC-1136-LQGN
Lambda House
Harpenden
AL5 5BZ
United Kingdom
Email: contact@lambdaphoto.co.uk
Website: http://www.lambdaphoto.co.uk
Region: UKH23 - Hertfordshire
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 1. Optical Spectrum Analyser
Contract 2. Optical Vector Analyser
Contracting authority
ASTON UNIVERSITY
- Companies House: RC000904
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PTLB-7496-TPTR
Aston Triangle
Birmingham
B4 7ET
United Kingdom
Email: procurement@aston.ac.uk
Region: UKG31 - Birmingham
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government