Scope
Description
The Hamamatsu C16910 Universal Streak Camera system is essential to restore a unique capability for ultrafast time-resolved spectral measurements at Cardiff University. This system enables time-resolved photoluminescence (TRPL) experiments with sub-picosecond resolution, which are critical for investigating the dynamic behaviour of photo-excited carriers in semiconductor materials and ultra-fast optoelectronic devices, such as quantum dot lasers.
The previously held system, also manufactured by Hamamatsu, is now non-functional, obsolete, and irreparable. It was approximately 25-30 years old and had been operating until recently. Replacement parts are incompatible with the legacy hardware, and thus repair is not possible. The replacement system must ensure continuity of prior capability, and for future uses must be able to satisfy the requirements of a number of research projects, with one requirement of this specification including a patented internal MCP technology, which drastically reduces dark noise by several orders of magnitude (e.g. 25,000 times) compared to external image intensifier configurations.
Contract 1. Hamamatsu C16910 Universal Streak Camera system
Supplier
Contract value
- £376,734 excluding VAT
- £452,080.80 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Earliest date the contract will be signed
5 January 2026
Contract dates (estimated)
- 12 January 2026 to 27 February 2026
- 1 month, 16 days
Main procurement category
Goods
CPV classifications
- 38540000 - Machines and apparatus for testing and measuring
Contract locations
- UKL22 - Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Direct award
Direct award justification
Single supplier - intellectual property or exclusive rights
The university requires a Streak Camera with very specific capabilities. Amongst a long list of required features are two noteworthy requirements which validate the reasoning of directly sourcing this equipment. Those are the following -
Requirement for patented internal MCP technology
The replacement system must ensure continuity of prior capability
Supplier
Hamamatsu Photonics UK Limited
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PYQN-3218-MQDR
2 Howard Court, 10 Tewin Road,
Welwyn Garden City
AL7 1BW
United Kingdom
Email: info@hamamatsu.co.uk
Region: UKH23 - Hertfordshire
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 1. Hamamatsu C16910 Universal Streak Camera system
Contracting authority
Cardiff University
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PHVT-4343-HWYR
Procurement Services
Cardiff
CF24 4HQ
United Kingdom
Email: rower4@cardiff.ac.uk
Website: http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/business/why-work-with-us/for-suppliers
Region: UKL22 - Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government
Devolved regulations that apply: Wales