UKRI-2121 LISA Optical Bench Baseplate

Concepts

• optical instruments
• lisa
• swindon
• ukri-2121 lisa optical bench baseplate
• changes of optical pathlength
• lisa pathfinder
• lisa concept
• astronomical and optical instruments
• optical bench
• optical components

Location

United Kingdom: UNITED KINGDOM

Description

The LISA concept for directly detecting the oscillating strain in spacetime caused by gravitational waves shares the scheme used in all laser interferometer-based gravitational wave detectors: The passage of the wave is detected by measuring the time-varying changes of optical pathlength between test masses isolated from all forces other than gravitational waves. The project draws on experience gleaned from the LISA Pathfinder (LPF) mission, a pioneering mission to test the LISA concept and demonstrate key concepts and technologies. A key technology to the LISA mission is performing interferometry with hydroxide catalysis bonded optics and this was demonstrated on LPF.

Total Quantity or Scope

The optical bench will host the optical components that enable the LISA interferometers to function. Components will be mounted on both sides – as shown below – using a silicate bonding process proven on the LISA Pathfinder experiment. To ensure stability the Optical Bench Baseplate will be manufactured from Zerodur, acid etched to maximise strength and polished to allow the mounting process and to enable tight alignment tolerances to be met. The LISA Optical Bench will be produced at several model stages over a number of years, starting with a Structural Model and ending with Flight Models. Additional information: To respond to this opportunity please click here: https://ukri.delta-esourcing.com/respond/9P5885Y52V

CPV Codes

• 38600000 - Optical instruments
• 38630000 - Astronomical and optical instruments

Indicators

• This is a one-off contract (no recurrence)
• Renewals are not available.

Other Information

** PREVIEW NOTICE, please check Find a Tender for full details. ** The contracting authority considers that this contract may be suitable for economic operators that are small or medium enterprises (SMEs). However, any selection of tenderers will be based solely on the criteria set out for the procurement. For more information about this opportunity, please visit the Delta eSourcing portal at: https://ukri.delta-esourcing.com/tenders/UK-UK-Swindon:-Optical-instruments./9P5... To respond to this opportunity, please click here: https://ukri.delta-esourcing.com/respond/9P5885Y52V GO Reference: GO-2022623-PRO-20482656