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Curtis Moody
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2 I, the undersigned hereby concur with the above justification and support a sole source approval for the above product(s) and/or service(s). Cali Jones Cali Jones, Coordinator 9/5/17 Signature Printed Name and Title (Procurement Specialist) Date Nellie Nido Nellie Nido, Associate Director 9/7/17 I, the undersigned hereby concur with the above justification and authorize the acquisition of the above product(s) and/or service(s) on a sole source basis. See below approval. Signature Printed Name and Title (Purchasing Director/Designee) Date I, the undersigned hereby concur with the above justification and authorize the acquisition of the above product(s) and/or service(s) on a sole source basis. See below approval. Signature Printed Name and Title (Vice President of Administration and Finance and Chief Financial Officer) Date 10:30 a.m. Date/Time Posted 10:30 a.m Posting End Date UCF Control No. Cali Jones Procurement Specialist Revised 12/9/15

3 Cali Jones From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: William Merck Tuesday, September 12, :02 PM Gregory Robinson Angie Carloss; Myrnellie Nido; Cali Jones Re: Sole Source (CREOL - Smartsplicer) Approved. Bill Sent from my iphone On Sep 12, 2017, at 2:48 PM, Gregory Robinson <Greg.Robinson@ucf.edu wrote: Mr. Merck, I support the attached sole source. Need your approval/disapproval. Greg From: Myrnellie Nido Sent: Thursday, September 07, :08 PM To: Gregory Robinson <Greg.Robinson@ucf.edu Cc: Cali Jones <cali.jones@ucf.edu Subject: RE: Sole Source (CREOL Smartsplicer) Greg I support the sole source for the reasons listed below. While there are other CO2 Splicing Machines, none of them splice vertically and do not meet the requirements below. Please let me know if you have any questions. Thanks Nellie From: Cali Jones Sent: Thursday, September 07, :24 AM To: Myrnellie Nido <nellie.nido@ucf.edu<mailto:nellie.nido@ucf.edu Subject: Sole Source (CREOL Smartsplicer) Importance: High Nellie, Attached is a sole source request from the CREOL Department to purchase a Smartsplicer from Nyfors for $156,100. Requirements/Justification: Nyfors is the only supplier capable of the below requirements: Vertical splicing operation 1

4 Direct splicing of 10 mm outer diameter end caps High stability water cooled CO2 laser High power CO2 laser for large surface area processing (50W) Software defined CO2 laser beam profile Processing of fibers larger than 2.5 mm outer diameter Continuous long tapering capability Other compared splicers from Vytran/Thorlabs and AFL only operate horizontally. <CREOL Sole Source.pdf <Re: Sole source.eml <Competitive Quote CREOL GPX4000LZ.PDF 2

5 Sole source: SMARTSPLICER TM from Nyfors Teknologi AB 1) Describe the product(s) and/or service(s) and anticipated use thereof in layman s language. The development of high power fiber lasers is a challenging task, which requires special fiber preparation steps and non-conventional splicing technologies. CO 2 laser splicing is now the accepted method for high power fiber laser preparation, end capping, fiber-to-fiber splicing and other related processing techniques for fiber laser components. Provision of this instrument is a key element for the development of the next-generation of high power fiber lasers and amplifier systems. Monolithic fiber lasers systems are highly desirable for defense and industrial applications due to their excellent beam quality, high efficiency, ruggedness, and compactness. Photonic crystal fibers with large mode field diameters are a promising technology for further power scaling of current high power fiber lasers and amplifiers. However, the integration of PCF s into efficient and reliable all-fiber laser systems is a significant challenge. Firstly, high-performance PCF required for high power operation are difficult to manufacture. Secondly, high power fiber lasers systems rely on sophisticated fiber processing technologies to create low loss, high-strength and reliable component interconnections. Proper component design, fabrication, and integration are critical for efficient high power fiber lasers as it is necessary to eliminate intra-system free-space surfaces/interfaces to avoid scattering, spurious reflection, uncontrolled heating, and stress-points for optical-thermal-mechanical damage. Fusion spliced components such as: end caps, pump combiners, mode field adapters, and fiber tapers are some examples of key building blocks of fiber laser assemblies. Thus, the successful development of high power fiber lasers for defense and industrial applications relies upon the development of these key components. High power fiber splicing and fused components processing (pump combiners, mode adaptors, output couplers, and end caps) require non-conventional splicing technologies. Specifically, the most advanced CO 2 laser glass processing system is required to maintain my groups leadership in these fields. The Nyfors SMARTSPLICER will provide our group with key equipment to process, and integrate new fibers into all-fiber high power laser systems. Moreover, my group s research focused on developing new fibers and fiber components therefore this machine will allow us to be at the front edge of research in many applications of optical fibers. The capability of processing large mode area fibers to achieve reliable spliced component interconnection will tremendously help us to solve challenges in high power fiber laser development and monolithic integration. Based on the advanced glass processing technologies required for the development of all-fiber high power laser systems, and in particular to enable the integration of large mode area fibers, we request the acquisition of most advanced CO 2 Laser Splicing Station (Nyfors SMARTSPLICER, currently available in the market see Fig.1. We will purchase the most versatile commercial laser splicing system for large diameter fiber splicing, end capping and tapering commercially available. No other commercially available product is well suited for sealing larger diameter fibers (such as rod-type PCF s) or performing more complicated processes. In particular, in order to splice PCFs together without degrading signal and/or pump guidance it is necessary to fuse the fibers without collapsing the air holes which is difficult to achieve with other technologies. Note that my group has previously acquired various glass processing stations and we know that the Nyfors splicer is the only machine that can be do all the processes we need in our research. Similarly, in order

to splice fibers to larger optical devices such as end caps and lenses, it is necessary to deposit the heat for fusing with greater spatial and temporal control than possible with other technologies.

control, high process purity, and ensuring repeatable performance and low maintenance. Splicing or adiabatic tapering can be performed with fiber diameters of more than 2.5 mm.

This splicing station is capable of PCF splicing and processing, end cap splicing and can be used to fabricate pump combiners, fiber tapers, mode field adaptors and fiber bundles.

6 to splice fibers to larger optical devices such as end caps and lenses, it is necessary to deposit the heat for fusing with greater spatial and temporal control than possible with other technologies. Nyfors SMARTSPLIER is an advanced glass processing and splicing system that uses a CO 2 laser as the heat source (rather than electrode, filaments, or flame) providing precise heat localization and control, high process purity, and ensuring repeatable performance and low maintenance. Splicing or adiabatic tapering can be performed with fiber diameters of more than 2.5 mm. The system includes an endview imaging system for fully automated rotational alignment and splicing of polarization maintaining fibers and end caps. This splicing station is capable of PCF splicing and processing, end cap splicing and can be used to fabricate pump combiners, fiber tapers, mode field adaptors and fiber bundles. Figure 1: The SMARTSPLICER TM The SMARTSPLICER TM is a new especially versatile product for CO 2-laser glass processing (see Figure 1). It includes capabilities for end-cap splicing, fiber splicing, tapering and combiner manufacturing. All these processes can also be performed with specialty fiber such as PCF fiber, hollow-core fiber or capillary tubes. This makes the SMARTSPLICER TM a uniquely versatile tool for fiber component manufacturing.

2 splicers. Moreover, it can be brought to the processing area through two different angles, which are also accessible through the motorized optics (see Figure 2).

7 The SMARTSPLICER TM uses Axicon Splicing technology to form a ring shaped laser beam that can be precisely position around a fiber. The ring shaped laser can be adjusted with motorised optics in size and width this is critical for processing a wide range of fiebrs and is a unique feature of Nyfors system not available in other CO 2 splicers. Moreover, it can be brought to the processing area through two different angles, which are also accessible through the motorized optics (see Figure 2). Figure 2: Different optical configurations of the SMARTSPLICER TM for a) tapering and fiber to fiber splicing or for b) end-cap splicing. This allows to device to precisely heat the relevant area of any process. The ring shaped laser beam enables a uniform heat distribution around the fiber. This is especially advantageous for structured fiber or very large components. As this switch can be made purely through software the different angles can be used as part of a single process without the need to remove components from the machine. No time consuming optical realignment is necessary either. In an end-cap splicing process the light is brought onto the fiber in a steep cone. In this configuration, the light is optimally absorbed in the endcap and facilitates a good localized heating. As such only the spot of the end-cap where the fiber should be spliced is heated. For tapering or fiber to fiber splicing the light is brought to the fiber in a much flatter cone, so that the light is absorbed optimally inside the fiber. PCF fibers can be heated all the way around, which allows for precise control of the temperature. As such it enables the highest quality splices for such fibers (see Figure 3). The same principle applies for very large component.

Splicing and glass processing has become a critical and bottleneck operation in many photonic

8 Figure 3: PCF fiber spliced to end-cap. a) Side view b) View through the end-cap Figure 4: Large diameter end caps fabricated with the SMARTSPLICER. 2) State in detail why only this product and no other product will satisfy the departments requirements Splicing and glass processing has become a critical and bottleneck operation in many photonic technologies. It is extremely important to achieve the highest quality on these processes to allow for high-power operations. For the most advanced components it is especially important that the processes are clean, uniform around the fiber and repeatable. The SMARTSPLICERTM with its ring

9 shaped CO 2-laser beam is ideally suited for that. There are a number of well-established splicing and glass shaping techniques (for example using electrodes, heat filaments, and oxy-hydrogen flame, to mention a few), all of which are now reaching its limit in terms of quality as well as possible component that can be constructed. The only suitable splicing technology for high power applications is based on CO2 laser heat source. The SMARTSPLICER TM has a number of features that are currently unique on the market. These unique features will allow us to process the wide variety of fibers that our group is developing: Vertical operation. This feature eliminates gravitational that can be critical in some processes. THIS IS CRITICAL. For example, current CO2 splicer from AFL operates horizontally and it simply cannot do many of the processes we need in my group. 3 cameras for end cap splicing. A third camera looking through the end cap is available for alignment and process observation In-situ cleaver. The device can be equipped with an in-situ cleaver that can be used to directly cleave tapers or splices in the device. Very large processing room that enables handling bulky components Splicing of very large end caps and other components ( 1 cm in diameter). As the laser ring is shaped into a cone, the size of end cap is not limited by the laser, but only by the available space in the device. See Figure 4. Universal tool holders that can be used for customized clamps and holders Water cooled laser system for high stability Furthermore, NYFORS is planning on adding several unique features to the device in the future, which will distinguish it further in the market. Continuous tapering capability for tapers of several meter length. Ribbon-splicing capability Splicing to integrated optics such as optical chips As with the other CO 2-laser splicing machines that have emerged on the market in the last years the SMARTSPLICER TM features: Highly stable and repeatable processes Fiber processing for fiber lager than 2.5 mm Long travel length for tapering (180 mm) with high resolution motor control Extremely high splice strength Integrated computer with comprehensive software for process control Automatic alignment Laser class 1 safety system 3) State why the product(s) and/or service(s) are available from only one source and how that determination was made. Explain the research conducted to support this claim. While CO 2-laser splicers are now available from a few suppliers, none offer the same versatility as the SMARTSPLICER TM from NYFORS. The machine has a unique ring shaped laser beam that can be

10 controlled through motorized optics in size and width. It can be used for a multitude of important processes such as tapering, end-cap splicing, fiber to fiber splicing and combiner manufacturing. It also features multiple cameras, in-situ cleaving, vertical operation and very large processing space, which are all unique features on the market. The water stabilized laser source is the more powerful than any currently integrated into a commercial system, and will allow a wide range of component manufacturing. In the last few years a number for CO 2-laser based splicing and glass processing machines have emerged on the market. The SMARTSPLICER TM offers distinct advantages to each of them. In section 2 the unique features of the SMARTSPLICER were already listed. No other commercially available C02 splicer (from any other manufacturer) offer any of the features in that list. Here we will therefore make a direct comparison between the proposed device and the alternative machines. The first CO 2-laser splicer introduced to the market was the LAZERMaster LZM-100 from AFL please note that my group acquired this machine in 2014 and has extensively used it. However, we have reached many of the limits of this machine and many of our processes require the unique features of the NYFORS system. Last year AFL released a follow up device the LAZERMaster LZM-110, which is functionally very similar. There are a number of important differences between those devices and the SMARTSPLICER TM. Optically the LAZERMaster operates with two laser spots instead of a full laser ring. This leads to a less uniform heat distribution around a fiber, which can be problematic especially for very large or structured fibers. Critically the incident angle of the light cannot be changed in these devices. For endcap splicing the size of the splice surface is therefore greatly limited. Larger endcaps can be mounted in the machine, but must be shaped conical to be processed. In contrast the SMARTSPLICER TM can splice fibers to surfaces which are only limited by the physical constraints of the machine. Components of several cm size in any dimension can therefore be used. Being based on a conventional splicer the machine also offers less overall space for components. Vytran/Thorlabs also introduced a CO 2-laser based machine this year, the GPX4000LZ. Similarly, to the SMARTSPLICER TM this machine employs a ring shaped laser beam which can be shaped to two incident angles. Critically however it does not have motorized optics. This means that the ring cannot be easily controlled in size or width. It also requires the physical exchange of a mirror to switch between the incident angles. We assume that this mirror exchange will require a subsequent alignment process. The ring is also shaped using a different optical scheme, which ends up with a larger shaded area. Again this may be critical for large or structured fibers, as it may influence the uniform heating. In addition to the unique features that were already listed in section 1, these advantages make the SMARTSPLICER TM the most versatile and flexible machine currently on the market. As NYFORS plans to equip the machine with many more capabilities such as continuous tapering and ribbon splicing, we expect this to continue. We have contacted the mayor fiber splicers manufactures (Vytran, 3SAE, Sumitomo, AFL) and only NYFORS offers CO2 with the key features required in our research group. All other manufacturers offer different technologies as described previously. Most manufacturers have proprietary technologies and it is difficult for them to adapt new technologies. 4) Provide an explanation to support the belief that the price is fair and reasonable.

11 The Nyfors SMARTSPLICER is $156, after considering a 12% donation they have offered. In addition of having a fair price, the Nyfors SMARTSPLCIER is the only instrument that provides the required capabilities for our application. We believe that the price of the machine is fair since it is a complex system that incorporates several expensive components such as high power CO2 laser, feedback control, high precision fiber positioning stages, infrared optics, fiber tension measurement system, end view, etc. All these parts alone without considering development costs and software development account for most of the price of the machine. Nyfors is also offering us a donation of $21,000. We are confident that NUFORS is the only company that sells the requested machine and can sell it at this price. As a comparison, we have obtained a quote for the Vytran system for $155, which is in the price range of the NYFORS system.

12 Requirements Nyfors Vytran/Thorlabs AFL Vertical Splicing Yes No No operation C02 laser heat source Yes Yes Yes High stability water Yes No No cooled CO2 laser High power C02 laser Yes No No for large surface area processing (50W) Direct splicing of 10 Yes No No mm outer diameter end-caps Ring shaped laser Yes Yes No beam for homogeneous heat profile Software defined CO2 Yes No No laser beam profile by using motorized Optics Polarization Yes Yes Yes maintaining fiber splicing Processing of fibers Yes No No larger than 2.5 mm outer diameter Continuous long tapering capability (30 cm) Yes No No

I, the undersigned hereby concur with the above justification and support a sole source approval for the above product(s) and/or service(s).

3/21/18 3/22/18 I, the undersigned hereby concur with the above justification and support a sole source approval for the above product(s) and/or service(s). Signature Printed Name and Title (Procurement