Statement of Requirements
The project consists of a system of multiple optical tables in two (2) reverse-F-shaped configurations (see Figure 1 on page 21). Each configuratin is rigidly attached. The tables and their supporting legs provide vibration isolation and damping. They also provide a flat rigid surface spanned by a grid of threaded holes to which opto-mechanics can be attached.
General Description:
The optical-table system will provide a platform on which experiments will be constructed for research in quantum optics, quantum information, and quantum communication. Some of these experiments will use mirrors, prisms, optical fibre-coupling, sources of single and entangled photons, structured-light beams, interferometry, single-photon-level imaging, single-photon detectors, spectrometers, and free-space optical beams. The latter will pass from one table to another inside a configuration. The system will also provide a stable and low-vibration environment for the wide array of laser systems necessary for the latter research. A vibration free environment is essential to the long term stability of the laser systems, the performance of interferometric sensors the project will build, and the waveguide coupling that is key to getting photons into and out of integrated optics chips and fibers. This stability critically depends on the rigidity of the platform on which the infrastructure is stationed. However, a rigid structure like a heavy table is not adequate enough since it cannot damp all the complex vibration modes, whereas an optical table performs this function. The optical table top has an internal honeycomb structure with stainless steel top and bottom plates. The isolation legs are capable of further damping any vibrations. The table is also resistant to the minute flexing and bending that can slowly misalign optical systems. Furthermore, an optical table serves as a breadboard, with the grid of threaded holes that is required for mounting optical components like mirrors, lenses, polarizers and waveplates. The laser systems, single photon generation optics, waveguide coupling systems, and interferometric optical experiments will be directly affixed to the three optical tables. One complete system will span multiple joined tables.
Minimum Mandatory Requirements:
1. OPTICAL TABLE TOPS
1.1 The table top systems must consist of two (2) reverse-F configurations with the dimensions given in Figure 1
1.2 The individual tables composing each reverse-F configuration must be rigidly joined together
1.3 The table’s top surface must contain a grid of ¼-20 threaded holes at most 1” spacing extending to at least 1” from the edges of the table top.
1.4 The grid of threaded holes must be individually sealed
1.5 The table top must be 24” thick with a metal honeycomb interior
1.6 The table’s top surface must be >4mm thick stainless steel
1.7 Each reverse-F configuration must have tuned dampers that are tuned for the full
configuration rather than the individual constituent tables
2 OPTICAL TABLE LEGS
2.1 The table system must be supported pneumatic vibration isolation legs capable of >90% vertical isolation at 5 Hz
2.2 The table system must be supported pneumatic vibration isolation legs capable of >90% horizontal isolation at 10 Hz
2.3 The legs must be securely attached to the table tops
2.4 The legs must hold the table’s top surface at 40” off the ground
2.5 The leg height must be adjustable
2.6 The legs must automatically relevel the table
3. OTHER REQUIREMENTS
3.2 Must include one (1) year warranty on parts and labor.
