Source: https://tendernation.io/opportunities/01a13bbc-bfb3-73fa-a8b5-1c116009b356/optical-vector-analyser-optical-spectrum-analyser awarded GB direct award procedure Suitable for SMEs # Optical Vector Analyser & Optical Spectrum Analyser [Aston University](https://tendernation.io/buyers/aston-university) Often single bidder Estimated value Not stated Published 24 Jun 2025 Deadline Rolling deadline ## Who can bid - Buyer says suitable for SMEs The buyer ticked “suitable for SMEs” on the notice. Anyone can still bid. [More contracts for small businesses and VCSEs](https://tendernation.io/opportunities/for-small-businesses) ## About this tender 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. Read full description Source Find a Tender (UK) · Notice ocds-h6vhtk-05456d-2025-06-24T09:52:45+01:00 [View official notice](https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/ocds-h6vhtk-05456d-2025-06-24T09:52:45+01:00) Never miss a tender like this again Get AI summaries, deadline alerts and a bid pipeline for tenders matched to your business. Free to start. [Track tenders free](https://tendernation.io/register) [Buyer profile Aston University: past awards and live tenders](https://tendernation.io/buyers/aston-university) ## More tenders like this [Bannister Sports Centre Athletic Track Soft Market Testing Exercise · Harrow Council · 38 days left · 26 Nov 2026](https://tendernation.io/opportunities/01a1540d-d9e4-71cb-ad57-1603e9042fec/bannister-sports-centre-athletic-track-soft-market-testing-exercise) [Post Office Branch - Porthleven · Post Office Limited · 87 days left · 13 Jan 2027](https://tendernation.io/opportunities/01a15476-5f26-7105-9baf-83f6228041ef/post-office-branch-porthleven) [Post Office Branch - Newlyn · Post Office Limited · 87 days left · 13 Jan 2027](https://tendernation.io/opportunities/01a15476-5f73-73e7-863c-621698162391/post-office-branch-newlyn) [Post Office Branch - Brabazon Road · Post Office Limited · 7 days left · 25 Oct 2026](https://tendernation.io/opportunities/01a15476-5fc3-71dc-b775-e86e4d62cd65/post-office-branch-brabazon-road) [Norwich City Verges Mowing 2026 · Norse Eastern Ltd · 30 days left · 18 Nov 2026](https://tendernation.io/opportunities/01a15476-5fd9-70eb-b920-a66dc3e661e1/norwich-city-verges-mowing-2026) [Asbestos Management Framework · Home Group · 25 days left · 13 Nov 2026](https://tendernation.io/opportunities/01a15476-5fff-736e-ae2e-0c8a400c7297/asbestos-management-framework)