Upgrade of the Cold Neutron Imaging Instrument, Phase Grating Roll Alignment System

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has issued solicitation 1333ND26QNB680282 for the acquisition of specialized hardware to upgrade the Cold Neutron Imaging Instrument. The procurement supports the Radiation Physics Division's development of a far-field grating neutron interferometer designed to measure the pair correlation function of various samples. This project requires three high-precision rotation stages featuring a resolution better than 0.00005 degrees and a clear aperture to ensure the neutron beam remains unattenuated. The acquisition includes all necessary cabling, control hardware, and control software to manage the alignment of three gratings etched into 100 mm silicon wafers.

The operational scope involves precision alignment of these gratings about the roll direction of the neutron beam across distances ranging from 1 mm to 5 meters. Because the gratings must rotate a full 360 degrees and translate vertically, the alignment stages are restricted to a mass of less than 1 kg each. The performance of these services and the delivery of the components will take place in Gaithersburg, Maryland.

This requirement is classified under NAICS 334516 for Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing and PSC 6695 for Combination and Miscellaneous Instruments. Documentation for this solicitation was published on June 12, 2026, and includes four attachments: the primary solicitation document, applicable provisions and clauses, and a statement of work. Responses are due by June 23, 2026, and the primary point of contact is Robert Singman.