Supply of the optical elements for the Phasing and Diagnostic Station (PDS) of the ELT

Request for information (RFI) to identify companies that are interested in and capable of producing some or all of the required optics and to get a preliminary non-binding cost estimate. The RFI will be released in early 10/2020 to potential suppliers in the ESO Member States and Chile. Based on the outcome, ESO plans to issue the Call for tender in Q4/2021. The scope covers the design, manufacturing, polishing and coating of the optical elements, including the mechanical housing for some units, of the Phasing and Diagnostic Station (PDS) of the ELT consisting of ~75 lenses (diameter range 13mm – 100mm, one lens 240mm), 22 flat mirrors (diameters up to 180mm, some rectangular with 75x280mm side length), 6 lenslet arrays (3x 13,5mm diameter, 3x 40mm diameter), 2 cube beam splitters (40mm side length), 6 flat beam splitters (70mm diameter, one 4th Qtr. 2020 European Organisation for Astronomical Research in the Southern Hemisphere Page 2 240mm diameter), 8 phase masks (50mm diameter), 1 pyramid (10mm thick, 3.3deg face angle), as well as 80 custom color and neutral density filters (diameter range from 25mm to 70mm). The contract(s) is(are) expected to be awarded in Q4/2021, to the Bidder(s), which has(ve) submitted a fully compliant Tender and offers the best value for money for ESO taking into account the quality and price of the offer.