The subject of the award procedure is the delivery of a Microtron modulator, consisting of a klystron and gun module plus a maintenance contract for 48 months, in accordance with technical specifications and tender documents

The Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie (HZB) is one of 18 research centres that have joined forces in the Helmholtz Association. HZB researches solutions for a climate-neutral society. Scientists develop and optimize efficient and cost-effective materials for solar cells, batteries and catalysts. These energy materials are essential building blocks on the way to a CO2-neutral and secure energy supply.

HZB operates modern laboratories, infrastructures and instruments for research. Many laboratories and equipment are available not only to HZB scientists, but also to a national and international research community.

The most widely used infrastructure is the electron storage ring BESSY II, a particle accelerator that delivers a special type of X-ray. It is called synchrotron radiation. The radiation can be adjusted over a wide energy range. The focus of BESSY II is on soft X-rays. This means that BESSY II has been optimised in such a way that it can be used perfectly for energy research. The reason for this is that the wavelength range of soft X-rays is particularly well suited for detecting material effects and the movement of charge carriers in thin layers of solar cells, solar fuels, catalysts and storage systems. BESSY II is unique in Germany with its focus on soft X-rays. The facility is complementary to PETRA III at DESY in Hamburg, which operates the hard X-ray spectrum. BESSY II records an average of 2700 visits by visiting researchers per year. They appreciate the high reliability and stability of the photon source.

The users work at around 40 experimental stations where state-of-the-art spectroscopy and microscopy methods are available. Internationally, BESSY II enjoys an excellent reputation for its method development.

BESSY II also offers extremely interesting possibilities for time-resolved experiments. By developing the low-alpha mode, researchers can study materials with very short light pulses (2 picoseconds). The femtoslicing source at BESSY II is the world's most successful plant. HZB uses this many years of experience in time-resolved experimentation to realize a globally unique upgrade of BESSY II.

The upgrading of Bessy II is therefore indispensable so that the plant can continue to operate reliably, stably and efficiently in the future.

HZB operates two other smaller facilities for external institutions: a proton accelerator for the Charité, which is used for eye tumor therapy (in Wannsee), and the Metrology Light Source (MLS), a tailor-made electron storage ring for the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (in Adlershof).

The MLS synchrotron light source facility, which has been in operation since 2006, is currently undergoing a modernization program with the aim of making it competitive until at least 2035.

Due to the long operating time, many important components of the system are technically outdated or have to be overhauled at great expense. We expect increased failure rates and can therefore no longer guarantee the current reliability requirements.

As part of the MLS modernization program, it is also necessary to convert the injector system to a modern and reliable system with high accuracy and flawless operation.

Compact solid-state modulators are needed to deliver high-voltage pulses for two independent injector components: the electron gun and the klystron.

Tasks:

A. Modulator for 90kV E-Gun

B. Modulator for 150kV Klystron

The semiconductor modules (typically IGBTs), subsystems, and controllers should be interchangeable whenever possible.

The offers for services A and B should be categorised as follows:

1. Total price for deliverables A and B

2. Independent price for delivery A

3. Independent price for delivery B

The specification shall be accompanied by an evaluation matrix on the basis of which the final determination of the components to be procured under this call for tenders shall be made.