• Purchasing 2 second hand oscilloscopes from Keysight, which meet requirements.

Currently DSTL borrow three oscilloscopes to undertake our trials with Ultra Intense Lasers (UIL), so far we have always been able to gain access access free of charge to the required number of oscilloscopes. In addition to the oscilloscopes we also borrow an oscilloscope from the Dstl Instrumentation Novel Sensing Techniques (INST) team. Our trials require a minimum of four oscilloscopes to ensure the collection of enough statistically valid data. However, relying on the loan of these assets introduces significant risk to our ability to conduct essential trials to deliver to Customer requirements. This risk will be significantly increased in the new year as we start to conduct regular testing at the new PULSAR Laser Test Facility based at MOD Shoeburyness because we will need frequent, short notice access to high specification oscilloscopes for extended periods of time.

This risk is very likely to manifest this financial year. We have a trial in February, and we wish to borrow three oscilloscopes. unfortunately concerns have been raised over our ability to borrow more than one this time.

If this asset is not procured the trials are at risk, which will introduce significant delays to the project and potentially jeopardise our ability to deliver robust, valid data with confidence to inform the direction of the project and advise stakeholders on future investment in UIL. Spreading the data collection over multiple trials because of limited oscilloscope availability will significantly increase costs. The cost of a single trial is in excess of £400k when considering facility hire, resources costs etc., and at a minimum the cost would double. Therefore, the purchase of these assets represents a significant cost saving and reduction in project risk.

This is extremely cost efficient and environmentally friendly as we intend to source used oscilloscopes at a considerable saving over new units.

Additionally, as outlined above, this will facilitate trial cost savings in the long run as we will be able to collect all data points in one go. This will also improve the quality and validity of our data.

Possessing rather than borrowing oscilloscopes will mean that the PULSAR project will have flexibility with its use of the new laser test facility at MOD Shoeburyness, enabling the realisation of maximum value from the significant investment (>£5M) that MOD has already made into that facility as PULSAR will be able to undertake trials when it’s beneficial to the project and not be limited to when oscilloscopes are available to borrow.