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N7700A Photonic Application Suite |
Agilent
Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) recently introduced a new compact tunable laser
module for its 816x Series lightwave measurement platform. In addition, the
company introduced a fast spectral loss engine, a new software package for the
N7700A photonic application suite. The new module and software help boost test
throughput in optical component manufacturing by achieving a measurement
repetition rate that is unparalleled for solutions in this class.
The Agilent 81960A compact tunable laser sets a new mark in tunable laser performance with 200
nm/s sweep speed and increased acceleration, combined with the dynamic accuracy
specifications needed for measuring dense-wavelength division multiplexing
(DWDM) components, all packaged in a compact module. The new and unique
capability of dynamically specified sweeps in both directions enhances the
repetition rate to 2 Hz for real-time use in adjustment and calibration
procedures.
The
81960A compact tunable laser is designed for making spectral measurements of
passive fiber-optic components, where engineers need results with high
wavelength accuracy and dynamic range. Engineers can take full advantage of the
laser's swept-wavelength measurements by using the N7700A software suite. The
laser's high performance in continuous sweeps complements the N7700A-100
single-sweep polarization-dependent loss and insertion loss measurement engine.
The dynamic wavelength accuracy will satisfy the test needs for many DWDM
components.
The
81960A's speed is best harnessed with the new N7700A-102 fast spectral loss
engine, which synchronizes the laser with N7744A or N7745A power meters to
produce power and loss spectra in a convenient graphical display. The
wavelength resolution and 50- to 60-dB dynamic range surpass comparable
measurements by an optical spectrum analyzer, with repetition rates better than
2 Hz for filter component adjustment and calibration.
When
used with the N7788B component analyzer, the new laser delivers greater speed
and accuracy for measuring polarization mode dispersion and differential group
delay in addition to polarization-dependent loss and insertion loss. The
relative wavelength accuracy during the sweeps is especially important for
accurate differential group delay measurements using the Jones-Mueller-Eigenanalysis
(JME) method, since the result depends on the derivatives with respect to
wavelength. The high speed is great for measuring isolators,
polarization-maintaining fiber and other broadband components.
"Manufacturers
of DWDM components operate in a challenging competitive environment where they
need to continuously strive for higher test throughput and better yield,"
said JΓΌrgen Beck, general manager of Agilent's digital
photonic test product line. "With the combination of the 81960A compact
tunable laser and the new fast spectral loss engine, we help improve our
customers' asset productivity. The solution's test speed, a very competitive
price/performance balance, and its compact format will certainly attract
customers in manufacturing, engineering and research."
Benefits
of the Agilent 81960A fast-swept tunable laser source include:
- Accurate
spectral measurements during continuous sweeps with dynamic wavelength and
power specifications.
- C- and L-band
wavelength coverage for DWDM component measurements.
- Fast
repetition rates for device calibration and tuning with up to 200 nm/s
sweep speed, bidirectional sweeping and 1-3 Hz repetition rate, depending
on range.
- Up to +14 dBm
output power, adjustable down to +6dBm.
- Automated
measurements supported by N7700A measurement engines, updated 816x
plug-and-play driver, N4150A photonic foundation library and direct SCPI
commands.
Benefits
of the Agilent N7700A photonic application suite and the new
N7700A-102 fast-sweep insertion loss measurement engine include:
- Graphical user
interface for convenient power and insertion loss measurements.
- Customized
automation using the COM interface for the engines.
Additional
information about Agilent's new tunable lasers is available at www.agilent.com/find/tls.
High-resolution images are available at www.agilent.com/find/tls_images.
Additional
information about Agilent's N7700A photonic application suite can be found at www.agilent.com/find/n7700.
A
backgrounder on optical component test technology and Agilent's solutions is
available at www.agilent.com/find/oct_backgrounder.
U.S. Pricing and
Availability
The
Agilent 81960A tunable laser will be available for ordering starting Oct. 15.
List prices start at $47,000.
The
Agilent N7700A-102 fast-sweep insertion loss measurement engine also will be
available for ordering Oct.15. List prices start at $1,100. A 30-day trial
version will be available online..
About Agilent
Technologies
Agilent
Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) is the world's premier measurement company and a
technology leader in chemical analysis, life sciences, electronics and
communications. The company's 18,500 employees serve customers in more than 100
countries. Agilent had net revenues of $5.4 billion in fiscal 2010. Information
about Agilent is available at www.agilent.com.