Agilent (HP/Keysight) 81640A Tunable Laser Source (TLS) (C+L band)

Keysight Agilent 81640A Option 072 Tunable Laser Source TLS: Advanced Features and Benefits

The Keysight Agilent 81640A Option 072 Tunable Laser Source (TLS) is an industry-leading instrument designed to meet the challenging demands of optical testing and component analysis. Covering both the C- and L-bands with a tunable wavelength range of 1510 nm to 1640 nm, this versatile laser source ensures that you achieve high precision, stability, and flexibility in all your testing applications. The 81640A is equipped with advanced technology to provide a mode-hop free tuning experience, enhanced output power, and a built-in real-time wavelength meter, making it ideal for both research laboratories and production environments.

Key Features and Benefits of the Keysight Agilent 81640A Option 072 Tunable Laser Source TLS

The Keysight Agilent 81640A Option 072 Tunable Laser Source TLS is built to deliver reliable and accurate performance in demanding optical testing applications. Below are some of its advanced features and key benefits:

• Wide Wavelength Range: The 81640A operates across a wavelength range of 1510 nm to 1640 nm, covering both C- and L-bands. This wide range ensures flexibility in the testing of dense-Wavelength Division Multiplexer (DWDM) components, making it an ideal choice for manufacturers and researchers working with a broad spectrum of optical devices.
• Mode-Hop Free Tuning: One of the standout features of the Keysight Agilent 81640A is its ability to perform mode-hop free tuning across the entire wavelength range. This feature allows for continuous wavelength sweeps, ensuring smooth transitions without abrupt jumps, which is critical for characterizing components such as optical amplifiers, filters, and other DWDM components.
• Enhanced Optical Power Output: The tunable laser source delivers a maximum optical power output of up to 4 dBm, ensuring strong and stable signals for testing. This feature is crucial for applications such as optical amplifier testing, where a high-power output is needed to characterize the amplification behavior of devices accurately.
• Advanced Precision and Stability: The Keysight Agilent 81640A TLS is engineered with absolute wavelength accuracy of ±0.015 nm and repeatability of ±0.5 pm. This high level of accuracy ensures that all test results are reliable and repeatable, which is essential for maintaining the quality of optical components. The built-in real-time wavelength meter also helps monitor the wavelength output, adding a layer of control for precision testing.
• Flexible Connector Configuration: The Option 072 configuration of the 81640A is equipped with polarization-maintaining fiber and angled contact connectors. Angled connectors help reduce back-reflected light, which improves return loss control and ensures optimal performance in high-sensitivity environments where signal integrity is paramount.
• Continuous Sweep Capability: The continuous sweep function enables uninterrupted tuning across the entire wavelength range. This function is ideal for tasks that require a consistent and smooth wavelength transition, such as evaluating the dynamic response of DWDM components. It ensures the capture of high-quality data, enabling users to make informed decisions regarding component quality and functionality.
• High Dynamic Range: The Keysight Agilent 81640A provides a low source spontaneous emission (SSE) output, which ensures a high signal-to-noise ratio. This high dynamic range is particularly beneficial when measuring crosstalk or characterizing narrow filters like Fiber Bragg Gratings, as it guarantees precise results even in the most challenging testing scenarios.

Difference Between Option 072 and Option 071

The Keysight Agilent 81640A TLS is available in two configurations: Option 071 and Option 072. The key difference lies in the type of fiber connectors used:

• Option 071: This option features polarization-maintaining fiber with straight contact connectors. Straight contact connectors are ideal for applications where back reflection is less critical, making Option 071 a suitable choice for general-purpose optical testing that does not require stringent return loss control.
• Option 072: The Option 072 uses polarization-maintaining fiber with angled contact connectors. These connectors significantly reduce back-reflected light by directing it into the fiber cladding, which greatly improves return loss performance. This configuration is ideal for high-sensitivity environments where maintaining the highest signal integrity is essential, such as advanced DWDM testing and precision optical component analysis.

Technical Specifications of the Keysight Agilent 81640A Tunable Laser Source TLS

Calibration and Compliance

The Keysight Agilent 81640A Option 072 Tunable Laser Source TLS is calibrated prior to shipping to ensure adherence to original equipment manufacturer (OEM) specifications. Each unit includes a Calibration Certificate, Calibration Label, and Calibration Data, guaranteeing that it meets the highest standards of performance and reliability.

In conclusion, the Keysight Agilent 81640A Tunable Laser Source TLS is a top-tier solution for anyone looking for precision, versatility, and reliability in their optical testing applications. Whether you’re testing in a research environment or a production line, the advanced features and robust capabilities of the 81640A ensure that you get accurate, repeatable results every time. With its broad wavelength range, mode-hop free tuning, and high output power, the 81640A is an invaluable tool for the characterization and analysis of DWDM components and optical amplifiers.