The Keysight 81980A is a high-performance tunable laser source covering the S+C-band (1465–1575 nm) for precision optical component and system characterization. This compact, single-slot plug-in module integrates into Keysight 8163A/B, 8164A/B, and 8166A/B mainframes, delivering mode-hop free tunability with exceptional wavelength accuracy and flat output power across its 110 nm tuning range. Built-in wavemeter feedback and coherence control enable stable operation in demanding single-channel and DWDM test environments.
Technical Specifications
Wavelength Range: 1465 nm to 1575 nm (110 nm total tuning span)
Output Power: +13 dBm maximum; mode-hop free at ≥ +10 dBm flat output power
Wavelength Accuracy & Stability:
• Absolute accuracy: ±20 pm (±5 pm typical)
• Relative accuracy: ±10 pm (±5 pm typical)
• Resolution: 1 pm / 125 MHz at 1550 nm
• Repeatability: ±2.5 pm (±0.3 GHz) typical
• 24-hour stability: ±2.5 pm (±0.3 GHz) typical
Linewidth & Coherence:
• Narrow linewidth: 50 MHz at maximum constant output power
• Built-in SBS and interference suppression
Power Control:
• Stability (1 hour): ±0.03 dB typical
• Stability (24 hours): ±0.03 dB typical
• Flatness (full range): ±0.2 dB typical
• Repeatability: ±0.08 dB typical
Signal Quality:
• Side-mode suppression ratio: ≥ 50 dB
• Signal-to-ASE ratio: ≥ 45 dB/nm (full range, +10 dBm); ≥ 50 dB/nm (1525–1620 nm, +12 dBm)
• Signal-to-total ASE: ≥ 25 dB (full range); ≥ 30 dB (1525–1620 nm)
• Relative intensity noise: -145 dB/Hz (0.1–6 GHz) typical
Tuning Performance: Mode-hop free across entire range; maximum sweep speed 50 nm/s; continuous dynamic wavelength logging
– Key Features
• Closed-loop wavemeter feedback ensures ±5 pm absolute accuracy (typical)
• Flat output power response across 110 nm span
• Stimulated Brillouin scattering suppression prevents reflection-induced anomalies
• High-resolution 1 pm wavelength stepping
• Exceptional long-term stability (±2.5 pm over 24 hours)
– Typical Applications
• Optical amplifier characterization (gain, noise figure)
• Passive component testing (filters, multiplexers, isolators)
• DWDM system validation
• Nonlinear fiber effects investigation
• Component wavelength-dependent performance mapping
– Compatibility & Integration
Plug-in module for Keysight 8163A/B, 8164A/B, and 8166A/B optical test mainframes, enabling flexible single-slot configuration for modular test benches.
