The Agilent/Keysight 83438A Erbium ASE Source is a broadband optical source that generates incoherent light centered at 1550 nm through amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) from erbium-doped fiber. Delivering +6 dBm to +8.1 dBm of output power with high spectral density, this source excels at characterizing passive fiber-optic components with medium to high insertion loss. The integrated optical isolator protects against back reflections, ensuring stable performance during measurements of isolators, circulators, add/drop multiplexers, gratings, and demultiplexers in DWDM systems.
Technical Specifications
• Output Power: +6 dBm minimum; maximum +8.1 dBm (6.5 mW) at 1550 nm
• Wavelength Window: 1550 nm
• Spectral Density: Greater than -13 dBm/nm
• Power Stability: ±0.02 dB over 15 minutes; ±0.05 dB over 6 hours
• Output Return Loss: >30 dB
• Fiber Output: Single-mode fiber (9/125 µm compatible)
• Modulation Input: DC to 300 Hz, TTL compatible
• Optical Isolator: Internal, standard
• Safety Classification: IEC Class 1
• Dimensions: 4.0 × 8.4 × 17.7 inches
– Key Features
• High power spectral density enables measurement across ~70 dB range with sensitive optical spectrum analyzers
• Internal optical isolator stabilizes output power by rejecting device back reflections
• TTL-controlled modulation supports lock-in detection and external control schemes
• Reduced sweep times compared to white-light or LED sources due to elevated power density
– Typical Applications
• Insertion loss and crosstalk measurement of passive optical components
• Wavelength-dependent characterization of DWDM components
• Polarization-dependent loss assessment
• Bandwidth measurements of optical filters and multiplexers
– Compatibility & Integration
Optical output uses Agilent standard interface; connectors sold separately. Modulation input accepts TTL signals. Optional polarized output (Option 009) and contact interface variants—PC (Option 020) and APC (Option 022)—are available.
