The Agilent/Keysight 8504B Precision Reflectometer is a high-performance optical test instrument for characterizing reflection behavior in fiber optic systems and components. Using Michelson interferometry and white light interferometry, it measures return loss, identifies impedance mismatches, and spatially locates individual reflections with micron-level resolution. The instrument delivers return loss measurements from 10 dB to 80 dB across dual wavelengths with ±2 dB accuracy and sensitivity to –80 dB, making it suitable for both laboratory and field deployment.
Technical Specifications
Optical Performance
• Operating wavelengths: 1300 nm and 1550 nm
• Return loss range: 10 dB to 80 dB (both wavelengths)
• Return loss accuracy: ±2 dB
• Sensitivity: –80 dB (1300 nm and 1550 nm)
• Spurious response: >65 dB below largest reflection
• Light source: Low-coherence EELED
• Peak wavelength: 1308 nm ± 30 nm and 1550 nm ± 30 nm
• Spectral width (–3 dB): 55 nm
• Average output power: –17 dBm
Spatial Resolution
• Two-event spatial resolution (air): 25 µm @ 1300 nm; 65 µm @ 1550 nm
• Two-event spatial resolution (fiber/glass): 17 µm @ 1300 nm; 44 µm @ 1550 nm
• Spatial accuracy (1–10 mm span): ±2% of span
• Spatial accuracy (10–400 mm span): ±1% of span
• Measurement span: 1 mm to 400 mm (air)
Physical & Environmental
• Dimensions: 370 mm (H) × 460 mm (W) × 570 mm (D)
• Warm-up time: 2 hours for warranted performance
• Operating temperature: 20 to 30°C (warranted)
– Key Features
• Isolates and quantifies individual reflections by spatial position
• Resolves two closely-spaced reflections as near as 25 µm apart (air equivalent)
• Measures differential path length and propagation delay in birefringent devices
• Characterizes source coherence functions
• Single-mode fiber primary; useful measurements in multi-mode fiber
• Front panel FC/PC connectors
– Typical Applications
• Passive fiber-optic device characterization: couplers, attenuators, connectors, isolators
• Return loss and reflection analysis in connectorized single-mode components
• Spatial mapping of reflections within optical assemblies
• Component validation in telecom and research environments
– Compatibility & Integration
• Supplied with one pair of 1-meter fiber optic cables
• Measurement span extension via fiber cables (Option 001 available)
