The Agilent/Keysight 8509B is a lightwave polarization analyzer system for calibrated measurements of optical signal polarization states and component behavior across the 1200–1600 nm band. The instrument employs a four-diode detection scheme with integrated polarization generation and reference calibration to deliver accurate SOP, Stokes parameter, PDL, and PMD characterization at measurement rates exceeding 2000 per second.
Technical Specifications
Optical Performance
• Wavelength operating range: 1200 nm to 1600 nm
• Receiver input power: +10 dBm to −55 dBm
• Maximum input average power: +16 dBm (receiver), +22 dBm (external source port)
• Average power measurement uncertainty: ±15%
• Average power measurement linearity: ±0.06 dB
• Return loss: −50 dB (receiver), 35 dB (external source port) Degree of Polarization Uncertainty (wavelength-dependent)
• 1200–1280 nm: ±5.0%
• 1280–1340 nm: ±2.0%
• 1470–1580 nm: ±2.0%
• 1580–1600 nm: ±3.0% Measurement Rate
• >2000 measurements per second External Source Input Port
• Wavelength range: 1200 nm to 1580 nm
• Input power range: +16 dBm to −49 dBm
• Internal path insertion loss: 8.5 dB – Key Features • Four-diode detection architecture
• Automatic three-state polarization generator
• Compatibility with single-wavelength and swept-wavelength external sources
• Integrated laser sources (Option 001): 1310 nm and 1550 nm Fabry-Perot lasers – 1310 nm output: 200–500 µW (typical 300 µW) – 1550 nm output: 150–400 µW (typical 230 µW)
• Polarization state of signal (SOP) measurement
• Stokes parameter comparison with three data markers
• Fast automated PDL measurement in optical components
• Two automated PMD measurement modes – Typical Applications Polarization-dependent loss characterization in components and subsystems; polarization-mode dispersion evaluation; optical signal SOP monitoring and reference frame establishment. – Compatibility & Integration The complete 8509B includes integrated controller. Keysight provides support for the full instrument configuration.
