The EXFO IQ-2600 Tunable Laser Source is a high-performance optical instrument engineered for precise characterization of fiber-optic components in DWDM systems. It combines continuous wavelength tuning across the C and L bands with stable output power and medium coherence to minimize interference effects during component testing.
## Technical Specifications
**Wavelength and Tuning**
• Wavelength range: 1510 nm to 1612 nm (C and L bands) or 1520 nm to 1570 nm for specific modules
• Tuning resolution: 0.01 nm
• Tuning method: Continuous or step-by-step with programmable sweep functions
**Optical Output**
• Output power: Greater than 0 dBm (1515–1610 nm range); typically 5 dBm for IQ-2600-89 module
• Power attenuation range: 10 dB
• Power stability: ±0.01 dB over one hour; ±0.05 dB over 8 hours (IQ-2600-89)
• Signal-to-SSE ratio: Greater than 65 dB (up to 75 dB for some configurations)
• Source spontaneous emission suppression: Greater than 60 dB local noise suppression (1515–1610 nm)
**Spectral Performance**
• Spectral linewidth (FWHM): Approximately 1 GHz (~0.01 nm); 0.05 nm typical for IQ-2600-89 module
• Coherence length: Approximately 10 cm; approximately 15 cm into SMF-28 fiber
## Key Features
• Dual operational modes: tunable laser output and ASE (Amplified Spontaneous Emission) source for passive WDM component loss testing
• Real-time wavelength monitoring via 5% cavity tap output
• TTL triggering (Trig In/Out) for external instrument synchronization
• Erbium fiber ring laser architecture
• Multiple output connector options: FC, SC, E-2000, FC/APC; PMF option available
## Typical Applications
• Fiber-optic component characterization and qualification
• DWDM system testing and research
• Manufacturing process validation
## Compatibility & Integration
The IQ-2600 operates as a standalone benchtop instrument or as a module within the EXFO IQS test platform, compatible with IQ-203 and IQ-206 mainframes. Software control enables manual and programmed wavelength and power management with multiple sweep options.
