The HP/Agilent 81480A is a tunable laser source for precision optical testing across the S-band (1370 nm to 1480 nm). It delivers +5.5 dBm maximum output power with mode-hop-free tuning, dual optical outputs, and integrated wavelength control and metering. The instrument excels at DWDM component characterization, optical amplifier testing, and crosstalk measurement applications requiring high wavelength accuracy and low source spontaneous emission.
## Technical Specifications
• **Wavelength Range:** 1370 nm to 1480 nm
• **Maximum Output Power:** +5.5 dBm
• **Wavelength Accuracy (Absolute):** ±0.01 nm
• **Wavelength Repeatability:** ±0.5 pm typical
• **Spectral Linewidth:** 100 kHz (coherent control off); >50 MHz at 1420–1470 nm with coherent control on
• **Output 1 (Low SSE):** −13 dBm with ≥63 dB/nm signal-to-SSE ratio (1520–1570 nm)
• **Output 2 (High Power):** −3 dBm
• **Optical Power Stability:** ±0.01 dB (1420–1480 nm)
• **Tuning Velocity:** 40 nm/sec, 5 nm/sec, or 0.5 nm/sec selectable
• **Built-in Wavelength Meter:** Real-time measurement with control loop
• **Operating Temperature:** 10 °C to 35 °C
• **Storage Temperature:** −40 °C to +70 °C
• **Humidity:** 45% duty cycle, 15% modulation depth)
• Polarization-maintaining fiber option available with 16 dB extinction ratio (typical)
• External wavelength locking: >70 pm at 10 Hz; >7 pm at 100 Hz
## Typical Applications
• Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) component testing
• Optical amplifier characterization
• Passive optical component evaluation
• Fiber Bragg Grating analysis
## Compatibility & Integration
The 81480A integrates into the Agilent 8164A mainframe for versatile optical test platform configurations.
