The HP/Agilent 81640A is a tunable laser source engineered for precision optical testing across the C- and L-bands. Operating from 1510 nm to 1640 nm with 4 dBm maximum output power, it delivers mode-hop free tuning across its entire wavelength range—essential for accurate DWDM component characterization. The instrument combines high wavelength accuracy (±0.015 nm absolute, ±7 pm relative) with exceptional repeatability (±0.5 pm typical) and built-in wavelength metering. Optical power stability reaches ±0.01 dB over one hour and ±0.03 dB over 24 hours, with ±0.01 dB repeatability. Spectral linewidth measures 100 kHz with coherence control off and >50 MHz effective linewidth with coherence control on. Side-mode suppression ratio exceeds 40 dBc typical. Wavelength resolution stands at 0.1 pm (12.5 MHz at 1550 nm), enabling fine-grained spectral control. The laser tunes at 400 ms, 600 ms, and 2.8 s for 1 nm, 10 nm, and 100 nm steps respectively.
Technical Specifications
• Wavelength Range: 1510 nm to 1640 nm (C- and L-bands)
• Maximum Output Power: 4 dBm
• Wavelength Accuracy (Absolute): ±0.015 nm
• Wavelength Accuracy (Relative): ±7 pm typical
• Wavelength Repeatability: ±0.5 pm typical
• Wavelength Resolution: 0.1 pm (12.5 MHz at 1550 nm)
• Spectral Linewidth: 100 kHz (coherence control off, typical)
• Effective Linewidth: >50 MHz typical (coherence control on)
• Side-Mode Suppression Ratio: ≥40 dBc typical
• Optical Power Stability: ±0.01 dB (1 hour); ±0.03 dB (24 hours, typical)
• Optical Power Repeatability: ±0.01 dB typical
• Optical Power Linearity: ±0.1 dB or ±0.3 dB
• Power Flatness vs. Wavelength: ±0.1 dB, ±0.15 dB, or ±0.2 dB typical
• Tuning Speed: 400 ms (1 nm), 600 ms (10 nm), 2.8 s (100 nm step)
• Power Requirements: 100 to 240 Vrms, ±10%, 280 VA maximum
• Dimensions: 145 mm H × 426 mm W × 545 mm D
• Weight: 20 kg
– Key Features
• Mode-hop free tuning across entire wavelength range
• Built-in real-time wavelength meter
• Polarization-maintaining fiber connectors (Panda type); options for straight (40 dB return loss) or angled contact (60 dB return loss)
• Source spontaneous emission output available for crosstalk measurements
– Connectivity
• GPIB and RS-232C interfaces (up to 115,200 bps)
• PC Card slot (Type I, II, III compliant)
• VGA connector for external monitor
• PS/2 external keyboard support
• Centronics-compatible parallel printer interface
