The HP/Agilent 81642A is a tunable laser source module delivering mode-hop-free wavelength tuning across the 1510 nm to 1640 nm band with +7 dBm maximum output power. Designed for DWDM component testing, optical amplifier characterization, and integrated optical device validation, the 81642A integrates into the Agilent 8164A mainframe and offers wavelength accuracy of ±0.015 nm with 0.1 pm resolution. Output power stability reaches ±0.01 dB, while wavelength repeatability is ±0.5 pm typical. The instrument provides three adjustable tuning velocities: 40 nm/sec, 5 nm/sec, and 0.5 nm/sec, enabling both rapid sweeps and precise slow-speed acquisition.
Technical Specifications
• Wavelength Range: 1510 nm to 1640 nm
• Maximum Output Power: +7 dBm
• Minimum Output Power: > -3 dBm (1510–1640 nm); > 2 dBm within any 50 nm span (1520–1620 nm)
• Output Power Stability: ±0.01 dB
• Absolute Wavelength Accuracy: ±0.015 nm
• Wavelength Repeatability: ±0.5 pm (typical)
• Wavelength Resolution: 0.1 pm (12.5 MHz at 1550 nm)
• Spectral Linewidth: 100 kHz (coherent control off); > 50 MHz (1520–1620 nm at maximum flat output power, coherent control on)
• Mode-Hop Free Tuning Range: Full range or any 50 nm within 1520–1620 nm at flat output power
• Tuning Velocity: 40 nm/sec, 5 nm/sec, 0.5 nm/sec (adjustable)
• Return Loss: 60 dB typical (options 022, 072); 40 dB typical (options 021, 071)
• Output Isolation: 50 dB (typical)
• Warm-up Time: 60 dB optical dynamic range
• GPIB and RS-232C interfaces; max baud rate 115,200 bps
• Class IIIb laser (FDA 21 CFR 1040.10); Class 3A (IEC 825-1)
– Typical Applications
• Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) component testing
• Optical amplifier characterization
• Integrated optical device validation
• Wavelength-dependent optical system characterization
– Compatibility & Integration
Module operates within the Agilent 8164A mainframe. GPIB and RS-232C connectivity enable remote instrument control and automated test sequences.
