The HP-Agilent 86120B Multi-Wavelength Meter is a precision optical instrument for accurate measurement of laser wavelengths and optical power across the 700 nm to 1650 nm range. Built on a Michelson interferometer architecture, it simultaneously measures up to 100 discrete laser lines with ±3 ppm absolute accuracy, making it ideal for WDM signal characterization and Fabry-Perot laser analysis. The instrument completes wavelength scans in under one second and delivers differential accuracy of ±2 ppm with a minimum resolvable separation of 20 GHz for equal-power lines. A built-in HeNe laser standard provides real-time calibration for reproducible measurements.
Technical Specifications
Wavelength Measurement:
• Range: 700 nm to 1650 nm (182 to 428 THz)
• Absolute Accuracy: ±3 ppm (±0.005 nm at 1550 nm, ±0.004 nm at 1310 nm) for laser lines separated by ≥30 GHz
• Differential Accuracy: ±2 ppm
• Minimum Resolvable Separation: 20 GHz (0.16 nm at 1550 nm, 0.11 nm at 1300 nm)
• Display Resolution: 0.001 nm (Normal Mode), 0.01 nm (Fast Mode)
• Maximum Input Capacity: 100 laser lines
• Measurement Cycle Time: 1.0 s
Optical Power Measurement:
• Maximum Input Level: +18 dBm
• Calibration Accuracy: ±0.5 dB (±30 nm from 780 nm, 1310 nm, 1550 nm)
• Flatness (1200–1600 nm): ±0.2 dB; (700–1650 nm): ±0.5 dB
• Linearity (1200–1600 nm): ±0.3 dB; (700–1650 nm): ±0.5 dB
• Polarization Dependence: ±1.0 dB across full range
• Measurement Range: 60 dB
• Display Resolution: 0.01 dB
Optical Input:
• Fiber Type: 9/125 µm single-mode
• Standard Connector: FC/PC
• Options: Straight Contact Interface-PC (Option 021), Angled Contact Interface-APC (Option 022), HMS-10, DIN, ST, SC
Electrical:
• Power Supply: 100/115/230/240 VAC, 50/60 Hz universal input
• Maximum Consumption: 70 W (125 VA)
• Current (115 VAC): 1.1 A max; (230 VAC): 0.6 A max
Environmental:
• Operating Temperature: 0 to 55°C
• Operating Humidity: <95% RH (non-condensing)
• Storage Temperature: –40°C to +70°C
– Key Features
• Simultaneous multi-line measurement up to 100 discrete wavelengths
• Sub-second wavelength scanning with high resolution (0.001 nm)
• Built-in HeNe laser calibration standard
• 60 dB dynamic range for optical power measurement
• GPIB programming interface for automated control
• Parallel printer port for ASCII output
– Typical Applications
• WDM signal characterization and validation
• Fabry-Perot laser wavelength and linewidth analysis
• Multi-line laser source verification
• Optical telecommunications system testing
– Compatibility & Integration
Connects via GPIB for remote programming and control. Supports multiple connector types including FC/PC, APC, and DIN interfaces. Output capability for parallel printer connectivity.
