The Agilent 86120C Multi-Wavelength Meter is a Michelson interferometer-based instrument that measures
wavelength and optical power of laser light in the 1270 to 1650 nm wavelength range. Simultaneous measurements
of multiple laser lines are performed allowing measurements of DWDM signals and multiple lines of Fabry-Perot
lasers. Each laser line is assumed to have a linewidth (including modulation sidebands) of less than 5 GHz.
This technical specifications sheet describes the measurement accuracy and operating condition of the Agilent
86120C Multi-Wavelength Meter. The specifications apply to all functions over the temperature range 0 to 55° C
and relative humidity <95% (unless otherwise noted). All specifications apply after the instrument’s temperature has
been stabilized after 15 minutes continuous operation, and when the instrument is in NORMAL UPDATE mode.
Wavelength
Range
1270 to 1650 nm (182 to 236 THz)
Absolute accuracy, laser lines separated by ≥15 GHz
±2 ppm (±0.003 nm at 1550 nm and 1310 nm)
Differential accuracy
1
±1 ppm
Minimum resolvable separation
1,2
(equal power lines input)
10 GHz (0.08 nm at 1550 nm, 0.06 nm at 1300 nm)
Display resolution
0.001 nm
Power
Calibration accuracy
±0.5 dB (at ±30 nm from 1310 and 1550 nm)
Flatness, 30 nm from any wavelength
1270 to 1600 nm
1
±0.2 dB
1270 to 1650 nm
1
±0.5 dB
Linearity
3
±0.3 dB
Polarization dependence,
1270 to 1600 nm ±0.5 dB
1600 to 1650 nm
1
±1.0 dB
Display resolution 0.01 dB
1
Characteristic
2
For lines separated by less than 15 GHz, wavelength accuracy is reduced.
3
1270 to 1600 nm, lines above –30 dBm
Agilent 86120C
Multi-Wavelength Meter
Technical Specifications
2
Characteristics and Specifications
The distinction between specifications and characteristics is described as follows:
• Specifications describe warranted performance.
• Characteristics provide useful, but nonwarranted information about the functions and performance of the instrument.
Wavelength
• Range refers to the allowable wavelength range of the optical input signal.
• Absolute accuracy indicates the maximum wavelength error over the allowed environmental conditions.
• Differential accuracy indicates the maximum wavelength error in measuring the wavelength difference between
two signals that are simultaneously present.
• Minimum resolvable separation indicates the minimum wavelength separation of two laser lines input required
to measure each wavelength simultaneously. Two laser lines closer in wavelength than the minimum resolvable
separation are not resolved and one average wavelength is displayed.
• Display resolution indicates the minimum incremental change in displayed wavelength.
Power
• Calibration accuracy indicates the maximum power calibration error at the specified wavelengths over the
allowed environmental conditions.
• Flatness refers to the maximum amplitude error in a measurement between two lines that are separated in
wavelength by no more than the specified amount.
• Linearity indicates the maximum power error in measuring the change in power of one laser line.
• Polarization dependence indicates the maximum displayed power variation as the polarization of the input
signal is varied.
• Display resolution indicates the minimum incremental change in displayed power.
Sensitivity
• Sensitivity is defined as the minimum power level of a single laser line input to measure wavelength and power
accurately. A laser line with less than the minimum power may be measured but with reduced wavelength and
power accuracy. For multiple laser lines input, sensitivity may be limited by total input power.
Selectivity
• Selectivity indicates the ability to measure the wavelength and power of a weak laser line in the proximity of
a specified stronger laser line and separated by the specified amount.
Input Power
• Maximum displayed level indicates the maximum total input power (total of all laser lines present) to accurately
measure wavelength and power.
• Maximum safe input power indicates the maximum total input power (total of all laser lines present) to avoid
permanent optical damage to the instrument.
Maximum Number of Lines Input
• Maximum number of lines input is the maximum number of displayed lines. If more than 200 lines are input,
only the 200 longest wavelength lines are displayed.
Input Return Loss
• Input return loss indicates the optical power reflected back to the user’s fiber cable relative to the input power.
It is limited by the return loss of the front panel connector, and assumes the user’s connector is good.
Measurement Cycle Time
• Measurement cycle time refers to the cycle time when measuring wavelength and power of laser lines.
Specific advanced applications may require longer cycle times.
Definition of Terms
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