Agilent 86120B
Multi-Wavelength Meter
Technical Specifications
The Agilent 86120B Multi-Wavelength Meter is a Michelson interferometer-based instrument that measures wavelength
and optical power of laser light in the 700 to 1650 nm wavelength range. Simultaneous measurements of multiple laser
lines are performed allowing measurements of WDM (wavelength division multiplexed) signals and multiple lines of FabryPerot lasers. Each laser line is assumed to have a linewidth of less than 10 GHz.
This technical specifications sheet describes the measurement accuracy and operating condition of the Agilent 86120B
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 unless noted.
Wavelength
Range
700 to 1650 nm (182 to 428 THz)
Absolute accuracy, laser lines separated by >30 GHz
±3 ppm (±0.005 nm at 1550 nm, ±0.004 nm at 1310 nm)
Differential accuracy
1
±2 ppm
Minimum resolvable separation
l,2
(equal power lines input)
20 GHz (0.16 nm at 1550 nm, 0.11 nm at 1300 nm)
Display resolution
0.001 nm, normal update mode
0.01 nm, fast update mode
Power
Calibration accuracy
±0.5 dB (at ±30 nm from 780, 1310, and 1550 nm)
Flatness, 30 nm from any wavelength
1200 to 1600 nm
l
±0.2 dB
700 to 1650 nm
l
±0.5 dB
Linearity
3
±0.3 dB
Polarization dependence,
1200 to 1600 nm ±0.5 dB
700 to 1650 nm
l
±1.0 dB
Display resolution 0.01 dB
1
Characteristic
2
For lines separated by less than 30 GHz, wavelength accuracy is reduced.
3
1200 to 1600 nm, lines above –30 dBm
2
Definition of Terms
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 100 lines are input, only the
100 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.
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