Optical Spectrum Analyser Offers ‘Best in Class’ Optical Performance

The new Yokogawa AQ6370C is an optical spectrum analyser offering the world’s ‘best in class’ optical performance combined with excellent functionality and operability for applications including R&D and production testing of optical devices and transmission systems. Covering the wavelength range from 600 to 1700nm and applicable to both single-mode and multimode fibres, the AQ6370C provides unprecedented optical performance, including high wavelength accuracy of ±0.01 nm, high wavelength resolution of 0.02 nm, ultra-high dynamic range of 78 dB (typical), wide level range of -90 dBm, and fast sweep speed of 0.2 sec/100 nm.

Enhanced functionality and operability are provided by a large, bright LCD screen, easy operation via panel keys and a mouse, four USB ports including memory, mouse and keyboard interfaces, and high-speed GPIB and Ethernet remote interfaces.

The wide level range from +20 dBm to -90 dBm means that the AQ6370C can measure high power sources such as optical amplifiers and pump lasers for Raman amplifiers as well as very weak optical signals. Measurement sensitivity can be selected from seven categories according to the application and measurement speed requirement.

The free space input allows multimode and single-mode fibre measurements to be carried out on the same instrument. In addition, the low insertion loss for multimode fibre available with the AQ6370C also helps to maintain the excellent measurement efficiency.

The overall high performance of the AQ6370C allows it to be used for both R&D and manufacturing tests on optical devices and systems including active devices such as lasers, amplifiers and transceivers, passive devices such as filters and fibres, and optical transmission equipment for DWDM and CWDM transmission.

Two versions of the AQ6370C are available, differing only in wavelength accuracy and dynamic range: the standard AQ6370C-10 and the higher-performance AQ6370-20.