Agilent Technologies 81610A User manual

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Agilent 81610A/11A/12A/13A/14A Return Loss Module
User’s Guide

2Agilent 81610A/11A/12A/13A/14A Return Loss Module, Fifth Edition
Notices
This document contains proprietary information that is
protected by copyright. All rights are reserved.
No part of this document may reproduced in (including
electronic storage and retrieval or translation into a
foreign language) without prior agreement and written
consent from Agilent Technologies Deutschland GmbH
as governed by United States and international
copywright laws.
Copyright2000 - 2002 by:
Agilent Technologies Deutschland GmbH
Herrenberger Str. 130
71034 Böblingen
Germany
Subject Matter
The material in this document is subject to change
without notice.
Agilent Technologies makes no warranty of any kind
with regard to this printed material, including, but not
limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability
and fitness for a particular purpose.
Agilent Technologies shall not be liable for errors
contained herein or for incidental or consequential
damages in connection with the furnishing,
performance, or use of this material.
Printing History
New editions are complete revisions of the guide
reflecting alterations in the functionality of the
instrument. Updates are occasionally made to the guide
between editions. The date on the title page changes
when an updated guide is published. To find out the
current revision of the guide, or to purchase an updated
guide, contact your Agilent Technologies representative.
Control Serial Number: First Edition applies directly to
all instruments.
Warranty
This Agilent Technologies instrument product is
warranted against defects in material and workmanship
for a period of one year from date of shipment. During
the warranty period, Agilent will, at its option, either
repair or replace products that prove to be defective.
For warranty service or repair, this product must be
returned to a service facility designated by Agilent.
Buyer shall prepay shipping charges to Agilent and
Agilent shall pay shipping charges to return the product
to Buyer. However, Buyer shall pay all shipping charges,
duties, and taxes for products returned to Agilent from
another country.
Agilent warrants that its software and firmware
designated by Agilent for use with an instrument will
execute its programming instructions when properly
installed on that instrument. Agilent does not warrant
that the operation of the instrument, software, or
firmware will be uninterrupted or error free.
Limitation of Warranty
The foregoing warranty shall not apply to defects
resulting from improper or inadequate maintenance by
Buyer, Buyer-supplied software or interfacing,
unauthorized modification or misuse, operation outside
of the environmental specifications for the product, or
improper site preparation or maintenance.
No other warranty is expressed or implied. Agilent
Technologies specifically disclaims the implied
warranties of Merchantability and Fitness for a
Particular Purpose.
Exclusive Remedies
The remedies provided herein are Buyer’s sole and
exclusive remedies. Agilent Technologies shall not be
liable for any direct, indirect, special, incidental, or
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or any other legal theory.
Assistance
Product maintenance agreements and other customer
assistance agreements are available for Agilent
Technologies products. For any assistance contact your
nearest Agilent Technologies Sales and Service Office.
Certification
Agilent Technologies Inc. certifies that this product met
its published specifications at the time of shipment from
the factory.
Agilent Technologies further certifies that its calibration
measurements are traceable to the United States
National Institute of Standards and Technology, NIST
(formerly the United States National Bureau of
Standards, NBS) to the extent allowed by the Institutes’s
calibration facility, and to the calibration facilities of
other International Standards Organization members.
ISO 9001 Certification
Produced to ISO 9001 international quality system
standard as part of our objective of continually
increasing customer satisfaction through improved
process control.
Fifth Edition:
81610-90A15
February 2002
First Edition:
81610-90014 E0900
September2000
Second Edition:
81610-90014 E1000
October 2000
Third Edition:
81610-90014 E0201
February 2001
Fourth Edition:
81610-90014 E0401
April 2001

Safety Symbols Safety Considerations
Agilent 81610A/11A/12A/13A/14A Return Loss Module, Fifth Edition 3
Safety Considerations
The following general safety precautions must be observed during all
phases of operation, service, and repair of this instrument. Failure to
comply with these precautions or with specific warnings elsewhere in
this manual violates safety standards of design, manufacture, and
intended use of the instrument. Agilent Technologies Inc. assumes no
liability for the customer’s failure to comply with these requirements.
Before operation, review the instrument and manual, including the
red safety page, for safety markings and instructions. You must follow
these to ensure safe operation and to maintain the instrument in safe
condition.
WARNING The WARNING sign denotes a hazard. It calls attention to a procedure,
practice or the like, which, if not correctly performed or adhered to,
could result in injury or loss of life. Do not proceed beyond a
WARNING sign until the indicated conditions are fully understood and
met.
Safety Symbols
The apparatus will be marked with this symbol when it is necessary
for the user to refer to the instruction manual in order to protect the
apparatus against damage.
Hazardous laser radiation.
Initial Inspection
Inspect the shipping container for damage. If there is damage to the
container or cushioning, keep them until you have checked the
contents of the shipment for completeness and verified the instrument
both mechanically and electrically.
The Performance Tests give procedures for checking the operation of
the instrument. If the contents are incomplete, mechanical damage or
defect is apparent, or if an instrument does not pass the operator’s
checks, notify the nearest Agilent Technologies Sales/Service Office.

Safety Considerations Line Power Requirements
4Agilent 81610A/11A/12A/13A/14A Return Loss Module, Fifth Edition
WARNING To avoid hazardous electrical shock, do not perform electrical tests
when there are signs of shipping damage to any portion of the outer
enclosure (covers, panels, etc.).
WARNING You MUST return instruments with malfunctioning laser modules to
an Agilent Technologies Service Center for repair and calibration.
Line Power Requirements
Agilent 81610A/11A/12A/13A/14A Return Loss Modules operate
when installed in the Agilent 8163A/B Lightwave Multimeter,
Agilent 8164A/B Lightwave Measurement System, and
Agilent 8166A/B Lightwave Multichannel System.
Operating Environment
The safety information in the Agilent 8163A/B Lightwave Multimeter,
Agilent 8164A/B Lightwave Measurement System, and
Agilent 8166A/B Lightwave Multichannel System User’s Guide
summarizes the operating ranges for
Agilent 81610A/11A/12A/13A/14A Return Loss Modules. In order for
these modules to meet specifications, the operating environment must
be within the limits specified for the Agilent 8163A/B Lightwave
Multimeter, Agilent 8164A/B Lightwave Measurement System, and
Agilent 8166A/B Lightwave Multichannel System.
Storage and Shipment
This module can be stored or shipped at temperatures between
−40°C and +70°C. Protect the module from temperature extremes that
may cause condensation within it.

Initial Safety Information for Return Loss Modules Safety Considerations
Agilent 81610A/11A/12A/13A/14A Return Loss Module, Fifth Edition 5
Initial Safety Information for
Return Loss Modules
The laser sources specified by this user guide are classified according
to IEC 60825-1 (2001)
The laser sources comply with 21 CFR 1040.10 except for deviations
pursuant to Laser Notice No. 50, dated 2001-July-26
Table 1 Return Loss Modules Laser Safety Information
Agilent 81611A Agilent 81612A Agilent 81613A Agilent 81614A
Laser type FP-Laser
InGaAsP
FP-Laser
InGaAsP
FP-Laser
InGaAsP
FP-Laser
InGaAsP
Wavelength (±15nm) 1310 nm 1550 nm 1550/1625 nm 1310/1550 nm
Max. CW output power* <1.8mW <1.8mW <1.8mW <1.8mW
Beam waist diameter 9 µm 9 µm 9 µm 9 µm
Numerical aperture 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1
Laser Class according to IEC 60825-1 (2001) 1111
Max. permissible CW output power 15.6 mW 10 mW 10 mW 15.6 mW/10 mW
* Max. CW output power is defined as the highest possible optical power that the laser source can prodcue at its output connector

Safety Considerations Initial Safety Information for Return Loss Modules
6Agilent 81610A/11A/12A/13A/14A Return Loss Module, Fifth Edition
Laser Safety Labels
Laser class 1 label
WARNING Please pay attention to the following laser safety warnings:
• Under no circumstances look into the end of an optical cable
attached to the optical output when the device is operational. The
laser radiation can seriously damage your eyesight.
• Do not enable the laser source when there is no fiber attached to the
optical output connector.
• The laser is enabled by pressing the gray button close to the optical
output connector on the front panel of the module. The laser is on
when the green LED on the front panel of the instrument is lit.
• The use of optical instruments with this product will increase eye
hazard.
• The laser module has a built-in safety circuitry which will disable
the optical output in the case of a fault condition.
• Refer servicing only to qualified and authorised personnel.
Figure 1 Class 1 Safety Label - Agilent 81610A/11A/12A/13A/14A

The Structure of this Manual Safety Considerations
Agilent 81610A/11A/12A/13A/14A Return Loss Module, Fifth Edition 7
The Structure of this Manual
This manual is divided into two categories:
• Getting Started
This section gives an introduction to the Tunable Laser modules.
and aims to make these modules familiar to you:
–“Getting Started with Return Loss” on page 11.
• Additional Information
This is supporting information of a non-operational nature. this
contains information concerning accessories, specifications, and
performance tests:
–“Accessories” on page 45,
–“Specifications” on page 49
–“Performance Tests” on page 59
Conventions used in this manual
• Hardkeys are indicated by italics, for example, Config, or Channel.
• Softkeys are indicated by normal text enclosed in square brackets,
for example, [Menu] or [Details].
• Parameters are indicated by italics enclosed by square brackets, for
example, [RLref], or [Para].
• Menu items are indicated by italics enclosed in brackets, for
example, <Terminated Calibration>, or <Continuous>.

Safety Considerations The Structure of this Manual
8Agilent 81610A/11A/12A/13A/14A Return Loss Module, Fifth Edition

Table of Contents
Agilent 81610A/11A/12A/13A/14A Return Loss Module, Fifth Edition 7
Table of Contents
Safety Considerations 3
Safety Symbols 3
Initial Inspection 3
Line Power Requirements 4
Operating Environment 4
Storage and Shipment 4
Initial Safety Information for Return Loss Modules 5
The Structure of this Manual 6
Conventions used in this manual 6
Getting Started with Return Loss 11
The Return Loss Module 13
A Description of the Front Panel 15
Optical Output 15
What is Return Loss? 16
What is Insertion Loss? 17
How to Choose a Light Source 18
Calibration Measurements 19
Making a Return Loss Measurement 19
Setup 20
Calibrating the Return Loss Module 21
Calibration using the Agilent 81000BR Reference Reflector 23
Reflectance Calibration 23
Termination Calibration 25
Calibration using the Agilent 81610CC Reference Cable 26
Reflectance Calibration 26
Front Panel Delta Calibration 27
Termination Calibration using the Measurement Patchcord 29
How to Measure Return Loss 31
How to Measure Return Loss and Insertion Loss 31
Viewing the Calibration Values 32
A Background to Return Loss Measurement 36
Measuring the Reflected Power from a Component with Known

Table of Contents
8Agilent 81610A/11A/12A/13A/14A Return Loss Module, Fifth Edition
Reflection Factor 36
Measuring the Power Transmitted Through the Reflection
Reference 37
Measuring the Power when there are No Reflections 37
Measuring the Power Transmitted Through the Measurement
Patchcord 38
Measuring the Reflections from the DUT 38
Measuring the Power Transmitted Through the DUT 39
Calculating the Return Loss of the DUT 39
Calculating the Front Panel Delta 41
Calculating the Insertion Loss of the DUT 43
Accessories 45
Modules and Options 47
Specifications 49
Definition of Terms 51
Return Loss 51
Return loss of the reference cable 51
Dynamic Range 51
External Input Power Range 52
External Input Damage Power 52
Center Wavelength 52
Wavelength Range 52
Relative Uncertainty 52
Total Uncertainty 53
Plug & Play 53
Return Loss Module Specifications 55
Return Loss Module Specifications with Internal Source 57
Performance Tests 59
Equipment Required 61
Test Record 62
Test Failure 62
Instrument Specification 62
Performance Test Instructions 64
Agilent 81610A: Relative Uncertainty of Return Loss and

Table of Contents
Agilent 81610A/11A/12A/13A/14A Return Loss Module, Fifth Edition 9
Dynamic Range Test 64
Example for Agilent 81610A Return Loss module 67
Agilent 81610A/11A/12A/13A/14A: Relative Uncertainty of
Return Loss and Dynamic Range 68
Calibrating the 81610CC Reference Cable 73
Cleaning Information 89
Safety Precautions 91
Why is it important to clean optical devices? 91
What do I need for proper cleaning? 92
Standard Cleaning Equipment 92
Dust and shutter caps 92
Isopropyl alcohol 93
Cotton swabs 93
Soft tissues 94
Pipe cleaner 94
Compressed air 94
Additional Cleaning Equipment 95
Microscope with a magnification range about 50X up to 300X 95
Ultrasonic bath 95
Warm water and liquid soap 96
Premoistened cleaning wipes 96
Polymer film 96
Infrared Sensor Card 96
Preserving Connectors 97
Cleaning Instrument Housings 97
Which Cleaning Procedure should I use ? 98
How to clean connectors 98
How to clean connector adapters 99
How to clean connector interfaces 100
How to clean bare fiber adapters 101
How to clean lenses 102
How to clean instruments with a fixed connector interface
102
How to clean instruments with an optical glass plate 103
How to clean instruments with a physical contact interface
103

Table of Contents
10 Agilent 81610A/11A/12A/13A/14A Return Loss Module, Fifth Edition
How to clean instruments with a recessed lens interface
104
How to clean optical devices which are sensitive to
mechanical stress and pressure 105
How to clean metal filters or attenuator gratings 106
Additional Cleaning Information 107
How to clean bare fiber ends 107
How to clean large area lenses and mirrors 107
Other Cleaning Hints 109

Getting Started with Return Loss
Agilent 81610A/11A/12A/13A/14A Return Loss Module, Fifth Edition 11
Getting Started with Return Loss

Getting Started with Return Loss
12 Agilent 81610A/11A/12A/13A/14A Return Loss Module, Fifth Edition
This chapter describes the use of use the Agilent 81610A Return Loss
module.
Here you will find:
• an introduction to the features of the module, its front panel, and
connectors.
• a brief explanation of the terms Return Loss and Insertion Loss,
• a description of how to use the module to measure Return Loss and
Insertion Loss,
• a brief discussion of the theoretical background to Return Loss
measurements using Agilent 8161x series Return Loss modules.

The Return Loss Module Getting Started with Return Loss
Agilent 81610A/11A/12A/13A/14A Return Loss Module, Fifth Edition 13
The Return Loss Module
What is a Return Loss Module? Agilent 8161xA series Return Loss modules are compact modules for
use with the Agilent 8163A Lightwave Multimeter, the Agilent 8164A
Lightwave Measurement System, and the Agilent 8166A Lightwave
Multichannel System. They are used for making return loss
measurements and, in conjunction with a power meter module,
insertion loss measurements.
A return loss module allows you to measure the light reflected and
scattered as light passes through an optical component. In many
applications, these affects are unwanted because thay can affect the
emission characteristecs of any laser in the system.
Agilent 81610A Return Loss module The Agilent 81610A Return Loss Module includes a power sensor,
monitor diode and two couplers in one module.
Figure 1 The Agilent 81610A Return Loss module
The Agilent 81610A series Return Loss module does not include an
internal laser source. It is used in conjunction with an appropriate
external source to perform return loss measurements on both WDM
components and broadband devices.
Agilent 81611A and Agilent 81612A
Return Loss modules
Agilent 81611A and Agilent 81612A Return Loss modules include a
power sensor, monitor diode, two couplers, and an internal laser
source in one module. It is for use in the Agilent 8163A Lightwave
Multimeter, the Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System, and
the Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System for making return
loss measurements.
Figure 2 The Contents of the Agilent 81611A and Agilent 81612A Return Loss modules
Mdut
Pdut
External Laser
Source
Output 9/125 µm
physical contact
Mdut
Pdut
External Laser
Source
Output 9/125 µm
Internal Laser
Source
physical contact

Getting Started with Return Loss The Return Loss Module
14 Agilent 81610A/11A/12A/13A/14A Return Loss Module, Fifth Edition
Agilent 81613A and Agilent 81614A
Return Loss modules
Agilent 81613A and Agilent 81614A Return Loss modules include a
power sensor, monitor diode, three couplers, and two internal laser
source in one module. They are for use in the Agilent 8163A Lightwave
Multimeter, the Agilent 8164A Lightwave Measurement System, and
the Agilent 8166A Lightwave Multichannel System for making return
loss measurements.
Figure 3 The Contents of the Agilent 81613A and Agilent 81614A Return Loss modules
All Agilent 8161x series Return Loss modules include a monitor diode
to compensate for power variation in the light source.
Mdut
Pdut
External Laser
Source
Output 9/125 µm
Internal Laser
Sources
physical contact

The Return Loss Module Getting Started with Return Loss
Agilent 81610A/11A/12A/13A/14A Return Loss Module, Fifth Edition 15
A Description of the Front Panel
Figure 4 Front Panel of Agilent 816010A/11A/12A/13A/14A Return Loss Modules
Inserting the module The procedure for inserting a module into your mainframe is
described in your mainframe’s User’s Guide.
Optical Output
Agilent 8161x series Return Loss modules are equipped with angled
(8°) contact optical input and output connectors.
Figure 5 Angled Contact Connector Symbols
Figure 5 shows the symbol for angled contact connectors. This symbol
is colored green.
CAUTION • In order to obtain reliable return loss values connectors must be in
good condition.
• Damage to connectors is not included in the warranty for the
Agilent 8161x series Return Loss modules
Angled Contact
Connector Symbol

Getting Started with Return Loss What is Return Loss?
16 Agilent 81610A/11A/12A/13A/14A Return Loss Module, Fifth Edition
What is Return Loss?
When light passes through an optical component most of it travels in
the intended direction, but some light is reflected or scattered. In
many applications these reflections are unwanted, because they can
affect the emission characteristics of any laser in the system. In such
applications, it is important to measure the reflections for the
components of the system.
The reflection factor for a component is a measure of how much light
the component reflects. It is a ratio of the power reflected by the
device to the power incident on the device. More normally we talk
about the return loss of a component. The return loss has units of dB.
Return loss is given by:
Return loss can be measured in several ways. A typical setup using the
Agilent 81610A Return Loss module, where the DUT is a connector
pair, is described in Figure 6.
Figure 6 Return Loss Equipment
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External Laser
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patchcord
physical contact
Agilent 81113PC

What is Insertion Loss? Getting Started with Return Loss
Agilent 81610A/11A/12A/13A/14A Return Loss Module, Fifth Edition 17
What is Insertion Loss?
Light that is absorbed, scattered, or reflected by a component also
affects how much light a component transmits.
The transmission factor for a component is a measure of how much
light the component transmits. It is a ratio of the power transmitted by
the device to the power incident on the device. More normally we talk
about the Insertion Loss of a component. The insertion loss has units
of dB. Insertion Loss is given by:
Insertion Loss can be measured in several ways.
A typical setup using the Agilent 81610A Return Loss module, where
the DUT is a connector pair, is described in Figure 7
Figure 7 Measuring the Power transmitted through the Device Under Test
You can use Eil to calculate the insertion loss, see “Calculating the
Insertion Loss of the DUT” on page 43
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Agilent 81610A
Reflectivity
RDUT
External Laser
Source
patchcord
physical contact
Agilent 81113PC