Agilent Technologies 81950A User manual

Agilent Technologies
Agilent 81950A
Compact Tunable Laser Source module
User’s Guide

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Manual Part Number
81950-90B01
Edition
Second edition, June 2012
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In This Guide...
Chapter 1, “Getting Started"
This chapter contains an introductory description of the modules and aims
to make the modules familiar to you.
Chapter 2, “Accessories"
This chapter contains details of the various modules and options available.
Chapter 3, “Operating Instructions"
This chapter provides a general description of the specific features of the
81950A compact tunable laser module.
Chapter 4, “Programming Instructions"
This chapter describes the SCPI Commands for use of 81950A compact
tunable laser modules and N7711A, N7714A single and 4-port Tunable
Laser System Sources.
Chapter 5, “Specifications"
This chapter contains the specifications of the 81950A module.
Chapter 6, “Cleaning Information"
This chapter provides the cleaning instructions
Chapter 7, “Index"

Agilent 81950A Compact TLS module,First Edition 5
Table of Contents
Getting Started 11
Safety Considerations 12
Safety Symbols 12
Initial Inspection 13
Line Power Requirements 13
Operating Environment 13
Input/Output Signals 14
Storage and Shipment 14
Initial Safety Information for Tunable Laser Modules 15
Laser Safety Labels 16
Laser class 1M label 16
Introduction 17
What is a Tunable Laser Source? 17
Installation 17
Front Panels 17
Front Panel Controls and Indicators 18
Typical Use Models 19
Optical Output 21
Polarization Maintaining Fiber 21
Angled and Straight Contact Connectors 22
Signal Input and Output 23
Accessories 25
Modules and Options 26
Modules 27
Options 27
Connector Interfaces 28
User’s Guides 29

6Agilent 81950A Compact TLS module, First Edition
Operating Instructions 31
Operation 33
Parameters 33
Output Frequency 33
Limitations 33
Changing the Grid (f0, s) 34
Operation Modes 34
Switching Modes 34
Preset Values 35
Differences to Other Tunable Laser Source Modules 35
The Graphical User Interface 36
Differences among 8164A/B, 8163A/B and 8166A/B 36
Soft Lock 36
How to Set a Parameter 37
How to Set the Power 39
How to Switch Operation Mode 40
How to Set the Wavelength or Frequency 43
How to Switch On the Laser 44
How to set Frequency Parameters in Grid Mode 45
How to Check the Output Frequency or Wavelength 46
How to Modulate a Signal 47
The User Interface 49
The Module's Front Panel 49
Programming Instructions 51
Summary 52
Detailed Description 54
The OUTPut sub tree 54
The SOURce:CHANnel:POWer sub tree 56
The SOURce:CHANnel:WAVelength sub tree 59
The SOURce:CHANnel:FREQuency sub tree 61
The SOURce:CHANnel:MODUIation sub tree 67
Error Messages 71
Status Bits 72

Agilent 81950A Compact TLS module,First Edition 7
Differences among 81950A, N7711A and N7714A 73
81950A Only 73
N771A, N7714A Only 73
Specifications 75
Definition of Terms 77
Absolute wavelength (frequency) accuracy 78
External analog modulation - modulation depth 78
Linewidth 78
Maximum output power 79
Operating temperature and humidity 79
Output isolation 79
Polarization extinction ratio 80
Power flatness versus wavelength 81
Power repeatability 81
Power stability 82
Relative intensity noise (RIN) 82
Relative wavelength (frequency) accuracy 83
Return loss 83
SBS suppression - effective linewidth 84
Side-mode suppression ratio 84
Signal to source spontaneous emission ratio 84
Tuning time 85
Wavelength range 85
Wavelength (frequency) repeatability 86
Wavelength resolution 86
Wavelength (frequency) stability 86
Compact Tunable Laser Module Specifications 87
Agilent 81950A Compact Tunable Laser Source 88
Specifications 89
Cleaning Information 91
Cleaning Instructions 92
Safety Precautions 92
Why is it important to clean optical devices ? 93
What do I need for proper cleaning? 94

8Agilent 81950A Compact TLS module, First Edition
Preserving Connectors 98
Cleaning Instrument Housings 98
Which Cleaning Procedure should I use? 99
How to clean connectors 100
How to clean connector interfaces 102
How to clean bare fiber adapters 103
How to clean instruments with a fixed connector interface 104
Additional Cleaning Information 105
Other Cleaning Hints 106
Index 107

Agilent 81950A Compact TLS module,First Edition 9

10 Agilent 81950A Compact TLS module, First Edition