Keysight N777-C Family of Tunable Laser Sources

Overview

The Keysight Technologies N777-C Family of Tunable Laser Sources offers the full wavelength range from 1240 nm to 1650 nm with no wavelength gaps.

The N777-C tunable laser sources realize the cost efficiency and performance required to test components for coarse and dense wavelength division multiplexing (CWDM, DWDM, LR4) and passive optical networks (PON). Whether you need to verify the design of demanding optical components or adjust more wavelength-selective switches per hour, or you simply need a stable, tunable optical source, the N777-C family of tunable lasers offers a suitable model.

All N777-C models are based on a common cavity and laser module design and share a narrow linewidth, excellent long-term stability and low spontaneous emission level. They are software compatible with the 8160xA and 81600B lasers, the industry standards for more than a decade, but occupy 1 height-unit less rack space.

The remote user interface on the instrument is accessible with just a web browser, either via LAN or via USB connection. An optional touch-screen display provides local operator access and displays current operating parameters. Compared to the top line model N7776C, the N7778C value line models and the N7779C basic line models offer additional price-performance options based on output power, tuning speed, wavelength accuracy and repeatability.

Introduction

Specified performance in the fast, two-way continuous sweep mode

As manufacturing yield expectations become more and more stringent, it is important that all instruments deliver optimum performance under all measurement conditions.

The N7776C top line models and the N7778C value line models can perform two-way sweeps with up to 200 nm/s to accelerate wavelength-dependent alignment processes and the automated calibration of wavelength-selective devices. Shorter time to testing and faster swept-wavelength tests help reduce test cost per device, improve test margins and lower the cost of ownership. The dynamic specifications for swept operation apply in both directions, independent from the sweep speed. The N7779C basic line model tunes in wavelength steps of 0.1 pm resolution.

Optional display unit

All N777-C tunable lasers are optionally available with a display unit. The 5-inch capacitive touchscreen allows to manually set wavelength and power, or to activate coherence control. The touchscreen provides access to the same functionality as the web user interface.

Keysight N7776C Top-Line Tunable Laser Source

The new Keysight N7776C top line tunable laser source is designed to reach best-in-class accuracy and sub-picometer repeatability in static and swept operation for outstanding test efficiency.

With the product family’s lowest spontaneous emission level, the N7776C enables the validation of extremely deep filters. It also offers the best wavelength accuracy in the family – enabled by its highresolution wavelength reference unit that provides real-time tracking and control and includes a gas cell for excellent long-term stability and self-adjustment capability.

Improved: Keysight N7778C Value Line Tunable Laser Sources

The new N7778C value line tunable laser source offers a peak output power of more than +12 dBm, at least 75 dB/nm above its spontaneous emission level. The improved version, indicated by mandatory option code N7778C-004, features a typical wavelength repeatability of ± 1 pm at two-way sweeps up to 200 nm/s, and a typical absolute wavelength accuracy of ± 4 pm. The N7778C’s balance of features, performance and price makes it suitable for cost-effective, high-throughput manufacturing-floor component testing as well as for coherent transmission experiments.

Keysight N7779C Basic Line Step-Tunable Laser Source

The new N7779C basic line tunable laser source, like the other new N777-C models, can step quickly to discrete wavelengths with a resolution of 0.1 pm and a typical wavelength repeatability of ± 3 pm, making it ideal for cost-effective testing of broadband optical devices. With wavelength setting times like 300 ms, rapid stepped sweeps are possible. Like the other lasers in the N777-C family, it delivers more than +12 dBm peak output power with low spontaneous emission levels. At ± 0.01 dB power stability over an hour, it can also serve as a static local oscillator with a wide tuning range for receiver testing or transmission experiments.