N7776C Tunable Laser Source, High Power and Lowest SSE, Top Line

• Wavelength: 1240-1380 nm or 1340-1495 nm or 1450-1650 nm or 1490-1640 nm
• Sweep speeds: up to 200 nm/s, bidirectional
• Max. power: > +12 dBm peak (Options 114, 116, 216) or > +13 dBm peak (Option 113)
• New: extra-high power option with > 19.4 dBm peak (Option 013)
• Signal to SSE ratio: ≥ 80 dB/nm typical (≥ 50 dB/nm typical for Option 013)
• Absolute wavelength accuracy: ±1.5 pm typical (also during continuous sweeps)

The new Keysight N7776C top line tunable laser source is designed to reach best-in-class accuracy in static and swept operation for outstanding test efficiency. Two-way sweeps up to 200 nm/s speed with sub-picometer repeatability and without impacting the specified dynamic accuracy 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.

With more than +12 dBm output power at the product family’s lowest spontaneous emission level, the N7776C enables the validation of extremely deep filters. It also offers the best wavelength accuracy – enabled by its high-resolution wavelength reference unit that provides real-time tracking and control and includes a gas cell for excellent long-term stability and self-adjustment capability.

The new option 013 is a particularly good match for testing and developing components with Silicon Photonics/ integrated photonics technology. Verifying the spectral responsivity and the sensitivity of receiver optical subassemblies (ROSA) for Ethernet benefit from more than +16 dBm output power across 1270 nm to 1360 nm - enough to allow for external modulation in BER testing.

The wavelength tuning performance has been enhanced to provide default fine tuning without overshoot. No separate fine-tuning control is needed for smooth tuning with 0.1 pm resolution, due to automatic coordination of the motor and piezoelectric-actuator. This simplifies wavelength-optimization procedures.

Like its predecessors 81600B and 81606A, the new N7776C tunable laser source is supported by the photonic application suite software for spectral measurements of insertion loss, polarization dependent loss and dispersion. In combination with the N774xC multiport power meters and the N7786C polarization synthesizer, the new lasers provide optimal swept-wavelength accuracy and excellent dynamic range for measuring both filter stop bands and pass bands.

All N777xC tunable lasers 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.