Laser 2000

Optical Wavelength Meter

Two versions of the 828 Optical Wavelength Meter are available. The model 828A is the most precise, providing an accuracy of ± 0.3 pm. For less exacting test requirements, the 828B system is a lower-priced alternative with a wavelength accuracy of ± 1.0 pm.

Bristol Instruments

Fast wavelength measurement reduces testing times

828 Series Optical Wavelength Meter

  • Fastest measurement rate of 1 kHz
  • Wavelength accuracy as high as ± 0.3 pm
  • Automatic calibration with a built-in wavelength standard
  • Measurement confidence level of ≥ 99.7%
  • Traceable to NIST standards
  • Power measured to an accuracy of ± 0.5 dB
  • Convenient touch-screen display reports measurement data in a variety of formats
  • Interfacing via SCPI using USB, Ethernet, or GPIB
  • Data streaming available using RS-422 serial interface
  • Internal data storage for up to one million measurements
  • Rugged design for manufacturing environments
  • Five-year warranty covers all parts and labour

 

The fastest wavelength measurement for optical transceiver testing
The 828 Series Optical Wavelength Meter from Bristol Instruments is designed to revolutionise the production of tunable transmitter lasers used in WDM applications.

A Fizeau etalon design is used to generate a spatial interferogram that is detected by a fast InGaAs photodetector array. An on-board digital signal processor quickly converts the interferometric data to wavelength. Because this calculation is done within the instrument, a sustained measurement rate of 1 kHz is achieved.

This speed enables greater efficiency in the production of WDM transceivers by dramatically reducing the time needed for wavelength testing.

Accurate wavelength measurement is guaranteed
Automatic calibration with a built-in wavelength standard maintains the performance of the 828 Optical Wavelength Meter over long periods of time. What’s more, every 828 system is rigorously tested with laser sources that are traceable to NIST standards.

Designed for convenience, built to last
Operation of the 828 Optical Wavelength Meter is straightforward.

The optical signal enters the model 828 through an FC (UPC or APC) fibre optic connector on the front panel. The system’s high sensitivity results in an input power requirement as low as -40 dBm (0.1 µW). Automatic attenuation instantly adjusts the signal for optimum performance.

A convenient touch-screen display on the instrument’s front panel controls the 828 system and reports the measured wavelength and power. The measurement data can also be sent to a PC using a variety of interface options that satisfy virtually any test application.

An RS-422 serial interface is available for data streaming that can be triggered by the instrument itself or with a user-supplied signal. As many as one million measurements can be stored to an internal data buffer for analysis at a later time. Or, interfacing can be done via a library of SCPI commands using a standard USB or Ethernet interface, or an optional GPIB interface.

The rugged design of the 828 Optical Wavelength Meter provides long-term reliable operation that is backed by a five-year warranty covering all parts and labour.

Specifications
Model 828A 828B
Optical Signal CW only
Wavelength
Range 1250 – 1650 nm (182 – 240 THz)
Accuracy [1], [2] ± 0.2 parts per million (± 0.3 pm at 1550 nm) ± 0.65 parts per million (± 1 pm at 1550 nm)
Repeatability [3], [4] ± 0.02 parts per million (± 0.03 pm at 1550 nm) ± 0.07 parts per million (± 0.1 pm at 1550 nm)
Calibration [5] Automatic with built-in wavelength standard
Display Resolution 0.00001 nm 0.0001 nm
Units [6] nm, cm-1, THz
Power
Calibration Accuracy ± 0.5 dB (± 30 nm from 1310 and 1550 nm)
Linearity [4] ± 0.5 dB (1250 – 1600 nm)
Polarisation Dependence ± 0.5 dB (1250 – 1600 nm)
Display Resolution 0.01 dB
Units dBm, mW, μW
Optical Input Signal
Maximum Bandwidth [7] 1 GHz (8 pm at 1550 nm) 10 GHz (80 pm at 1550 nm)
Sensitivity [8] 1 kHz: -20 dBm (10 μW)
500 Hz: -25 dBm (3 μW)
250 Hz: -29 dBm (1.25 μW)
100 Hz: -33 dBm (0.5 μW)
1 kHz: -25 dBm (3 μW)
500 Hz: -30 dBm (1 μW)
250 Hz: -35 dBm (0.3 μW)
100 Hz: -40 dBm (0.1 μW)
Maximum Power – Displayed level + 10 dBm (10 mW)
Maximum Power – Safe level + 18 dBm (63 mW)
Return Loss [4] 35 dB
Measurement Rate/Time [9] 1 kHz streaming over RS-422 serial interface
5 ms (SCPI commands)
Inputs/Outputs
Optical Input 9/125 μm single-mode fibre (FC/UPC or FC/APC)
Instrument Interface Streaming via RS-422 (internal or external TTL trigger)
Library of commands (SCPI) via USB 2.0, Ethernet, GPIB (optional)
Internal data storage for up to 1 million measurements
Environmental [4]
Warm-Up Time < 15 minutes
Temperature +15°C to +30°C (-10°C to +70°C storage)
Pressure 500 – 900 mm Hg
Humidity ≤ 90% R.H. at +40°C (no condensation)
Dimensions and Weight
Dimensions (H x W x D) 89 mm x 432 mm x 381 mm
Weight 7.7 kg 7.2 kg
Power Requirements 90 – 264 VAC, 47 – 63 Hz, 50 VA max
Warranty 5 years (parts and labour)
[1] Defined as measurement uncertainty, or maximum wavelength error, with a confidence level of ≥ 99.7%.
[2] Traceable to NIST standard (SRM 2517a).
[3] Standard deviation for a 10 minute measurement period.
[4] Characteristic performance, but non-warranted.
[5] Laser diode locked to acetylene absorption (NIST Special Publication 260-133).
[6] Data in units of nm and cm-1 are given as vacuum values.
[7] Bandwidth is FWHM.
[8] Dependent on frame rate of the photodetector array.
[9] Measurement time using SCPI commands dependent on PC/network timing.
828 Series Datasheet
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