NetTest, a global provider of testing, monitoring, management and optical component solutions for advanced and converged networks, announced today a new sweeping mode function for its TUNICS-Plus tunable laser. Designed to meet the testing needs of component manufacturers, system designers, network operators, and those responsible for developing next-generation networks, TUNICS-Plus covers what NetTest claims is the industry's largest wavelength range of 150 nm at 0 dBm and 70 nm at 8 dBm.
In addition, the user can select the sweeping speed from 1 nm/sec to 100 nms/sec. This breakthrough in tunable laser technology will ultimately help customers cut costs by reducing testing time and equipment required, claim company representatives.
"NetTest's TUNICS-Plus is a member of our TUNICS family of tunable external cavity lasers designed to fulfill testing needs for fiber-optic components and DWDM systems," explains product marketing manager Laurent Begin. "With the addition of the sweeping mode feature to our TUNICS-Plus tunable laser, NetTest continues to deliver a robust, time-saving and cost-effective testing solution for component manufacturers."
The TUNICS-Plus model features two modes for the laser: the Sweeping Mode, which delivers a continuous variation of the wavelength at a constant rate to enable a fast and uninterrupted measurement of the device; and the In Step-by-StepIMode, in which the laser stops at the required wavelength to allow for long-term testing and alignments.
TUNICS-Plus is completely mode-hop-free for the entire sweeping range, says NetTest. Offering the same high performances as the original step-by-step mode, the sweeping mode function offers various ranges from 1260 to 1640Enm (from O to U-band), and high output power with low noise.
The TUNICS-Plus family now incorporates the "extended short ranges" around 1300U and 1400 nm, without mode hopping and with a precision of 40 pm. An additionalU function allows the user to obtain a precision of 2 pm when connecting the TUNICS-Plus to a wavemeter via a RS-232 C liaison.
The TUNICS-Plus with sweeping mode capabilities is available for immediate delivery. Pricing begins at $41,000 and is based on configuration.