Yokogawa AQ6373B optical spectrum analyzer offers new features

Yokogawa Test&Measurement has introduced a new version of its AQ6373 optical spectrum analyzer (OSA). The AQ6373B features a new monochromator with a sharp passband filter edge as well as such other new capabilities as a double-speed measuring mode, a multipeak/bottom search function, and a data-logging function.

The new test and measurement instrument targets requirements the wavelength region between 350 nm and 1200 nm – including the first window of optical communications (around 850 nm). Yokogawa says the new OSA retains many of the best features of the original AQ6373, including fast start-up time (about 2 minutes, including self-calibration) and rapid performance (e.g., only 0.5 sec for a measurement covering a 100-nm span). Like the AQ6373, the AQ6373B also offers a high resolution of up to 0.01 nm in the 400-to 470-nm range, a close-in dynamic range of up to 60 dB, and sensitivity down to -80 dBm in the 500-to 1000-nm range.

However, the sharper passband filter edge of the new monochromator can help to more clearly separate spectral signals in close proximity to one another, Yokogawa says.

The OSA also features a free-space optical input, enabling the instrument to accept optical fibers with core diameters from 9 µm to 800 µm, and a color analysis function for determining the exact color of the input light (according to the CIE 1931 XYZ standard). Wavelength calibration on the AQ6373B can be performed using the emission line of a common low-cost xenon lamp, Yokogawa says.

Among its other applications, the AQ6373B's ability to test and characterize laser transmitters emitting around 850 nm makes it useful for scenarios involving multimode fiber or plastic optical fiber, including intra-building communication systems over fiber to the home (FTTH) networks, the company adds.

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