Optical spectrum analysers cover wide wavelength range

Yokogawa has launched two new optical spectrum analysers (OSAs) to fulfil market demands for an instrument capable of measuring a wide range of wavelengths to meet new needs in optical product development and manufacturing.

The Yokogawa AQ6375E and AQ6376E are grating based OSAs covering SWIR (Short-Wavelength InfraRed) over 2 μm and MWIR (Mid-Wavelength InfraRed) over 3 μm.

Building on the pedigree of Yokogawa’s AQ6375B and AQ6376 OSAs, the new OSAs are offered in four versions. The AQ6375E Standard has a wavelength range of 1200-2400nm; the AQ6375E Extended Wavelength version has a wavelength range of 1000-2500nm; the AQ6375E Limited version has a wavelength range of 1200-2400nm (with reduced wavelength resolution); and the AQ6376E Standard has a wavelength range of 1500-3400nm.

The choice of wavelengths available gives developers increased flexibility to apply the OSAs in a wide range of applications. These include environmental measurement and gas sensing, where the AQ637xE can be used in the measurement of gas absorption spectra and the characterization of light sources used in Laser Absorption Spectroscopy. Other major uses for the new OSAs are medical care and biotechnology and industrial laser applications.

Typical applications will include the development and measurement of lasers; the characterization of broadband light sources such as supercontinuum light sources; optical passive devices; and optical fibers.

“The new AQ637xE has been launched to give developers and manufacturers greater flexibility in the range of wavelengths they can measure, all in one highly accurate and very useable family of OSAs,” says Terry Marrinan, Yokogawa Test and Measurement’s vice president and chief marketing officer.

“The AQ637xE will extend the number of optical products that can be analysed, both in development applications and in production, bringing feature rich, high accuracy measurement to all stages of the process.”