HP / Agilent 81624B General Purpose Optical Power Head

The HP/Agilent 81624B is a general-purpose optical power head built around an InGaAs detector element for accurate optical power measurement across the near-infrared spectrum. The large-area 5 mm diameter detector minimizes connector misalignment effects and delivers repeatable results with exceptionally low polarization dependence (±0.002 dB) and spectral ripple uncertainty (±0.002 dB). Power measurement uncertainty reaches ±2.2% at reference conditions across the 1000 nm to 1630 nm band, with optional PTB calibration available for ±0.8% accuracy. The remote head design supports magnetic D-shaped quick-change adapters and threaded adapter compatibility via removable ring. Flexible ranging, real-time min/max monitoring, and high-resolution data logging (up to 20k samples) enable both transient capture and long-term trend analysis. The optical head integrates with single or dual interface modules (81618A/81619A) hosted in 8163A/B, 8164A/B, and 8166A/B mainframes.

– Technical Specifications

• Sensor Element: InGaAs, 5 mm diameter large-area detector
• Wavelength Range: 800 nm to 1700 nm
• Power Range: +10 dBm to −90 dBm; +27 dBm to −70 dBm (1250 nm–1650 nm); +23 dBm to −70 dBm (850 nm–1650 nm)
• Measurement Uncertainty: ±2.2% at −20 dBm (1000 nm to 1630 nm); ±1.5% with special calibration; ±0.8% with PTB calibration
• Polarization Dependence: ±0.002 dB
• Spectral Ripple Uncertainty: ±0.002 dB
• Averaging Time: 100 µs to 10 s
• Data Logging Capacity: 20k samples maximum
• Operating Temperature: 0 °C to +35 °C
• Storage Temperature: −40 °C to +70 °C
• Maximum Operating Altitude: 2000 m
• Humidity: < 80% RH (10 °C to 35 °C)

– Key Features

• Low power density design improves linearity for high-power measurements
• Large detector area reduces susceptibility to connector misalignment
• Automatic power ranging with real-time minimum/maximum value monitoring
• Remote positioning capability with quick-change magnetic adapter
• Optimized for low PDL and high return loss performance
• Supports multiple fiber connector types via available adapters (FC/PC, SC/PC, LC/PC, E-2000, ST/PC, MT ribbon)

– Typical Applications

Optical component characterization, fiber-optic system validation, photodetector linearity assessment, and wavelength-dependent power profiling in telecommunications and sensor applications.

– Compatibility & Integration

Interfaces with 81618A (single-channel) or 81619A (dual-channel) modules in 8163A/B, 8164A/B, and 8166A/B mainframes. Backward compatible with N7749C optical head interface. Removable 81624DD adapter ring enables use with threaded connector adapters.