Agilent/Keysight 71400C – Lightwave Signal Analyzer

The Agilent/Keysight 71400C Lightwave Signal Analyzer characterizes optical devices—semiconductor lasers, laser transmitters, optical modulators, and detectors—by combining high-performance microwave and RF spectrum analysis with a sensitive, wide-bandwidth optical receiver. The instrument delivers calibrated measurements across baseband intensity modulation, harmonics, and noise floor analysis to 22 GHz, essential for fiber-optic communications development and production test.

– Technical Specifications

Frequency and Wavelength Range
• Electrical bandwidth: 100 kHz to 22 GHz
• Standard wavelength operation: 1200 nm to 1600 nm
• Option 850 wavelength range: 750 nm to 870 nm

Optical Receiver Module (Agilent 70810B)
• Optical sensitivity: −60 dBm (10 Hz bandwidth)
• Displayed average noise level: better than −65 dBm (optical) in 10 Hz bandwidth
• Built-in optical attenuator: enables measurements up to 1 watt laser power
• Integrated optical power meter with analog and digital readout

Measurement Performance
• Relative Intensity Noise (RIN): −165 dB/Hz (laser RIN); −150 dBc/Hz system RIN on 1 mW laser
• Optical measurement accuracy: ±1 dB across full bandwidth
• Average power accuracy (factory calibrated): ±0.65 dB ±0.5 nW ±connector variation at 1300 nm, 1550 nm, or 830 nm
• Linewidth, chirp, and frequency modulation measurement of single-frequency lasers
• Modulation characterization: analog and digital formats on single-mode fiber

– Key Features

• Broadband PIN photodiode with internal optical attenuator and electrical preamplifier
• RIN measurement routine removes receiver shot noise and thermal noise for accurate laser characterization
• Functions as high-performance electrical spectrum analyzer (100 kHz to 22 GHz)
• Optical power meter with visual analog bar and precision digital display (linear or logarithmic)
• Modular Measurement System (MMS) design for integration with additional modules

– Typical Applications

• Laser RIN and intensity noise characterization
• Single-frequency laser linewidth and chirp measurement
• Optical modulator and detector evaluation
• Broadband signal analysis and modulation depth testing
• High-dynamic-range optical power measurement

– Compatibility & Integration

Designed as part of the Modular Measurement System (MMS), enabling expansion and integration with complementary modules for complex optical test scenarios. Compatible with Agilent 11980A fiber-optic interferometer for advanced linewidth measurements.