Agilent/Keysight 71452B – Optical Spectrum Analyzer

The Keysight/Agilent 71452B is a diffraction-grating-based optical spectrum analyzer engineered for precise spectral characterization across the optical communications band. It measures optical power versus wavelength with high resolution, enabling detailed analysis of amplifiers, LEDs, DFB lasers, and Fabry-Perot lasers. This module integrates into the 70000 series Modular Measurement System (MMS) and pairs with a color display mainframe for integrated optical testing.

– Technical Specifications

Wavelength Coverage
• Range: 600 nm to 1700 nm
• Span: Continuously variable from 0.2 nm to full range, including zero span
• Minimum resolution: 0.08 nm
• Maximum resolution: 10 nm (1, 2, 5 sequence)

Resolution Performance
• Resolution bandwidth (FWHM): Less than 0.08 nm
• Bandwidth accuracy: ±20% (≥0.5 nm, 1250–1600 nm); ±30% (0.1–10 nm, 600–1700 nm)
• Corrected bandwidth accuracy: ±3% (≥0.5 nm, 1250–1600 nm); ±5% characteristic (0.2 nm, 1250–1600 nm)

Sensitivity & Dynamic Range
• Sensitivity ranges from –60 dBm (600–750 nm, second order) to –90 dBm (1200–1600 nm)
• Dynamic range: –50 dB to –70 dB depending on resolution and offset, with chop mode achieving –70 dB
• Maximum input power: +20 dBm per 5 nm; +30 dBm total
• Maximum displayed level: ≥15 dBm

Amplitude Accuracy
• Absolute accuracy: ±0.2 nm (after user calibration); ±0.05 nm (within 40 nm of calibration signal)
• Flatness: ±0.4 dB (600–1700 nm) for ≥2 dBm input; ±2 dB (1250–1600 nm)
• Scale fidelity: ±0.1 dB (fixed reference level); ±0.2 dB (multiple reference levels)

– Key Features

• Grating-based architecture eliminates multiple-order interference typical of prism designs
• Fine resolution down to 0.08 nm supports component-level spectral analysis
• Wide wavelength span accommodates broadband source characterization
• High sensitivity across infrared bands, optimized for telecom wavelengths
• User calibration improves absolute accuracy to ±0.05 nm

– Typical Applications

• Optical amplifier gain and noise figure measurement
• Laser linewidth and wavelength stability verification
• LED spectrum and power distribution analysis
• Fabry-Perot and DFB laser characterization
• Optical filter and multiplexer response measurement

– Compatibility & Integration

The 71452B operates as a plug-in module within the 70000 series MMS framework, requiring a color display mainframe. This modular architecture enables rapid integration into multi-instrument test systems.