HP / Agilent 71450B Optical Spectrum Analyzer

The HP/Agilent 71450B is a diffraction-grating-based optical spectrum analyzer engineered for precise spectral measurements across the 600 nm to 1700 nm wavelength range. It characterizes optical power versus wavelength with high sensitivity and dynamic range, making it essential for R&D and manufacturing environments. The instrument excels at analyzing optical components, amplifiers, LEDs, and laser sources—particularly in DWDM and broadband applications where detailed insight into signal structure, noise, and overall optical performance is critical.

– Technical Specifications

• Wavelength Range: 600 nm to 1700 nm
• Span Range: 0.2 nm to full range, continuously variable, including zero span
• Resolution Bandwidth (RBW): Selectable 0.08 nm to 10 nm filters (1, 2, 5 sequence)
• Wavelength Accuracy: ±0.3 nm (after user calibration)
• Sensitivity: −95 dBm (nominal; defined as six times RMS noise value)
• Dynamic Range: 60 dB
• Maximum Displayed Level: 10 dBm
• Flatness: ±0.4 dB (1250–1600 nm, ≥2 dBm input); ±2 dB (900–1700 nm, ≥2 dBm input)
• Amplitude Accuracy (O/E devices): +0.075/−0.025 dB
• Polarizer Extinction Ratio Measurement Range: 0 to 30 dB
• Operating Temperature: 0°C to 55°C
• Operating Humidity: <95% (non-condensing)

– Key Features

• Double-pass monochromator design combines dynamic range advantages of dual-monochromator performance with single-monochromator sensitivity and compact form factor
• Front-panel optical input connector (HP 70950B module) for direct fiber coupling
• User-calibration capability for enhanced wavelength accuracy within 40 nm of calibration signal
• 60 dB dynamic range supports measurement of weak signals and broad spectral features simultaneously
• Selectable resolution bandwidth accommodates both narrowband component analysis and broadband source characterization

– Typical Applications

• DWDM system characterization and channel isolation verification
• LED and laser source spectral profiling
• Optical amplifier gain and noise figure analysis
• Broadband optical source quality assessment
• Optical component performance validation in manufacturing

– Compatibility & Integration

Optical input accommodates standard fiber-coupled sources via HP 70950B module. Optional built-in white light source available (HP 71451B or HP 70951B with Option 002). Specifications apply after 1 hour continuous operation and execution of the auto-align routine.