In the modern world of fiber optics, photonics, telecommunications, and laser systems, no instrument is more essential for accurate optical characterization than the Optical Spectrum Analyzer (OSA). Whether you’re developing cutting-edge DWDM systems, characterizing broadband light sources, or verifying laser linewidth, an OSA is the gold standard for visualizing and analyzing the spectral distribution of light.
At Aumictech, we specialize in high-accuracy OSA calibration, advanced diagnostics, and full-spectrum repair services for popular brands like Yokogawa, Ando, EXFO, and Anritsu. With deep technical expertise, fast turnaround, and NIST-traceable reports, we help labs, manufacturers, and telecom providers keep their OSAs running with factory-grade performance.
📩 For service inquiries: sales@aumictech.com
🔬 What Is an Optical Spectrum Analyzer?
An Optical Spectrum Analyzer is a precision instrument used to measure the power distribution of an optical signal across a defined wavelength range. Unlike an RF spectrum analyzer, which measures electrical frequencies, an OSA works with light in the visible to infrared spectrum (typically 600 nm to 1700 nm or more).
Modern OSAs are equipped with:
- Diffraction gratings or Fabry-Pérot interferometers
- Photodetectors (InGaAs, Si, extended-InGaAs)
- Tunable filters for high-resolution scanning
- Input interfaces for FC, SC, APC, and bare fiber
- Internal reference lasers and thermally stabilized enclosures
High-end OSAs (like the Yokogawa AQ6370D) offer resolution bandwidths as narrow as 20 pm, which is critical for analyzing fine spectral details in lasers, amplifiers, and DWDM systems.
🎯 Key Applications of Optical Spectrum Analyzers
An OSA is crucial in applications where the spectral quality, stability, or emission characteristics of optical signals directly impact performance. Common use cases include:
✅ Telecom & DWDM Systems
- Channel spacing verification (50 GHz, 100 GHz)
- Side-mode suppression ratio (SMSR) measurement
- Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) assessment
- ASE noise in EDFAs and Raman amplifiers
✅ Laser Development & Characterization
- Linewidth and coherence length analysis
- Mode hopping and frequency drift detection
- Longitudinal mode profiling
- Cavity-tuned laser validation
✅ Photonics & Optical Components Testing
- Passive component insertion loss measurements
- Wavelength-dependent loss (WDL)
- Filter slope and ripple analysis
- FBG and AWG testing
✅ Optical Sensors & Biomedical Systems
- Spectral interrogation of sensing elements
- Interferometric fringe analysis
- Low-light optical signal detection
🔍 How OSA Calibration Works (NIST-Traceable at Aumictech)
At Aumictech, we go beyond basic wavelength checks. Our full-scope OSA calibration includes:
1. Wavelength Accuracy Verification
We use NIST-traceable reference lasers (commonly 1310 nm, 1490 nm, 1550 nm) to measure the deviation from expected values. Drift of even 0.01 nm can skew DWDM performance.
2. Dynamic Range & Sensitivity Testing
Aumictech evaluates the OSA’s ability to detect low-level signals next to strong carriers—essential for SNR and OSNR measurements in DWDM systems.
3. Resolution Bandwidth (RBW) Confirmation
RBW settings (e.g., 20 pm, 50 pm, 200 pm) are tested to ensure correct FWHM behavior, which affects peak isolation and laser linewidth measurements.
4. Optical Power Accuracy
We cross-reference with a calibrated optical power meter to confirm internal photodetector accuracy, minimizing dB errors in live measurements.
5. Linearity and Span Testing
We run multi-wavelength sources through varying power levels to test spectral shape retention and linearity across large spans (e.g., 600–1700 nm).
6. Connector & Fiber Interface Inspection
Dirty or misaligned FC/APC ports cause insertion loss and unstable traces. We clean, inspect, and if necessary, replace these input paths.
🛠️ Common OSA Issues We Fix at Aumictech
Even premium units like the Yokogawa AQ6370C or Ando AQ6317B face degradation due to aging, optical alignment shifts, thermal stress, or contamination. We regularly repair:
- Wavelength offset or drift
- Inaccurate optical power readings
- Slow sweep speeds or failure to scan
- Broken grating mechanism or motors
- Software crashing or firmware boot loops
- Internal photodetector failure
- Damaged optical connectors (FC/APC, SC/PC, etc.)
- LCD/display panel issues
We also offer firmware upgrades, motherboard repairs, and internal fan or PSU replacements, depending on the model.
💡 Why Periodic OSA Calibration Is Critical
Many labs run their OSAs 24/7 in high-stress test environments without realizing how critical small deviations can be. A drift of 0.05 nm can result in:
- Misaligned DWDM channels → telecom outages
- Inaccurate SMSR → failed compliance reports
- Linewidth errors → invalid laser test results
Aumictech recommends annual calibration for OSAs used in production or research environments. Our NIST-traceable certificates are valid for internal audits, ISO 9001, ISO 17025, and telecom compliance.
📦 Models We Service
We provide full support (calibration, repair, performance testing) for:
✅ Yokogawa
- AQ6370A / AQ6370B / AQ6370C / AQ6370D / AQ6370E
- AQ6317B / AQ6317C / AQ6319
- AQ6150 / AQ7280
✅ Ando
- AQ6317B / AQ6319B / AQ6315
- Discontinued models with available parts
✅ EXFO
- WA-760, WA-650
- IQS and FTB OSA modules
✅ Anritsu
- MS9740A / MS9710C
- OSA and broadband spectral analyzers
Explore our calibration service page here:
👉 https://aumictech.com/calibration/
🔧 Our Workflow: OSA Repair & Calibration
- Inquiry – Email sales@aumictech.com with model and issue
- Quote – Get an evaluation quote with estimated timeline
- Shipping Instructions – Pack and send your unit securely
- Diagnostic – Full inspection and fault analysis
- Repair & Calibration – Precision tuning, part replacement, cleaning
- Report – Detailed service and calibration certificate with graphs
- Return Shipping – Worldwide insured delivery available
🧠 Expert Engineers, Advanced Tools, No Outsourcing
All services are done in-house by engineers trained on optical spectrum analyzers. We use:
- Laser reference benches
- Dark rooms with anti-vibration isolation
- Cleanroom-grade fiber inspection
- Custom automation scripts (Python/LabVIEW)
- Cloud-based QA data logging
We do not outsource to third parties. This ensures full quality control and traceability.
🛰️ Who We Serve
- Telecom and fiber optics labs
- Photonics component manufacturers
- Government R&D labs
- University laser research centers
- Military-grade optical system integrators
- Medical device manufacturers
Whether you’re analyzing telecom lasers, LIDAR systems, or optical biosensors, our OSA services ensure the precision your work depends on.
📩 Get Your OSA Serviced Today
Your Optical Spectrum Analyzer is the heart of your optical test bench. Don’t let signal drift, resolution loss, or wavelength inaccuracies affect your work.
📧 Email us at sales@aumictech.com
✅ Get a quote within 24 hours
✅ Fast 5–10 business day turnaround
✅ Certified calibration and detailed service reports
Aumictech — Precision Calibration & Repair for Optical Test Instruments
Trust Aumictech for the highest standards of accuracy, speed, and technical capability. Whether you’re running DWDM tests, laser development, or passive component QA, we’ll keep your Optical Spectrum Analyzer in perfect spectral health.
