Wavelength Meter Repair and Calibration Services at Aumictech

Precision Optical Instrumentation Restoration – NIST-Traceable Accuracy for Demanding Photonics Applications

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Introduction: The Critical Role of Wavelength Meters in Optical Systems

In today’s photonics-driven world, wavelength meters are foundational tools in the development, testing, and calibration of lasers, fiber systems, and wavelength-sensitive optical components. Whether in a telecom R&D lab, a university photonics facility, or a laser manufacturing plant, a miscalibrated wavelength meter can introduce errors with cascading consequences.

At Aumictech, we specialize in professional-grade repair and calibration services for wavelength meters from top manufacturers. We service a wide range of models — including legacy and high-end tunable units — restoring them to sub-picometer precision and ensuring traceability to national metrology standards (NIST).

Our lab in Downingtown, PA is equipped with advanced calibration sources, optical benches, and fiber-coupled reference lasers to support accurate and reliable restoration of wavelength meters used in:

• Telecom & DWDM system development
• Fiber laser and diode manufacturing
• Optical component R&D
• Frequency comb stabilization
• Spectroscopic system integration
• Quantum optics and nonlinear experiments

What Is a Wavelength Meter?

A wavelength meter (sometimes referred to as a wavelength analyzer or laser wavelength counter) is a metrology-grade instrument designed to measure the absolute wavelength or frequency of laser sources, typically with sub-picometer or sub-MHz resolution.

Common types include:

• Fizeau interferometer-based meters
• Michelson interferometer systems
• Wavemeter arrays for multi-channel inputs
• High-resolution optical spectrum analyzers used as wavelength meters

They often operate in ranges from 400 nm to 1650+ nm, depending on the detector used (Si, InGaAs, or extended-InGaAs), and offer features such as:

• Single-shot and continuous mode measurement
• Multi-channel fiber input
• Active laser locking feedback (analog or USB)
• Real-time wavelength and frequency readout
• Built-in reference laser (usually 780 nm, 633 nm, or 1550 nm)

Common Wavelength Meter Brands and Models We Service

HighFinesse / Angstrom / Toptica

• WS-6 / WS-7 / WS-8 Series
• WS-7 IR / WS-8 IR / WS-Ultimate
• WSU-2 / WSU-10

Bristol Instruments

• 871 Series Wavelength Meter
• 771 Series (NIR and IR versions)
• 671 Laser Spectrum Analyzer

Keysight / HP / Agilent

• 86120C Optical Wavelength Meter
• 86122A Wavelength Counter
• 86123 Series

Burleigh Instruments

• WA-1500 and WA-1100 Wavemeters
• WA-1650 High-Resolution Optical Wavemeter

Exfo / Ando / Yokogawa

• Some models of OSAs with built-in wavelength calibration modules
• Wavelength tuning monitors and built-in reference lasers

Why Wavelength Meters Need Service

Even precision instruments drift over time. Factors that affect the accuracy and stability of wavelength meters include:

• Aging or weakening of the built-in reference laser diode
• Temperature drift of interferometer cavities
• Mechanical stress on optical benches or beam splitters
• Contamination of input optics or fiber coupling stages
• Firmware errors or internal EEPROM memory corruption
• Detector degradation in InGaAs or Si photodiodes
• Fan and power supply wear affecting internal electronics

Symptoms of a failing or out-of-spec wavelength meter include:

• Incorrect readings (e.g., 1549.32 instead of 1550.12 nm)
• Fluctuating or unstable wavelength output
• Calibration not holding or requiring frequent user resets
• Poor repeatability across measurements
• No detection of low-power lasers or short pulses
• Communication port failures (USB/GPIB)
• Internal “reference laser error” warnings

Aumictech’s Wavelength Meter Repair and Calibration Process

We offer end-to-end service that goes beyond basic recalibration — we repair, optimize, and verify your unit using a combination of reference lasers, high-stability fiber sources, and traceable test equipment.

Step 1: Full Diagnostic Assessment

• Power-on self-check, error log retrieval, and firmware validation
• Baseline wavelength reading verification using reference sources
• Input fiber coupling test and optical throughput assessment
• Repeatability and linearity testing across 1310/1490/1550/1625 nm
• Test of analog output signals and feedback loop (if applicable)
• Internal temperature stability verification under load

Step 2: Internal Cleaning and Mechanical Inspection

• Optical path inspection and cleaning (beam splitters, lenses, cavity surfaces)
• Removal of dust, fibers, or residues from critical mirrors and sensors
• Tightening and re-centering of mechanical assemblies
• Fan, heatsink, and thermal sensor cleaning

Step 3: Electronics and Laser Diagnostics

• Built-in reference laser diode health check (peak power, center wavelength)
• Analog board and ADC stability verification
• Reflow or replacement of degraded capacitors or damaged components
• Verification of detector array integrity (Si/InGaAs pixels)
• Power supply rail testing and noise filtering inspection

Step 4: Firmware Reinstallation and Memory Reset

• Upgrade to latest stable firmware (if supported)
• Reflash of EEPROM if calibration parameters are corrupted
• Reset of drift compensation routines and error counters
• Configuration of device-specific settings (sampling rate, lock loop params)

Step 5: Calibration and Traceability

Using certified laser sources and wavelength references, we conduct:

• Multi-point calibration at 1310, 1490, 1550, and 1625 nm
• Accuracy validation across full range (C+L band or VIS/NIR)
• Verification against NIST-traceable references (e.g., hydrogen, acetylene, telecom ITU grid)
• Short-term and long-term stability validation
• Generation of Calibration Certificate and Performance Report

Output Documents You Receive

• Wavelength Accuracy Test Report (before and after)
• Linearity and repeatability charts
• Internal laser reference validation (with aging notes)
• NIST-traceable Calibration Certificate (valid for 12 months)
• Service summary with warranty (90 days on repair)

Industries We Serve

• Optical and fiber component manufacturers
• DWDM and coherent systems developers
• Quantum computing labs
• National labs and metrology institutions
• University photonics departments
• Defense contractors using laser-based sensing or targeting
• Biomedical laser research teams

Why Choose Aumictech?

• Over 10 years of experience repairing and calibrating advanced optical instrumentation
• U.S.-based lab with fast turnaround (3–5 business days standard)
• In-stock replacement parts for common wavelength meters
• Cleanroom-quality handling and fiber-safe ESD practices
• Detailed test and calibration reports for ISO/QA compliance
• Optional preventative maintenance contracts for heavy-use labs
• Trade-in and resale support for older or discontinued models

Optional Add-On Services

• Fiber input replacement or cleaning with fiber scope imaging
• Internal reference laser diode replacement (if out of spec)
• USB/GPIB interface repair or upgrade
• Analog lock loop calibration for laser feedback use
• Rehousing or display replacement for older units
• Optical test station integration or alignment assistance
• Remote training on usage and performance validation

Customer Testimonials

“Our WS-7 was reading 1548.98 instead of 1550.10 — we almost failed a whole production batch. Aumictech fixed the calibration, replaced the diode, and issued full compliance docs. We were back online in 4 days.”
— Optical QA Manager, Boston

“The 86120C was stuck at boot and Keysight quoted $5K+ and 8 weeks. Aumictech had it back with new firmware, recalibrated, and perfectly working in under a week.”
— Network R&D Team, San Diego

Request Service or Calibration Today

If your wavelength meter is showing signs of drift, instability, or failure, don’t risk unreliable measurements — let Aumictech bring it back to precision.

Email: sales@aumictech.com
Lab: Downingtown, PA, USA
Website: www.aumictech.com

We offer U.S. nationwide and international shipping with insurance options. Pack your unit using original foam or contact us for packaging tips to avoid optical damage.

Final Thoughts

Wavelength meters are the heartbeat of precision optics labs. A 0.1 nm error can mean a failed device, an invalid experiment, or a laser that won’t lock. At Aumictech, we recognize the stakes and respond with service that’s fast, meticulous, and backed by metrology standards.

From full-scale rebuilds to NIST-traceable calibrations — you can count on us to keep your optical test instruments trustworthy, accurate, and production-ready.