Agilent Optical Equipment
6 models with full specifications in Optical Equipment.
Agilent optical test systems rely on a modular architecture consisting of mainframes, interface modules, and external optical heads. This guide covers key optical heads and interface components designed for fiber optic power measurements, focusing on detector technology (InGaAs, Germanium, and Silicon) and system compatibility. These systems can be configured for high-sensitivity low-power detection, high-power transmitter testing, or legacy system integration.
- Spectral Response Range
- 450 nm to 1800 nm
- Sensor Active Diameter
- 5 mm
- Power Measurement Limits
- -90 dBm to +27 dBm
All models
| Model | Type | Interfaces | Dimensions (W×H×D) | Operating Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 81624B | Heads, Optical | Proprietary connector to 81618A/81619A interface modules | 80 mm × 55 mm × 50 mm | 0 °C to +40 °C |
| 81623B | Heads, Optical | Connects to 816x mainframes via 81618A (single-channel) or 81619A (dual-channel) interface modules | — | — |
| 81521B | Heads, Optical | Proprietary optical head interface cable to mainframe/interface module | 75 mm × 28 mm × 115 mm | 0 to 40 °C |
| 81533A | Heads, Optical | 1 x Optical Head input connector, proprietary backplane interface | 32 mm × 75 mm × 335 mm | 0 to 55 °C |
| 81624A | Heads, Optical | Proprietary connection cable to interface module | 58 mm × 55 mm × 80 mm | 0 °C to 40 °C |
| 81626B | Heads, Optical | Proprietary interface cable connected to 81618A or 81619A interface module | 55 mm × 50 mm × 85 mm | 0 °C to +40 °C |
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Detector Technologies and Power Ranges
The selection of an Agilent optical power head is primarily driven by the sensor material, which dictates the spectral response and measurement range. Indium Gallium Arsenide (InGaAs) heads, such as the Agilent 81624A and Agilent 81624B, operate from 800 nm to 1700 nm and offer a power range from -90 dBm to +10 dBm. These models are suitable for low-power and high-sensitivity applications.
Germanium (Ge) detectors cover various ranges depending on their design. The Agilent 81626B operates from 850 nm to 1650 nm and is tailored for high-power applications, measuring up to +27 dBm. The Agilent 81623B uses a standard Germanium sensor covering 750 nm to 1800 nm, with an optional Silicon detector covering 450 nm to 1020 nm. For legacy systems, the Agilent 81521B features a cooled Germanium PIN diode operating between 900 nm and 1700 nm with a power measurement range of +3 to -80 dBm.
Mainframe and Module Compatibility
Optical heads require a compatible interface module to connect to their respective mainframes. The Agilent 81533A is an interface module that fits into a single slot of the HP/Agilent 8153A Lightwave Multimeter, providing an input channel to integrate legacy heads like the Agilent 81521B.
Modern power heads, including the Agilent 81623B, Agilent 81624A, Agilent 81624B, and Agilent 81626B, connect via proprietary cables to the 81618A (single-channel) or 81619A (dual-channel) interface modules. These modules slot into modern mainframes; for example, the Agilent 81626B specifically lists compatibility with 8163A, 8163B, 8164A, 8164B, 8166A, and 8166B mainframes.
Popular models
Frequently asked questions
- What are the key noise and calibration storage differences for the cooled Germanium head?
- The Agilent 81521B features a cooled Germanium PIN diode detector that minimizes noise levels to less than 50 pW between 1200 nm and 1600 nm. It also includes built-in non-volatile memory for calibration data storage.
- How do the polarization dependence specifications compare between the 81624A and 81624B?
- The Agilent 81624B provides a polarization dependence (PDL) of less than 0.005 dB (typically less than 0.002 dB) within the 1250 nm to 1600 nm range. The Agilent 81624A lists its polarization dependence typically under 0.01 dB.