Yokogawa introduces AQ6377, the world’s first OSA that allows side mode analysis of MWIR lasers

Amersfoort, the Netherlands                      Yokogawa Europe

January 23^rd, 2020

Yokogawa introduces wide band Optical Spectrum Analyzer unlocking new possibilities for environmental sensing and medical applications.

For environmental sensing applications, lasers are increasingly being used to detect gases such as CO₂, N₂O and NO. They achieve this by identifying the wavelength absorption lines of the different gases. However, the side modes of the laser, which are normally hard to detect, reduce the laser’s capability to distinguish between the various gases.

In the 3.5 to 5µm range (mid infrared) the AQ6377 is the only OSA that is capable of analysing the wavelength spectrum of lasers, including their side modes, with high accuracy.

Gas sensor system manufacturers will now be able to evaluate the purity of the emissions and to characterise the lasers more precisely, thus enabling the selection of the best laser(s) for specific applications.

Quantum Cascade Lasers (QCL), which are increasingly being used for medical spectroscopy diagnostics, operate using a pulsed technique, across a very wide wavelength range. The Yokogawa AQ6377 is now able to offer the capability to perform stable measurements in this wide wavelength range and also to evaluate pulsed QCL signals with low repetition rates, which has hitherto been difficult to achieve. The AQ6377 therefore delivers a true step change, allowing researchers to work with various pulse lengths and repetition rates.

Key features of the AQ6377, which together provide the capability to visualise the side-modes of MWIR lasers, include a wavelength resolution of 0.2 nm, a wavelength accuracy of ±0.5 nm, a high dynamic range of 50 dB, and a level sensitivity down to -60 dBm. The wide dynamic range and high sensitivity have been achieved by reducing the influence of stray-light in the monochromator. The built-in calibration light source takes advantage of the natural absorption properties of acetylene gas to deliver a wavelength calibration signal which is accurate to 0.6 picometres. This source is also used in conjunction with the automatic optical alignment capability to compensate for any deviation in the optical axis caused by vibrations and shock suffered in transit, and those due to temperature changes. Using those features, the AQ6377 can maintain its high optical performance on site.

In addition, the free-space optical input makes it possible to connect both single-mode MWIR fibres and multimode (up to 400 µm) to the same instrument, and delivers a low and stable insertion loss, which increases measurement repeatability. The lack of physical contact also eliminates the possibility of damage when fibres are connected.

Another important feature of AQ6377 is purging. In the MWIR region, spectral measurements can be strongly influenced by the absorption of water vapour and carbon dioxide. The purging feature is designed to significantly reduce the influence of these gases by continuously supplying a pure purge gas, such as nitrogen, to the monochromator through the dedicated connectors on the back panel.

“With the global attention to air quality and the effects of greenhouse gases, we take pride in our ability to help improve the accuracy of their measurements.”, says Terry Marrinan, VP Sales & Marketing Yokogawa Europe and South-East Asia: “By creating the AQ6377 high performance OSA, we are responding to the needs of customers developing solutions for optical gas sensing as well as surgical equipment who require measurement equipment of a maximum performance that is also easy-to-use and maintain.”

For further information about the AQ6377 5 µm Optical Spectrum Analyzer please visit: https://tmi.yokogawa.com/eu/solutions/products/optical-measuring-instruments/optical-spectrum-analyzer/aq6377-optical-spectrum-analyzer/

About Yokogawa Test & Measurement

Yokogawa has been developing measurement solutions for over 100 years, consistently finding new ways to give R&D teams the tools they need to gain the best insights from their measurement strategies. The company has pioneered accurate power measurement throughout its history. In 2002 it became a leading supplier of optical Test & Measurement instruments following the acquisition of Ando Electric. Today, with more than 30 years of experience in optical testing, Yokogawa offers a broad range of optical instruments and is the market leader for Optical Spectrum Analyzers in research and test laboratory environments.

Yokogawa instruments are renowned for maintaining high levels of precision and for continuing to deliver value for far longer than the typical shelf-life of such equipment. Yokogawa believes that precise and effective measurement lies at the heart of successful innovation – and has focused its own R&D on providing the tools that researchers and engineers need to address challenges great and small.

Yokogawa takes pride in its reputation for quality, both in the products it delivers – often adding new features in response to specific client requests – and the level of service and advice provided to clients, helping to devise measurement strategies for even the most challenging environments.

The guaranteed accuracy and precision of Yokogawa’s instruments results from the fact that Yokogawa has its own European standards laboratory at its European headquarters in The Netherlands. This facility is the only industrial (i.e. non-government or national) organisation to offer ISO 17025 accredited power calibration, at frequencies up to 100 kHz: a requirement for higher harmonic measurements specified in quality standards such as ISO 9000.

Meet the Precision Makers at tmi.yokogawa.com

About Yokogawa

Founded in 1915, Yokogawa engages in broad-ranging activities in the areas of measurement, control, and information. The industrial automation business provides vital products, services, and solutions to a diverse range of process industries including oil, chemicals, natural gas, power, iron and steel, and pulp and paper. With the life innovation business, the company aims to radically improve productivity across the pharmaceutical and food industry value chains. The test & measurement, aviation, and other businesses continue to provide essential instruments and equipment with industry-leading precision and reliability. Yokogawa co-innovates with its customers through a global network of 113 companies spanning 60 countries, generating US$3.6 billion in sales in FY2018. For more information, please visit www.yokogawa.com.

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