Optical spectrum analyser for measurements on LEDs and laser light sources

The new Yokogawa AQ6373 is an optical spectrum analyser designed to carry out measurements over the wavelength range from 350 to 1200 nm, including the visible light spectrum from 380 to 780 nm.

In addition to its world-class optical performance in areas such as resolution, accuracy, sensitivity, measurement speed and dynamic range, the AQ6373 features a colour analysis function which makes it ideally suited to measurements on LEDs and laser light sources.

Key performance parameters include a wavelength accuracy of ±0.05 nm, a wavelength resolution down to 0.01 nm, and a sensitivity of -80 dBm, switchable to a choice of high dynamic-range modes.

High-speed measurements result from a standard sweep time down to one second (0.5 sec in automatic mode), while the free-space optical input makes the instrument applicable to use with single-mode, multimode, and large-diameter-core fibres. A built-in light source is also provided to aid optical alignment.

The AQ6373 offers excellent functionality and operability, with ease of operation and data handling. The large (10.4-inch) bright display features an intuitive graphical user interface, and operation can be controlled via USB mouse and keyboard as well as panel keys.

A large (128 Mbyte) internal memory is backed up by USB memory support, and a variety of built-in functions including filtering, automatic measurements and pass/fail testing provide easy data analysis. Fast remote operation is available via GP-IB, RS-232 and Ethernet.

Key application sectors for the AQ6373 are in the R&D evaluation and production testing of high-performance short-wavelength lasers filters and LEDs: devices that are used in a wide variety of sectors including medical analysis and treatment, biological microscopy, industrial machining, telecommunications, optical rangefinding and interferometry, and consumer electronics.