The AQ6370D is the latest iteration of the most popular Telecom class OSA from Yokogawa. It offers a versatile wavelength range of 600 nm to 1700 nm ideally suited for both Telecommunications and general-purpose applications. The unique free space input design allows testing of both DWDM class Singlemode and VCSEL sourced multi-mode fibers in one single model.
Newly added functions include data logging, gate sampling, resolution calibration, an advanced marker function, and an enhanced auto-sweep mode.
Measuring power supply noise with spectrum analyzer:
Calibrate resolution for bandwidth accuracy for the best noise measurement results and optical power measurement results for wideband light sources.
Smoothing attenuates excessive noise in a measured waveform.
The following types of data are recorded for WDM analysis and peaks.
There are two models available, Standard and High performance. The High performance model provides even higher wavelength accuracy and dynamic range.
High wavelength resolution: 0.02nm
Wavelength Range | Standard (-12) | High Performance (-22) |
1520 to 1580 nm 1580 to 1620 nm 1450 to 1520 nm Full range |
±0.02 nm ±0.02 nm ±0.04 nm ±0.1 nm |
±0.01 nm ±0.02 nm ±0.04 nm ±0.1 nm |
With the reduced stray-light in the monochromator, AQ6370D achieves ultra-high dynamic range of typ. 78dB.
Standard (-12) | High Performance (-22) | |
Peak± 1.0 nm Peak± 0.4 nm Peak± 0.2 nm |
73 dB 62 dB 45 dB |
73 dB (Typ.78dB) 64 dB (Typ.70dB) 50 dB (Typ.55dB) |
*Resolution setting 0.05 nm |
The high performance model can also achieve a higher dynamic range within 0.2nm of the peak wavelength. With the sharper spectral characteristics of the monochromator, spectral signals in close proximity can be separated clearly and measured accurately.
Standard (-12) | High Performance (-22) | |
Peak± 0.2 nm Peak± 0.1 nm |
55 dB 37 dB |
58 dB (Typ.60dB) 45 dB (Typ.50dB) |
*Resolution setting 0.02 nm |
Standard (AQ6370D-12) | High Performance (AQ6370D-22) |
73dB | 76dB (Typ. 80dB) |
*Resolution setting 0.1nm |
Example of the stray-light suppression ratio
High dynamic mode: ON, Resolution setting 0.1 nm, High performance model
The AQ6370D can measure high power sources such as optical amplifiers and pump lasers for Raman amplifiers, and very weak optical signals as well. Measurement sensitivity can be chosen from seven categories according to test applications and measurement speed requirements.
Fast Sweep: 0.2sec./100nm
With an advanced monochromator, faster electrical circuits, and noise reduction techniques, the AQ6370D achieves fast measurement speed even when measuring a steep spectrum from DFB-LD or DWDM signals, or when measuring a low power signal from a broadband light source.
Fast Remote Interface (Ethernet, GP-IB)
The 50,001 data sampling points expands measurement range in a single sweep while keeping a high wavelength resolution. This makes your measurement easier and more efficient than conventional systems.
Trace Zooming
Mouse & Keyboard Operation
The Data Logging function records analysis results such as WDM analysis (OSNR, optical signal/noise ratio), distributed feedback laser diode (DFB-LD) analysis, and multi-peak measurements at up to 10,000 points per channel with time stamps. Recorded data can be displayed in table and graphical forms. This function is useful for the long-term stability testing and temperature cycle testing of systems and devices. The optical spectrum of each measurement can also be stored for reviewing and troubleshooting.
Example of the data logging display
The Advanced Marker function adds markers to obtain the power density and the integrated power of a designated spectrum. This new feature makes it easy to get an OSNR value of the signal, whether modulated or not, directly from its spectrum.
Example of the advanced marker
The Gate Sampling function facilitates the recirculating loop testing of optical transmission systems. Using an external gate signal, the AQ6370D obtains the optical spectrum of the signal which is passing through a certain loop. The advantage of this approach is its speed compared with the conventional External Trigger or Sweep Enable function.
The Resolution Calibration function is used to calibrate the noise equivalent bandwidth with an external light source. With this new feature, the measurements of power density of a broad spectrum light source will be more accurate
7 Indvidual Traces
15 Specific Data Analysis Functions
for popular applications, such as:
Macro Programming
Fast Remote Interfaces
Ambient condition change, vibration and shock to an optical precision product, like an optical spectrum analyzer, will effect the optical components, and eventually degrade optical performance. Using standard functions, AQ6370D can maintain its high optical performance within a couple of minutes so that you can quickly start a measurement.
Built-in wavelength reference source
Wavelength calibration function
Optical alignment function
AQ6370D's overall high performance can cover not only manufacturing of optical devices and optical transmission systems but also research and development, and a variety of other applications.
The free space beam from device level optical sources for LiDAR, 3D sensing, Wafer Chips, optical transceiver TOSAs and laser diodes (LD) in general may be conveniently coupled to a fiber input using various beam capture solutions to optimize the spectral detection performance of the OSA.
For performing long term testing of extreme temperature effects for automotive LiDAR devices as an example, learn how the Data Logging Function can be utilized to eliminate time consuming program development and validation.
AQ6370D's wide close-in dynamic range allows accurate OSNR measurement of DWDM transmission systems (up to 50 GHz spacing). The built-in WDM analysis function analyzes the measured waveform and shows peak wavelength, peak level and OSNR of WDM signals up to 1024 channels simultaneously.
The ASE interpolation method is used to measure gain, NF, and key parameters for optical fiber amplifier evaluation. With WDM-NF analysis function, up to 1024 channels of multiplexed signals can simultaneously be tested. An ASE level for NF measurements is calculated by using a curve-fit function for each WDM channel.
Reduced energy, emission of CO2, NOx and SOx about 17% compared to the previous model. Results of Life Cycle Assessment |
By connecting a GI 50 or GI 62.5 optical fiber with a relatively large NA to the NA Conversion Fiber, the NA Conversion Fiber reduces the loss that occurs at the input and improves the measurement dynamic range during passive device measurements and the stability of optical level measurements during active device measurements.
Lack of reliable high-speed internet access in rural regions, due to complicated logistics and the considerable costs involved to extend land-based networks to these areas, has inspired a wave of next-generation applications that will provide greater accessibility and reliability. Making use of “space laser” networks, these revolutionary solutions can relay digital traffic via low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite systems to provide low-latency, high-speed broadband services to communities typically beyond the reach of standard wireless and fiber networks.
To accurately measure pulsed light using an optical spectrum analyzer (OSA), it is necessary to understand the characteristics of the OSA and select the appropriate measurement method and settings.
A new type of computer based on the theory of quantum mechanics, a quantum computer, is currently in development by researchers around the globe. The theory of quantum mechanics describes nature at the atomic and subatomic level. Quantum technology has the potential to build powerful tools that process information using the properties of atoms, photons, and electrons. These quantum computers could also address challenges of much greater complexity than what today's computers can solve, and help further advancements in science, technology, medicine, and more.
With countries spending billions of dollars, the race for who can produce the first practical, commercialized quantum computer is on. There are currently several approaches to build this sort of computer, and this all begins with creating and initializing quantum bits, also known as qubits.
Laval University is a research institution world renowned for optics and photonics technology research and training, and are the founders of The Center for Optics, Photonics, and Lasers (COPL).
The university's researchers needed a faster and more efficient and practical solution to measure the spectral performance of lasers and optics beyond traditional telecom wavelengths. To achieve this, they contacted Yokogawa Test&Measurement and collaborated to develop a breakthrough grating-based optical spectrum analyzer that could cover MWIR wavelengths up to 5.5 um. Click to learn how productivity in the research lab dramatically increased for precise characterization of laser sources, and active/passive optical components in the fields of communications, medical diagnosis, advanced optical sensing, and environmental and atmospheric sensing.
In a research paper published on Nature.com, a team of researchers from the University of Virginia, Peking University, Shanxi University, and California Institute of Technology use a Yokogawa Test&Measurement Optical Spectrum Analyzer in order to achieve spectrum measurements above 1200 nm.
In research published on IEEE Xplore, researchers from Harbin Engineering University, the University of Limerick, and the Technological University Dublin use a Yokogawa Test&Measurement AQ6370C Optical Spectrum Analyzer to measure wavelengths when fiber is subjected to temperature changes.
University of Central Florida researcher uses a Yokogawa Test&Measurement AQ6370B Optical Spectrum Analyzer to map the properties of a new silicon waveguide fiber.
The extreme test requirements of our research called for an OSA with extended MIR spectrum bandwidth capabilities up to 5μm, but we couldn’t find one on the market capable of measuring optical inputs at these wavelengths. Yokogawa Test&Measurement rose to the challenge and developed a new OSA model for us that would. Not only do we now have an instrument that is practically custom-made for our needs, it provides repeatable, accurate, and trusted measurement outputs and is easy to learn and use. Their equipment and ability to create a new optical measurement solution has definitely increased the overall efficiency and productivity of our research team.
— Martin Bernier, PhD, P.Eng., Full Professor, Centre de Optique, Photonique, et Laser, Université Laval
Introducing the new Yokogawa Test&Measurement AQ6380 Optical Spectrum Analyzer. This new OSA includes many sought-after features including:
• An unprecedented 5 pm wavelength resolution
• ±5 pm wavelength accuracy
• 1200 nm to 1650 nm wavelength range
• 65 dB wide close-in dynamic range
• 80 dB stray light suppression
• Automated wavelength calibration
• Gas purging
• DUT-oriented interface and test apps
• Backward-compatible remote interface
• 10.4in intuitive touchscreen
• Up to 20x faster measurement
• Remote operation capabilities
We are going live on YouTube to answer your questions about the Yokogawa Test&Measurement AQ6370 Series of optical spectrum analyzers. Join us to discuss how to make the most of these versatile instruments based on your optical application needs. A few examples are fiber testing, laser/LED testing, LiDAR, optical passive components (filters), and optical transmission equipment (DWDM, CWDM). Whether you’ve worked with an OSA for years or curious if it is a good fit for your work or research, this live stream can help.
Potential items for review include but are not limited to:
Mastering the fundamentals of optical wavelength measurements and having a solid understanding of measurement principles for optical sources and devices is key to measuring with confidence. This webinar provides a thorough review of these foundational elements and concepts as well as:
There are countless technologies available for optical communications devices and systems validation. With so many specifics to take into consideration, it's not always easy for an engineer to determine the best networking and fiber optic measurement solution to address their measurement needs.
Key discussions in this on-demand webinar include: