TLB-6500 Swept-Wavelength Tunable Laser Systems • All band test available with wavelengths at 980 nm, O band, and E+S band • Fast 100-nm/s tuning reduces measurement and setup times • >70-dB ASE low-noise version for testing high-performance components Product Tutorial: Building a SweptWavelength System. See page 13. The TLB-6500 family of lasers was designed specifically for high-volume testing of high-performance WDM components and amplifier test, and enables fast, high-resolution, low-noise measurements. You can characterize components over the entire C+L, E+S, O, and 980-nm bands faster and more precisely than with an OSA. The lasers offer 100-nm/s mode-hopfree tuning, 30-pm open-loop accuracy, and rugged 24/7 reliability, and are available in low-noise and high-power. For measurements requiring high dynamic range, such as the characterization of fiber-Bragg gratings, choose the model extension -L. It offers greater than 70-dB ASE and an integrated dynamic range of greater than 60 dB. For applications requiring more power, choose the model extension -H. With greater than 6 dBm of output power over the entire tuning range, use these lasers to test multiple devices, or multiple outputs of a single device, simultaneously. With all configurations, the fast 100-nm/s tuning allows you to observe your components’ wavelength responses in real time, so you can observe and measure critical component adjustments during the manufacturing process. To simplify operation, we’ve designed the TLB-6500 with a language-independent iconbased interface for easy global deployment. The controls are nearly as easy to use for novice technicians as for experts. We’ve kept the number of “clicks” to a minimum, so operators can quickly and easily program, select, or even step through a series of wavelengths. The revolutionary control pad detaches from the base unit so each user can customize their workplace for optimal convenience and productivity. Use the Ethernet, RS-232, or GPIB (IEEE488) interfaces and a computer to set and monitor parameters. The general-purpose detector input on the back panel allows you to implement digital-control algorithms. Analog signals read through this input are digitized and made available through the computer interface. For more information on how our TLB-6500 tunable laser can enhance your system, please contact our sales department at [email protected]. Higher power and custom wavelengths are available. Please contact our sales department for information on the latest products at [email protected]. The TLB-6500 lasers are covered by U.S. Patent #5,319,668 and pending patents. The control pad detaches from the base unit so each user can customize their workplace for optimal convenience and productivity. 22 s a l e s @ n e w f o c u s . c o m f a x : ( 4 0 8 ) 9 1 9 – 6 0 8 3 Lasers & Instruments 0 Detectors, Receivers & Power Meters Power, dB –10 –20 –30 –40 –50 –60 1520 1530 1540 1550 1560 1570 1580 1590 1600 1610 1620 0 The New Focus™ TLB-6500 swept-wavelength tunable laser is ideal for in-process test alignment. This measurement, showing both outputs of a 100-GHz interleaver, was taken in one second with 3-pm resolution using a Model TLB-6500-H-CL. The detailed view demonstrates the high dynamic range of this system. Traditional step-and-measure systems would take hours to measure even half of this range at one third of the resolution. Power, dB –10 –20 –30 –40 –50 –60 1570 1571 1572 10 1600 8 6 1560 4 1540 2 1520 40 60 80 0 1520 100 1540 1560 1580 1600 1620 , Time, s Tuning linearity for the Model TLB-6500-L-CL. This data was taken at 100-nm/s, 10-nm/s, and 1-nm/s. , Power stability over the entire C+L tuning range. C+L Band Laser Carrier and ASE for Models TLB-6500-L-CL and TLB-6500-H-CL. E+S Band Laser O Band Laser 980–nm Band Laser 1425–1525 nm 1260–1340 nm 1260–1340 nm 960–995 nm Absolute Wavelength Accuracy1 30 pm 30 pm 30 pm 30 pm 30 pm 30 pm 30 pm Mode-Hop Performance Mode-Hop Free Mode-Hop Free Mode-Hop Free Mode-Hop Free Mode-Hop Free Mode-Hop Free Mode-Hop Free Wavelength Resolution2 0.1 pm 0.1 pm 0.1 pm 0.1 pm 0.1 pm 0.1 pm 0.1 pm Tuning Speed 1–100 nm/s 1–100 nm/s 1–100 nm/s 1–100 nm/s 1–100 nm/s 1–100 nm/s 1–100 nm/s Output Power >+8 dBm (1520–1620 nm) >+3 dBm (1560–1620 nm) >0 dBm (1520–1620 nm) >+6 dBm (1425–1525 nm) >+1 dBm (1460–1525 nm) >–1 dBm (1425–1525 nm) >+6 dBm (1260–1340 nm) >+1 dBm (1290–1340 nm) >–1 dBm (1260–1340 nm) >+6 dBm (960–995 nm) Side-Mode Suppression Ratio7 >50 dB >50 dB >50 dB >50 dB >50 dB >50 dB >50 dB Amplified Spontaneous Emission (ASE) >40 dB4 >45 dB4 (1520–1620 nm) >70 dB4 >90 dB5 >40 dB4 >45 dB4 (1460–1525 nm) >70 dB4 >90 dB5 >40 dB4 >45 dB4 (1290–1340 nm) >70 dB4 >90 dB5 >35 dB4 >40 dB4 (965–990 nm) Integrated Dynamic Range3 – >55 dB6 >60 dB6,7 (1540–1620 nm) – >55 dB6 >60 dB6,7 (1460–1525 nm) – >55 dB6 >60 dB6,7 (1290–1340 nm) – Model # TLB-6500-H-CL TLB-6500-L-CL TLB-6500-H-ES TLB-6500-L-ES TLB-6500-H-O TLB-6500-L-O TLB-6500-H-98 1 After wavelength recalibration (user-performed function). 2 1 pm in step mode. 3 Measurement taken at maximum rated power. 4 0.1-nm bandwidth, signal to max ASE, 1–3 nm from carrier. 5 0.2-nm bandwidth, signal to max ASE, >5 nm from carrier. 6 Signal to total ASE >0.5 nm from carrier. 7 Typical. CAUTION: Viewing the laser output with certain optical instruments (for example, eye loupes, magnifiers, and microscopes) within a distance of 100 mm may pose an eye hazard. Glossary Related Products: Power Meters (pages 56–59) n Photodetectors (pages 60–99) Definitions of Characteristics (page 11) p h o n e : ( 4 0 8 ) 9 1 9 – 1 5 0 0 Application Notes 1425–1525 nm OEM Solutions 1520–1620 nm Optics 1520–1620 nm Workstations & Breadboards Tuning Range Opto-Mechanical Components 20 , 1580 , Wavelength, nm 1620 Motion Control Wavelength, nm 0 Optical Modulators & Choppers Wavelength, nm w w w . n e w f o c u s . c o m 23 Tunable Laser Selection Guide Whether you need a stand-alone benchtop unit or custom OEM module, turn to the world’s leading supplier of tunable lasers for test and measurement—New Focus™. We offer a wide variety of lasers covering tuning ranges from 400 nm to 2 µm, including swept-wavelength sources, narrowly tunable sources, and new cPCI/PXI module sources. Their highly coherent, tunable output is ideal for applications ranging from telecommunications to atomic and molecular spectroscopy, interferometry, and metrology. The TLM-8700 laser modules use a new technology to achieve 1-nm/s to >1,000-nm/s tuning speeds. Tunable Lasers Currently Available Our new TLB-7000-XP lasers deliver >50 mW at 780 and 850 nm. Benchtop Lasers Wavelengths Covered Mode-Hop-Free Tuning Range TLB-6000 400–420 nm, 630–2000 nm Up to 80 GHz TLB-6300 400–420 nm, 630–2000 nm Up to 80 nm TLB-6500* 1425–1620 nm, 1260–1340 nm, 960–995 nm Up to 100 nm TLB-7000 632.5–640 nm, 835–853 nm 150 GHz TLB-7000-XP 767–781 nm, 840–853 nm 15 GHz Module Lasers Wavelengths Covered Mode-Hop-Free Tuning Range TLM-8700* 1460–1630 nm >110 nm *Custom wavelengths are also available. Call for pricing and lead times. Available on our Web Site For current off-the-shelf laser solutions, visit www.newfocus.com. Diagram of Laser Applications and Their Wavelength Regions 300 nm 400 nm 500 nm 600 nm 390–430 nm Spectroscopy of Ca, In, Rb. 630–700 nm Spectroscopy of Ca, I, Li, Sr88+; replacement for stabilized HeNe; interferometry; optical data storage; holography. 700 nm 800 nm 710–795 nm Spectroscopy of Fr, K, Li, O2, Rb (D1 and D2); magneto-optical traps for atom cooling. 900 nm 1 µm 890–970 nm Spectroscopy of Cs (D1), H2O; second-harmonic generation. 795–890 nm Spectroscopy of Ar, Cs (D2); heterodyne experiments; Raman spectroscopy; magneto-optical traps for atom cooling. 1.1 µm 1.2 µm 970–1100 nm Spectroscopy of He; injection seeding of Nd:YAG lasers; telecommunications pump bands; injection seeding for terahertz generation; secondharmonic generation. Wavelengths from 405 nm–2.0 µm are currently available from New Focus. 8 s a l e s @ n e w f o c u s . c o m f a x : ( 4 0 8 ) 9 1 9 – 6 0 8 3 1.3 µm 1.4 µm 1.25–1.40 µm Spectroscopy of Ar, CH4 (methane), CO, CO2, O2, water vapor; telecommunications. Lasers & Instruments The new TLM-8700 cPCI/PXI tunable laser modules deliver ultrafast tuning of 1,000 nm/s over more than 165 nm of tuning in the C-band. They are easily integrated into the PXI platform with our other modules (swept-wavelength meter and power sensor). 1.6 µm 1.7 µm 1.8 µm 1.9 µm 2.0 µm And, if you don’t see what you need, let our award-winning, interdisciplinary engineering team work with you to design lasers specifically for your application. With our ISO 9001:2000-compliant quality systems, we will manufacture to your specs, on time, and with engineered cost savings. We even have lasers in development for use in spacedeployed atomic clocks. 2.1 µm 2.2 µm 2.3 µm 2.4 µm 2.5 µm Optics 1.5 µm Workstations & Breadboards The TLB-6300 (Velocity™ laser) series is ideal for FM locking, measuring polarizationmode dispersion, and nonlinear optics. The 980-nm model is useful for characterizing EDFA pump components. New this year are lasers that cover the wavelength ranges from 1.6 to 2.0 µm for environmental sensing. For other wavelengths, please contact us. Opto-Mechanical Components The swept-wavelength TLB-6500 laser family offers coverage across all key telecom bands, low ASE, and an easy-to-use iconbased interface for telecomcomponent characterization and fiber-sensing applications. Motion Control The TLB-390X laser is ideal for DWDM telecom test-and-measurement applications requiring 20 mW of output power across the C band. Optical Modulators & Choppers The new TLB-7000-XP laser offers a 5 to 10 times improvement in output powers at 780 and 850 nm. With greater than 50 mW of output power, these lasers are ideal for atomic cooling and clock experiments where you need more power. Detectors, Receivers & Power Meters The TLB-6000 (Vortex™ laser) series consists of reasonably priced, builtto-order lasers with tuning ranges up to 80 GHz—wide enough for most absorption spectra and metrology applications. The TLB-7000 StableWave™ laser series builds upon the popular TLB-6000 (Vortex™ laser) series offering improved performance at 633 nm and 852 nm with increased ruggedness—ideal for atomic-clock, cooling, metrology, and phase-shifting-interferometry applications. 2.6 µm OEM Solutions 1.94–2.08 µm Spectroscopy of CO2, NH2, water vapor. 2.10–2.60 µm Spectroscopy of CO, N2O, CH4 (methane), NH2, water vapor. 1.70–1.82 µm Spectroscopy of CH4 (methane), He, NO, water vapor. Application Notes 1.48–1.67 µm Spectroscopy of acetylene, CH4 (methane), CO, CO2, Kr, NH2, water vapor, hydrocarbons; telecommunications; fiber-Bragg gratings that measure temperature, pressure, and strain. Glossary For wavelengths above 2.0 µm please call for availability. p h o n e : ( 4 0 8 ) 9 1 9 – 1 5 0 0 w w w . n e w f o c u s . c o m 9 Technical Note New Focus™ Tunable Lasers What’s Inside Our Tunable Lasers The laser cavities in our external-cavity diode laser (ECDL) systems and laser modules are the result of many years of experience in designing and manufacturing tunable lasers. Their demonstrated quality and reliability have helped make New Focus the leading supplier of tunable lasers for test and measurement. All New Focus lasers start out as commercially available semiconductor-diode lasers. These diodes typically operate with several longitudinal modes lasing simultaneously, leading to low coherence and large linewidths. To ensure high coherence, we anti-reflection (AR) coat the diodes so they act only as gain elements. The diode can then be placed in an external cavity that contains wavelength-selective optics so that only a single mode lases at any given time. Robust, Proprietary AR Coating for Broad Wavelength Tunability True single-mode tuning requires that the optical feedback is dominated by the external optics, not by reflections from the diode facet. We use a proprietary ARcoating process to reduce residual diode reflectivities to below 0.001—which guarantees true single-mode operation. This process allows us to use nearly any available single-mode diode laser and achieve low reflectivity over a broad wavelength range. In addition, since the lifetime of an ECDL is commonly limited by that of the AR coating, our proprietary process ensures that our coatings last. Precision Mechanics Result in a Laser with Truly Continuous, Mode-Hop-Free Tuning Laser Cavity Designs for 24/7 Reliability Once the diode is coated, we place it in an external laser cavity that is a modified Littman-Metcalf configuration. In this cavity, a grazing-incidence diffraction grating and a tuning element provide all the necessary dispersion for single-mode operation. In addition, our cavity design allows modehop-free tuning. The wavelength in our modified Littman-Metcalf laser is changed by rotating the tuning element, which changes the diffracted wavelength fed back into the cavity. To prevent mode hopping, the cavity length must be kept at a constant number of wavelengths as the laser tunes. This requires positioning the pivot point around which the tuning element rotates with sub-micron accuracy, enabling us to produce lasers with no mode hops. Adding our extensive experience in manufacturing lasers and opto-mechanics to the proprietary AR coating and unique cavity design results in a robust and rugged laser that can withstand rough handling and a variety of environmental conditions. These lasers surpass international shipping standards for shock and vibration and can operate in environments with up to 80% relative humidity from 15–35 ºC. This means that they can survive the long-term, 24/7 use (and abuse) found on many manufacturing floors. Tight Environmental Control for Narrow Linewidth Once single-mode operation is established by the optics in the external cavity, the linewidth of the laser can be affected by acoustic coupling and cavity-temperature variations, each of which can change the cavity length, and electrical-noise coupling, which causes changes in the index of refraction of the diode and in the piezo length (also affecting the cavity length). Every aspect of our laser design aims to minimize these effects. For example, our laser controllers feature current sources with less than 100-nArms current noise in a 1-MHz bandwidth. Tuning Element Wavelength Tuning HR Coating AR Coating Laser-Diode Chip Collimating Lens Diffraction Grating Laser Output A modified Littman-Metcalf configuration. 10 s a l e s @ n e w f o c u s . c o m f a x : ( 4 0 8 ) 9 1 9 – 6 0 8 3 Absolute Wavelength Accuracy Minimum Power The maximum difference between the measured wavelength and the displayed wavelength of the laser system. The lowest power that the laser will output across its specified tuning range when the current is set to its recommended operating value. Due to changes in diode gain and cavity loss with wavelength, the laser’s output power is not constant as it tunes. (See tuning curves on page 14.) Amplified Spontaneous Emission (ASE) The ratio of the optical power at the center of the laser linewidth to the optical power at a given distance, as measured using an optical spectrum analyzer with a set resolution bandwidth. (See “Why is the Noise Spectrum Important?” on page 12.) Output Power The typical power that the laser will output across the entire tuning range. Coarse-Tuning Resolution Power Repeatability The smallest wavelength change you can make with the coarse-tuning DC motor on the TLB-6300 laser. The typical difference in power between scans for a given wavelength. Current-Modulation Bandwidth The highest rate at which the laser diode’s current can be changed. This is the 3-dB frequency of the direct-modulation input located at the laser head. Power Stability Fine-Frequency Modulation Bandwidth Side-Mode Suppression Ratio The highest rate at which the fine-tuning PZT in the laser cavity can modulate the laser frequency. The specified bandwidth is for a 3-dB drop from a low-frequency baseline under small-signal modulation. The ratio of the carrier to the nearest side mode. Fine-Frequency Tuning Range The frequency range over which the laser can be piezoelectrically tuned. (If λ is the wavelength of the laser and c is the speed of light, the tuning range expressed in frequency, ∆ν, and wavelength, ∆λ, is related by ∆ν=c•∆λ/λ2. Keep in mind that 30 GHz is equivalent to 1 cm–1.) The maximum deviation in power as the laser sits at a specific wavelength over a 1-hour period. Tuning Range The span of wavelengths over which the laser is guaranteed to operate. For the TLB-6300 series, the laser may be able to tune outside this range, but this may introduce mode hops. Tuning Speed The speed over which the laser can sweep over the entire tuning range. Typical Maximum Power Integrated Dynamic Range The ratio of the signal to the source emission, integrated over all wavelengths. This is measured by observing the spectrum of two cascaded fiber-Bragg gratings with a total rejection ratio of >100 dB and a 0.8-nm window, and is a realistic expectation of the dynamic range of your measurement. (See “Why is the Noise Spectrum Important?” on page 12.) Linewidth The laser’s short-term frequency stability. It is measured using a heterodyne beatnote that is recorded over a 50-ms interval. The linewidth varies as a function of integration time. For a graph of the measured frequency stability versus integration time, please see the discussion on page 14. The maximum output power you can expect over the laser’s tuning range. Due to changes in diode gain and cavity loss with wavelength, the laser’s output power is not constant as it tunes. Wavelength Repeatability The largest measured deviation that may occur when the laser returns to a given set wavelength. This is a measure of how well the laser returns to a set wavelength over many attempts and when approached from different directions. Wavelength Resolution The smallest step the laser can tune. Wavelength Stability The maximum amount of drift the laser will exhibit over a specified period of time and temperature variation. Maximum Coarse-Tuning Speed The highest guaranteed speed at which the TLB-6300 laser can tune using the coarse-tuning DC motor. The actual maximum coarse-tuning speed for individual systems may vary, but will always be at least this fast. p h o n e : ( 4 0 8 ) 9 1 9 – 1 5 0 0 w w w . n e w f o c u s . c o m 11 Definitions of Characteristics New Focus™ Tunable Lasers Why is the Noise Spectrum Important? Increasing the Dynamic Range of Your Measurements Understanding the noise spectrum of a laser is important in making a purchase decision, since its noise characteristics will limit the dynamic range of your measurements. Yet it’s often hard to make valid comparisons, because each company specifies the noise differently. That’s why at New Focus we specify our swept-wavelength lasers and laser modules in a few different ways so that you can make accurate comparisons with our competitors. So when you’re comparing ASE or dynamic range specifications, remember to ask: First we specify the amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) at two distances away from the carrier by using an OSA at resolution bandwidths (RBWs) of 0.1 nm and 0.2 nm. In addition, we specify the signal-to-ASE ratio, integrated over all wavelengths. This is especially important because receivers are insensitive to wavelength and so integrate all the incident power regardless of wavelength. 2) What is the integrated signal-to-noise ratio? How far away was this measurement from the carrier? Over what wavelength range? What method was used? We measure this integrated dynamic range by observing the spectrum of two cascaded fiberBragg gratings with a total rejection ratio of >100 dB and a 0.8-nm window. The fiber-Bragg gratings reject the laser-carrier wavelength while transmitting most of the ASE. The power meter used to measure the ASE has a >90-dB dynamic range. As the laser wavelength is scanned across the fiber-Bragg gratings, the measured rejection ratio is limited only by the noise spectrum of the laser and is a measurement of the ratio of the signal to the total integrated source emission outside the 0.8-nm bandwidth of the filter. This is the achievable wavelength-integrated dynamic range and is a realistic expectation of what you’ll see in your lab. 1) Was the measurement taken with an OSA? If so, what was the resolution bandwidth? How far away from the carrier? Over what wavelength range? NOTE: An OSA will slow down your measurement and is not ideal for swept-wavelength measurements. Detection systems should have bandwidths of a few 100 kHz. Optical power transmission through two matched narrownotch-filter fiber-Bragg-grating reflectors measured with the Model 6528-LN. The ratio of the signal power to the total integrated ASE-background power outside the 0.8-nm filter width is >70 dB. Optical Photoreceiver or Power Sensor TLB 6500 100.0 0 nm/s Matched Fiber-Bragg Gratings Schematic of an ASE measurement setup. 12 s a l e s @ n e w f o c u s . c o m f a x : ( 4 0 8 ) 9 1 9 – 6 0 8 3 A swept-wavelength system is similar to the traditional step-and-measure system in that you’ll need a tunable laser source, the device you want to test, some optical photoreceivers or power sensors (the number depends on the number of output ports in your device), and a data-acquisition and display system. The key components to a swept-wavelength system are a tunable source, optical photoreceivers, and a data-acquisition and display system: Tunable Source: The most critical component in the system, the source must be able to tune linearly and mode-hop free over the wavelength range. The accuracy of the measurement is directly coupled to the linearity of the laser sweep. The swept-wavelength system differs from the step-and-measure system only in the specific requirements of the source and photoreceivers. In the step-and-measure system, the source is “stepped” through the wavelength range, dwelling for a period of time at a number of specified wavelengths while data is taken. In the sweptwavelength system, the source is tuned continuously through the wavelength range of interest at a constant speed. Data is acquired continuously throughout the sweep. Converting dBm to mW Optical power as measured in dBm is the unit decibel (dB) with respect to 1 mW: dBm=10 log (Optical Power/1 mW) For a quick reference, use the following table. Optical Photoreceivers: Traditional power meters are too slow for this technique so photoreceivers or power sensors are the best choice. Be sure you choose one with large enough bandwidth to handle the fast sweep of the TLB-6500 (like the Model 2011, page 62 or the Model 2103, page 60). Data Acquisition and Display: Data from the photoreceivers is sent into a DAQ card and displayed on your computer. Alternatively, the photoreceivers’ outputs can be displayed directly on a multichannel oscilloscope. Computer with DAQ Card Optical Photoreceivers or Power Sensors TLB-6500 Tunable Source 100.0 0 Product Tutorial Building a Swept-Wavelength System Optical Power (dBm) Optical Power (mW) 15 31.6 14 25.1 13 20.0 12 15.8 11 12.6 10 10.0 9 7.9 8 6.3 7 5.0 6 4.0 5 3.2 4 2.5 3 2.0 2 1.6 1 1.3 0 1.0 –1 0.79 –2 0.63 –3 0.50 –4 0.40 –5 0.32 –6 0.25 –7 0.20 –8 0.16 –9 0.13 –10 0.10 –11 0.08 –12 0.06 –13 0.05 –14 0.04 –15 0.03 nm/s Interleaver Schematic of a swept-wavelength system. Review the following application notes describing the swept-wavelength method in more detail: • Application Note 9: Swept-Wavelength Testing: Measuring Fiber-Bragg-Grating Temperature Drift (page 294) • Application Note 10: Swept-Wavelength Testing: Saving Time and Bringing Real-Time Process Control to the Manufacturing Environment (page 296) • Application Note 11: Swept-Wavelength Testing: Insights into Swept-Wavelength Characterization of Passive Fiber-Optic Components (page 301) p h o n e : ( 4 0 8 ) 9 1 9 – 1 5 0 0 w w w . n e w f o c u s . c o m 13
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