BRISTOL Instruments - Wavelength Meters

Reliable accuracy gives you greater confidence in your WDM test results

Highest guaranteed wavelength accuracy The 228 Optical Wavelength Meter uses a proven optical interferometer-based design to measure the wavelength of CW lasers to the highest accuracy available. Two versions are offered. The model 228A is the most accurate, measuring wavelength to an accuracy of ± 0.3 pm. For less exacting test requirements, the model 228B is a lower-priced alternative with a wavelength accuracy of ± 1.0 pm.   Continuous calibration and exceptional repeatability The 228 Series Optical Wavelength Meter is continuously calibrated with a built-in HeNe laser wavelength standard to maintain its accuracy over long periods of time. In order to achieve the highest accuracy, the model 228A uses a single-frequency HeNe laser that is stabilized using a precise balanced longitudinal mode technique. A standard HeNe laser is used as the wavelength reference in the model 228B. A unique Michelson interferometer design minimizes the variation between consecutive wavelength measurements, resulting in a repeatability that supports a confidence level of ≥ 99.7%. To verify this performance, every 228 system is rigorously tested with laser sources that are traceable to NIST standards.   Designed for productivity and convenience The 228 Series Optical Wavelength Meter is a very efficient way to analyze the wavelength characteristics of WDM lasers. The measurement cycle time is only 0.1 seconds. The optical signal enters the 228 system system through an FC (PC or APC) fiber-optic connector on the front panel. The system’s high sensitivity results in a minimum input requirement of only -30 dBm (1 µW). Automatic electronic gain control instantly adjusts the photodetector signal for optimum performance. The controls of the model 228 are user-friendly and conveniently located on the front panel along with the measurement display. The measured wavelength and power, maximum and minimum values, and total drift over time are reported in various formats. These results can also be sent to a PC using a standard USB or Ethernet interface, or an optional GPIB interface. Finally, the 228 system is packaged in a rugged chassis (bench top or rack mounted) for use in typical laboratory or manufacturing environments.

The fastest multi-wavelength meter available for WDM testing applications.

Fastest measurement rate for greater productivity

The 438 Series Multi-Wavelength Meter combines proven Michelson interferometer-based technology with fast Fourier transform analysis in order to measure the wavelength, power, and OSNR of as many as 1000 discrete optical signals. With features such as high accuracy, a measurement rate of up to 10 Hz, and a broad operational range from 1000 to 1680 nm, the model 438 provides the most precise, efficient, and versatile WDM wavelength testing to satisfy the needs of any manufacturing engineer.

Reliable accuracy with continuous calibration

Two versions of the 438 Multi-Wavelength Meter are available. The model 438A is the most accurate, measuring wavelength to ± 0.3 pm. For less exacting test requirements, the model 438B is a lower-priced alternative with a wavelength accuracy of ± 1.0 pm. The wavelength accuracy of the 438 system is maintained over long periods of time because it is continuously calibrated with a built-in HeNe laser wavelength standard. In order to achieve the highest accuracy, the model 438A uses a single-frequency HeNe laser that is stabilized using a precise balanced longitudinal mode technique. A standard HeNe laser is used as the wavelength reference in the model 438B. The result is a confidence level of ≥ 99.7%. To verify this performance, every 438 system is rigorously tested with laser sources that are traceable to NIST standards.

Designed for productivity and convenience

Operation of the 438 Multi-Wavelength Meter is straightforward. The optical signal enters the model 438 through an FC (UPC or APC) fiber-optic connector on the front panel. The system’s high sensitivity results in an input power requirement of only -40 dBm (0.1 µW). Automatic electronic gain control instantly adjusts the photodetector signal for optimum performance. A convenient touch-screen display, located on the front panel, controls the 438 system and displays the measured wavelength, power, and OSNR in a variety of formats. Data from a specific optical channel can be displayed, or lists of data from all channels, sorted by wavelength or power, can be reported. The measurement information can also be sent to a PC using a library of SCPI commands via standard USB or Ethernet interface, or an optional GPIB interface. The 438 system is packaged in a rugged chassis (bench top or rack-mounted) for use in both laboratory and manufacturing environments.

The fastest wavelength meter available for WDM testing applications.

Measurement rate revolutionizes WDM component testing

The 828 Series High-Speed Optical Wavelength Meter uses interferometer technology that is very different than that employed by other wavelength meters used for WDM wavelength testing applications. A Fizeau etalon design is used to generate a spatial interferogram that is detected by a fast InGaAs photodetector array. Using an on-board digital signal processor, the interferometric data is processed quickly into an accurate wavelength measurement. The combination of these technologies provides an unmatched, sustained measurement rate of 1 kHz.

Accurate wavelength measurement guaranteed with automatic calibration

The 828 High-Speed Optical Wavelength Meter measures the absolute wavelength of CW and modulated optical signals to an accuracy as high as ± 0.3 pm. This performance is maintained over long periods of time because the 828 system is automatically calibrated with a built-in laser diode whose wavelength is locked to a well-known absorption of acetylene. To verify the accuracy of the model 828, every system is rigorously tested with laser sources that are traceable to NIST standards.

Designed for convenience

Operation of the 828 High-Speed Optical Wavelength Meter is straightforward. The optical signal enters the model 828 through an FC (UPC or APC) fiber-optic connector on the front panel. The system’s high sensitivity results in an input power requirement as low as -40 dBm (0.1 µW). Automatic attenuation instantly adjusts the signal for optimum performance. A convenient touch-screen display, located on the front panel, controls the 828 system and displays the measured wavelength and power. The measurement information can also be sent to a PC using a variety of interface options that satisfy virtually any test application. An RS-422 serial interface is available for data streaming that can be triggered internally by the instrument itself or with a user-supplied trigger signal. Interfacing can also be done via a library of SCPI commands using a standard USB or Ethernet interface, or an optional GPIB interface. Finally, the 828 system is packaged in a rugged chassis (bench top or rack-mounted) for use in both laboratory and manufacturing environments.  

The most complete laser spectral and wavelength characterization from the visible to the mid-IR The 771 Series Laser Spectrum Analyzer from Bristol Instruments combines proven Michelson interferometer technology with fast Fourier transform analysis resulting in a unique instrument that operates as both a high-resolution spectrum analyzer and a high-accuracy wavelength meter. With spectral resolution up to 2 GHz, wavelength accuracy as high as ± 0.2 parts per million, and an optical rejection ratio of more than 40 dB, the model 771 provides the most detailed information about a laser’s spectral properties.

Reliable Accuracy gives you greater confidence in your experimental results anywhere from the visible to the mid-IR Bristol Instruments’ wavelength meters are for scientists and engineers who need to know the exact wavelength of their lasers. These systems use proven interferometer-based technology to measure absolute wavelength to an accuracy as high as ± 0.0001 nm. To achieve the reliable accuracy that is expected from Bristol Instruments, all of its wavelength meters include a built-in wavelength standard for continuous calibration. Systems are available for CW and pulsed lasers that operate at wavelengths from 350 nm to 12 µm.

Bristol Instruments 671 Series Laser Wavelength Meter

  CW lasers, 375 nm – 12 μm The best way to determine the absolute wavelength of CW lasers is with the 671 Series Laser Wavelength Meter. This system provides real-time laser wavelength information measured to an accuracy as high as ± 0.2 parts per million. This accuracy is guaranteed by continuous calibration with a built-in wavelength standard which ensures the reliable accuracy that is needed to generate the most meaningful experimental results.

The fastest and most reliable method to measure the wavelength of pulsed and CW lasers. Bristol Instruments’ wavelength meters are for scientists and engineers who need to know the exact wavelength of their lasers. These systems use proven interferometer-based technology to measure absolute wavelength to an accuracy as high as ± 0.0001 nm. To achieve the reliable accuracy that is expected from Bristol Instruments, all of its wavelength meters include a built-in wavelength standard for continuous calibration. Systems are available for CW and pulsed lasers that operate at wavelengths from 350 nm to 12 µm.

Bristol Instruments 871 Series Pulsed Laser Wavelength Meter

  Pulsed and CW lasers, 350 – 1700 nm, 1 kHz measurement rate The 871 Series Pulsed Laser Wavelength Meter provides accurate wavelength information for researchers who need to know the exact wavelength of their CW or pulsed lasers. A unique Fizeau interferometer-based design measures absolute wavelength to an accuracy of ± 1 part per million. This design also enables a sustained measurement rate as high as 1 kHz, the fastest available.

Test your WDM signals with the confidence that results from reliable accuracy. Bristol Instruments provides a family of optical wavelength meters and multi-wavelength meters designed specifically for the testing of WDM lasers and WDM systems. Absolute laser wavelength is measured to an accuracy as high as ± 0.3 pm. This performance is guaranteed by continuous calibration with a built-in wavelength standard and is traceable to NIST standards. Straightforward operation and rugged design satisfy the needs of both the R&D scientist and the manufacturing engineer.

Bristol Instruments 428 Series Multi-Wavelength Meter Multi-wavelength, CW and modulated signals

  In order to fully characterize WDM components and transmission systems, the 428 Series Multi-Wavelength Meter simultaneously measures wavelength, power, and OSNR of up to 1000 discrete optical signals. Wavelength is measured to an accuracy as high as ± 0.3 pm, power is measured to an accuracy of ± 0.5 dB, and OSNR is calculated to greater than 40 dB. In addition, optical spectrum analyzer software is included to generate and display a high-resolution spectrum of the optical signal under test.