Agilent / Keysight 81950A tunable laser source

The Agilent/Keysight 81950A is a compact, step-tunable laser source engineered for precise wavelength control across C-band and L-band regions. It delivers stable optical output with exceptional spectral purity, making it ideal for DWDM component testing, optical amplifier characterization, and network loading simulation. The instrument combines fine-tuning capability with grid-defined wavelength setting to support both standard ITU-T spacing and custom channel configurations.

Technical Specifications

Wavelength and Power

• Wavelength range options: 1527.60 nm to 1570.01 nm (C-band, Option 310); 1570.01 nm to 1611.76 nm (L-band, Option 301); 1527.6 nm to 1565.50 nm (C-band, Option 210); L-band coverage (Option 101)


• Maximum output power: ≥15 dBm (Option 310), ≥13 dBm (Option 301), 15 dBm (Option 210)


• Power adjustment range: 6 dB


• Power stability: ±0.03 dB over 1 hour and 24 hours


• Power flatness: ±0.2 dB across full wavelength range


• Power repeatability: ±0.08 dB Wavelength Accuracy and Tuning


• Absolute wavelength accuracy: ±22 pm


• Relative wavelength accuracy: ±12 pm


• Wavelength repeatability: ±2.5 pm


• Wavelength stability (24 hours): ±2.5 pm


• Frequency resolution: 100 MHz (0.8 pm at 1550 nm)


• Fine tuning range: ±6 GHz


• Fine tuning resolution: 1 MHz


• Tuning time: <30 seconds including power stabilization


• Grid support: ITU-T standard spacing (50 GHz, 100 GHz, 25 GHz) and arbitrary grids Optical Output


• Linewidth: <100 kHz


• Side-mode suppression ratio: 50 dB


• Signal to source spontaneous emission ratio: 50 dB/nm, 60 dB/0.1 nm


• Relative intensity noise: -145 dB/Hz (10 MHz to 40 GHz)


• Output fiber: Panda polarization maintaining


• Connector options: Angled and straight contact Physical and Electrical


• Dimensions: 75 mm H × 32 mm W × 335 mm D


• Weight: 0.45 kg


• BNC input connector: ±5 V maximum


• Storage/shipping temperature: -40°C to +70°C

Compatibility & Integration The 81950A installs in 816x lightwave mainframes and operates within Keysight 8163A/B, 8164A/B, and 8166A/B lightwave measurement systems.