Agilent / Keysight 86122A Multi-Wavelength Meter Range: 1270-1650 nm

The Agilent/Keysight 86122A is a precision multi-wavelength meter for absolute wavelength and optical power measurement across the 1270–1650 nm band. Engineered for optical component development, manufacturing verification, and dense WDM system characterization, the instrument delivers ±0.3 pm accuracy at 1550 nm and 1310 nm (for laser lines separated by ≥10 GHz) with measurement cycle times under 0.5 seconds. The 86122A accommodates up to 1000 laser line inputs and accepts optical power levels to 18 dBm, making it suitable for tunable transmitter laser qualification and high-speed telecommunications applications.

Technical Specifications

• Wavelength Range: 1270 nm to 1650 nm (182 to 236 THz)


• Wavelength Accuracy: ±0.3 pm at 1550 nm and 1310 nm for laser lines separated by ≥10 GHz; ±0.2 ppm


• Wavelength Scan Speed: Less than 0.5 seconds


• Measurement Cycle Time: 0.5 seconds (standard update rate)


• Maximum Laser Line Capacity: 1000 inputs


• Safe Optical Input Power: 18 dBm (typical: 10 dBm)


• Wavelength Standard: Built-in HeNe laser reference for absolute measurement traceability

Key Features

• Channel spacing measurement down to 50 GHz (>35 dB with 100 averages) through 200 GHz (>27 dB with 100 averages)


• Built-in measurement applications: drift tracking, OSNR analysis, data logging, and Fabry-Perot laser characterization


• Optical power measurement integrated with wavelength analysis


• Graphical display with user-adjustable peak excursion, peak threshold, and wavelength limits


• Instrument state save/recall functionality


• Assumes laser linewidth (including modulation sidebands) <2.5 GHz

Typical Applications

• Dense WDM system development and verification


• Wavelength shift identification and crosstalk analysis between adjacent channels


• Tunable laser transmitter characterization and qualification


• Manufacturing floor and engineering bench optical component testing

Compatibility & Integration Operates on Windows 98 platform with autoranging AC line voltage input. Requires supplied three-prong power cord for adequate earth grounding. Cabinet installation requires unrestricted convection; forced convection required when total cabinet dissipation exceeds 800 watts.