Agilent / Keysight 86142A Optical Spectrum Analyzer-benchtop unit
Agilent / Keysight 86142A Optical Spectrum Analyzer-benchtop unit,"Enables high-resolution spectral analysis from 600 to 1700nm with 50 pm accuracy. Ideal for DWDM, EDFA, and passive component testing, it features built-in measurement functions for OSNR, wavelength, and power. Known for its stable performance, intuitive interface, and rugged build, this benchtop unit is widely used in optical R&D and production."
- Model
- Agilent / Keysight 86142A
- Calibration
- Available on request
- Price
- $15,854
- Status
- In stock
- RFQ ref
- 86142A
This unit
The Agilent/Keysight 86142A is a benchtop optical spectrum analyzer engineered for high-resolution spectral analysis across 600 nm to 1700 nm. It delivers exceptional wavelength accuracy - ±0.025 nm (1510–1570 nm) and ±0.035 nm (1570–1640 nm) after internal calibration - and maintains ±0.003 nm tuning repeatability. The instrument achieves –90 dBm sensitivity in the 1250–1610 nm band and handles maximum input power of +30 dBm total across the full spectrum.
Eight selectable resolution bandwidths range from 0.06 nm to 10 nm FWHM, enabling precise characterization of DWDM systems, EDFA performance, and passive optical components. Dynamic range reaches –70 dB in the 1550 nm band at ±0.5 nm span with 0.1 nm resolution. Scale fidelity holds ±0.05 dB characteristic for fixed reference level measurements.
Wavelength reproducibility of ±0.002 nm and polarization dependence as low as ±0.05 dB support demanding R&D and production test environments demanding accuracy and stability.
Technical Specifications
- Wavelength Range: 600 nm to 1700 nm
- Wavelength Accuracy: ±0.025 nm (1510–1570 nm), ±0.035 nm (1570–1640 nm) after internal calibration; ±0.5 nm absolute (factory, 2-year cycle); ±10 pm with wavelength calibrator option
- Wavelength Reproducibility: ±0.002 nm
- Tuning Repeatability: ±0.003 nm
- Span Range: 0.2 nm to full range, continuously variable with zero span capability
- Resolution Bandwidth (FWHM): 0.06 nm, 0.1 nm, 0.2 nm, 0.5 nm, 1 nm, 2 nm, 5 nm, 10 nm
- Sensitivity: –60 dBm (600–750 nm); –75 dBm (750–1250 nm); –90 dBm (1250–1610 nm); –80 dBm (1610–1700 nm)
- Maximum Input Power: +30 dBm total; +15 dBm per channel (600–1000 nm); +12 dBm per channel (1000–1525 nm)
- Dynamic Range: –70 dB at 1550 nm (0.1 nm resolution, ±0.5 nm span, chop mode on); –55 dB characteristic at ±0.4 nm (±50 GHz)
- Scale Fidelity: ±0.05 dB characteristic (fixed reference level); ±0.07 dB characteristic (multiple reference levels)
- Absolute Amplitude Accuracy: ±0.35 dB at 1550 nm, –20 dBm, 20–30 °C
- Polarization Dependence: ±0.05 dB to ±0.25 dB (resolution ≥0.2 nm, 9/125 µm fiber)
Key Features
- Eight independent resolution bandwidth settings for flexible trade-off between spectral detail and measurement speed
- Sub-picometer wavelength repeatability enables precise channel tracking in DWDM systems
- High sensitivity across the entire measurement band minimizes averaging requirements
- Safe power handling to +30 dBm within any 10 nm spectral segment
- Calibration options including user-defined references and external wavelength calibrator for sub-10 pm accuracy
Typical Applications
- Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) system and component testing
- Erbium-doped fiber amplifier (EDFA) performance characterization
- Passive optical component analysis
- Optical research and development
- Production-line optical measurement
Frequently Asked Questions
- What wavelength range and accuracy does the Agilent 86142A cover?
- The 86142A delivers high-resolution spectral analysis across 600 to 1700 nm with 50 pm wavelength accuracy, making it well-suited for DWDM channel monitoring, EDFA gain flatness verification, and passive optical component characterization. Built-in measurement functions include OSNR (optical signal-to-noise ratio), absolute wavelength, and optical power, enabling fast troubleshooting and performance validation in optical networks and laboratory environments.
- What is the condition of this used 86142A, and what has been verified?
- We've inspected this benchtop unit for physical integrity, display function, and basic power-on operation prior to listing. The 86142A shows stable performance typical of Agilent's rugged design; however, we recommend scheduling a full calibration verification to confirm measurement accuracy for your specific application. Calibration services are available separately, starting at $450.
- Is calibration available for the 86142A, and what does it cost?
- Yes, we offer calibration services for the 86142A starting at $450, which verifies wavelength accuracy, power measurement linearity, and OSNR measurement integrity across the operating range. Calibration turnaround and scope of work are quoted upon request based on your measurement requirements and traceability standards (NIST or equivalent). We recommend calibration before critical production or R&D deployments.
- What interfaces and software compatibility does the 86142A support?
- The 86142A features GPIB (IEEE 488.2) and optional Ethernet connectivity for remote control and data logging, with support for Keysight IO Libraries and third-party test automation software. Drivers and command sets are documented in the instrument manual; we can confirm interface availability upon purchase. USB connectivity may be available via external adapters depending on your firmware revision.
Agilent / Keysight 86142A — Repair & Calibration Service
Aumictech offers NIST-traceable calibration and repair for the Agilent / Keysight 86142A. Calibration covers wavelength accuracy at 850, 1310, 1550, and 1625 nm, power level accuracy, resolution bandwidth (RBW) accuracy, and dynamic range verification. All calibrations ship with a NIST-traceable certificate. Turnaround is typically 1–3 business days after receipt.
Common Agilent / Keysight 86142A faults: wavelength motor failure, internal light source dimming, detector sensitivity loss. Common repairs include wavelength motor servicing, internal broadband source replacement, and detector recalibration after extended use.
Agilent / Keysight 86142A price
This Agilent / Keysight 86142A is listed at $15,854.38. Calibration is available separately from $450. Contact us for volume pricing or if you need multiple units.
Agilent / Keysight 86142A calibration cost
NIST-traceable calibration for the Agilent / Keysight 86142A is $450 (standard — pass/fail certificate and calibration sticker) or $650 (full measured data at every test point, reference standards documented, traceability chain included). Calibration for this instrument covers wavelength accuracy at 850, 1310, 1550, and 1625 nm, power level accuracy, resolution bandwidth (RBW) accuracy, and dynamic range verification. Turnaround is 1 to 3 business days after receipt. See full calibration details →