Agilent / Keysight 86144B Portable Standard Optical Spectrum Analyzer with Filter Mode

The Agilent/Keysight 86144B is a portable optical spectrum analyzer engineered for precision wavelength measurement and spectral filtering in the 1520–1600 nm band. This handheld instrument delivers high-resolution DWDM channel isolation down to 12.5 GHz spacing and includes a unique filter mode for extracting individual channels from dense wavelength division multiplexed signals. The analyzer combines wavelength accuracy to ±0.01 nm with tuning repeatability of ±0.002 nm, making it suitable for fiber optic component characterization, manufacturing verification, and laboratory research.

Technical Specifications

• Wavelength Range: 600 nm to 1700 nm; primary operational range 1520–1600 nm


• Span Range: 0.2 nm to full range; zero span capable


• Wavelength Accuracy (after internal calibration): ±0.01 nm (1480–1570 nm); ±0.025 nm (1570–1620 nm)


• Wavelength Accuracy (external reference): ±0.01 nm typical within ±10 nm of reference point


• Wavelength Reproducibility: ±0.002 nm


• Tuning Repeatability: ±0.002 nm


• Amplitude Accuracy: ±0.35 dB at –20 dBm (1550 nm, 20–30 °C)


• Scale Fidelity (≤0 dBm inputs): ±0.05 dB characteristic (fixed reference); ±0.07 dB characteristic (multiple reference levels)


• Maximum Safe Input Power: +20 dBm


• Power Requirements: 90–260 Vac, 44–444 Hz

Key Features

• Filter mode isolates single DWDM channels with spacing as tight as 12.5 GHz


• External 9 µm single-mode fiber interface for filtered light output


• Marker-based filter tuning adjusts filtered output wavelength dynamically


• Sensitivity defined as signal value exceeding 6 × RMS noise


• Span linearity specified for 1525–1570 nm range

Typical Applications

• DWDM system verification and channel characterization


• Fiber optic component testing and qualification


• Manufacturing process control for wavelength-critical devices


• Laboratory spectral analysis and filter response measurement

Compatibility & Integration Instrument operates with external single-mode fiber connections. Minimum span of >25 nm required for calibration procedures.