Ando AQ4321D 1520-1620nm Tunable Laser Source

The Ando AQ4321D is a high-precision tunable laser source engineered for DWDM system and component evaluation across the 1520–1620 nm band. It delivers stable, spectrally pure output with absolute wavelength calibration via internal gas cell absorption, enabling accurate characterization of optical devices without manual recalibration. Continuous wavelength tuning, high side-mode suppression, and synchronous sweep capability make it ideal for broadband optical testing and dynamic range measurements when paired with compatible spectrum analyzers.

Technical Specifications

• Wavelength Range: 1520–1620 nm


• Wavelength Resolution: 0.001 nm


• Absolute Wavelength Accuracy: ±10 pm (typ.) at 1520 nm; ±15 pm or less (typ.)


• Relative Wavelength Accuracy: ±0.01 nm (typ.)


• Wavelength Stability: ±0.01 MHz/h or less (typ.); ±100 MHz/h (typ.)


• Spectral Linewidth: 200 kHz (typ.); up to 200 MHz (typ.)


• Optical Output Level: +7 dBm (typ.); peak output >7.5 dBm


• Output Level Flatness: ±0.1 dB across 1540–1600 nm


• Optical Output Stability: ±0.01 dB; 0.05 dB or less


• Optical Output Reproducibility: ±0.04 dB (typ.)


• Side Mode Suppression Ratio (SMSR): 60 dB (typ.); 50 dB or more


• Wavelength Sweep Speed: 100 nm/sec (max.)


• Optical Return Loss: 50 dB or more

Key Features

• Absolute wavelength calibration using internal gas cell absorption line with automatic interval-based recalibration


• Continuous wavelength tuning via proprietary external resonant structure


• High SMSR and output stability for complete optical component characterization


• Synchronous sweep functionality for high-speed dynamic range measurements


• Fine wavelength resolution (0.001 nm) for precise DWDM channel selection

Typical Applications

• DWDM system and component testing


• Optical device characterization and validation


• Spectral purity and linewidth measurement


• Wavelength-dependent optical response analysis

Compatibility & Integration Supports synchronous sweep operation with compatible optical spectrum analyzers such as the Ando AQ6317B for enhanced measurement capability.