Agilent / Keysight N7776C Step-Tunable Laser Source

The Keysight N7776C Step-Tunable Laser Source is a tunable ECL (Emitter-Coupled Laser) instrument engineered for precision optical testing across the 1240–1650 nm band. Operating as a standalone source or integrated into 8160xA and 81600B platforms, it delivers continuous and step-tunable wavelength control with sweep speeds to 200 nm/s bidirectional. Absolute wavelength accuracy of ±1.5 pm and repeatability of ±0.5 pm enable tight component validation margins in production and R&D environments.

The laser combines sub-10 kHz linewidth, high signal-to-spontaneous-emission ratio (≥80 dB/nm typical), and output power ranging from 0 dBm to >13 dBm across standard configurations, with extended high-power variants reaching >19.4 dBm. Power stability within ±0.01 dB over 1 hour and wavelength stability ≤±0.5 pm over 24 hours ensure measurement repeatability. Built-in optical isolation (60 dB return loss typical) and ±0.25 dB power flatness across wavelength simplify integration into demanding filter characterization, fiber sensor validation, and spectroscopic test workflows.

Technical Specifications

• Wavelength Range: 1240–1650 nm (full coverage via N777-C family options; individual models available in 1240–1380 nm, 1340–1495 nm, 1450–1650 nm, or 1490–1640 nm bands)


• Absolute & Relative Wavelength Accuracy: ±1.5 pm (typical)


• Wavelength Repeatability: ±0.5 pm (typical)


• Wavelength Stability: ≤±0.5 pm over 24 hours (typical)


• Spectral Linewidth: +12 dBm (standard options), >+13 dBm (Option 113), >+19.4 dBm (Option 013 high-power)


• Minimum Output Power Setting: 0 dBm (adjustable from maximum; Option 013: +5 dBm minimum)


• Power Stability (1 hour): ±0.01 dB


• Power Flatness vs. Wavelength: ±0.25 dB typical (±0.1 dB for Options 116, 216; ±0.15 dB for Options 113, 114)


• Output Isolation: Built-in optical isolator


• Return Loss: 60 dB (typical)

Key Features

• Continuous and step-tunable sweep modes


• Bidirectional sweep speeds to 200 nm/s


• Remote interface via web browser (LAN or USB) with optional touch-screen display


• Standalone operation or plug-in compatibility with existing mainframes

Typical Applications

• Component wavelength validation and production testing


• Fiber optic sensor characterization


• Spectroscopic measurements and filter response analysis

Compatibility & Integration Compatible with 8160xA and 81600B laser platforms. Remote configuration and control via web browser interface over LAN or USB connectivity.