Agilent / Keysight N7778C Step-Tunable Laser Source

The Keysight N7778C Step-Tunable Laser Source is a ECL tunable laser engineered for optical testing, manufacturing, and research applications. It delivers narrow linewidth operation below 10 kHz with excellent long-term wavelength stability and suppressed spontaneous emission, enabling precise spectral measurements and high-throughput device characterization. The instrument combines cost-effective operation with the tuning speed and accuracy demanded by modern optical component testing, while maintaining software compatibility with industry-standard 8160xA and 81600B platforms.

Technical Specifications

• Wavelength Range: 1240 nm to 1650 nm (continuous coverage across family options)


• Absolute Wavelength Accuracy: ±4 pm (Option 004) or ±20 pm standard


• Relative Wavelength Accuracy: ±10 pm


• Wavelength Repeatability: ±1 pm to ±2.5 pm depending on sweep conditions and configuration


• Wavelength Stability: ±1.5 pm to ±2.5 pm typical


• Spectral Linewidth: <10 kHz


• Source Spontaneous Emission: ≥75 dB/nm above baseline


• Maximum Output Power: +18 dBm (Option 013), +12 dBm peak standard; +16 dBm across 1290–1340 nm


• Power Stability: ±0.01 dB over one hour


• Power Linearity: ±0.05 dB


• Tuning Speed: Up to 200 nm/s for two-way sweeps


• Fine Tuning Resolution: 0.1 pm with coordinated motor and piezo control


• Mode-Hop Free Tuning: Full wavelength range operation

Key Features

• ECL cavity and module design ensures narrow linewidth and low spontaneous emission


• Web browser and USB remote control interfaces; optional local touch-screen display


• Amplitude modulation and coherence control functions


• Integrated Photonic Application Suite compatibility for insertion loss, PDL, and dispersion measurement


• Compact form factor: 16 × 14 × 10 in, 25 lbs, single rack unit height

Typical Applications

• Component spectral characterization and BER testing


• Optical device manufacturing quality assurance


• Telecommunications and datacom wavelength validation

Compatibility & Integration Software-compatible with 8160xA and 81600B laser platforms. Supports remote command control for amplitude modulation and integrated photonic measurement workflows.