Agilent / Keysight N7779C Step-Tunable Laser Source

The Keysight N7779C is a step-tunable external cavity laser (ECL) source engineered for telecommunications and research-grade optical signal generation. Operating across 1240–1650 nm with 0.1 pm wavelength resolution, it delivers absolute accuracy of ±10 pm (typical) and exceptional stability of ±0.5 pm over 24 hours. Peak output power reaches ≥+12 dBm (standard options) or ≥+13 dBm (Option 113), with power flatness of ±0.25 dB across the tuning range.

The instrument achieves sub-10 kHz linewidth with side-mode suppression exceeding 60 dB and relative intensity noise below −145 dB/Hz (0.1–6 GHz), making it ideal for component characterization, receiver testing, and transmission experiments. Stepped tuning at 300 ms per 1 nm step enables rapid wavelength selection. A web-browser interface over LAN or USB provides remote control, with optional local touchscreen access.

The compact 1U form factor and standalone architecture support flexible bench and system integration.

Technical Specifications

• Laser Type: Tunable ECL


• Wavelength Range: 1240–1650 nm (full family coverage; individual models cover 1240–1380 nm, 1340–1495 nm, 1450–1650 nm, or 1490–1640 nm)


• Wavelength Resolution: 0.1 pm


• Wavelength Repeatability: ±3 pm (typical)


• Absolute Wavelength Accuracy: ±10 pm (typical)


• Relative Wavelength Accuracy: ±5 pm


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


• Spectral Linewidth: 50 MHz (coherence control enabled)


• Tuning Time: 300 ms per 1 nm step


• Maximum Output Power: ≥+12 dBm (Options 114, 116, 216); ≥+13 dBm (Option 113)


• Signal-to-SSE Ratio: ≥75 dB/nm (typical)


• Signal-to-Total-SSE Ratio: ≥70 dB


• Power Stability: ±0.01 dB (1 hour)


• Power Repeatability: ±0.01 dB (typical)


• Power Flatness vs. Wavelength: ±0.25 dB


• Side-Mode Suppression Ratio: ≥60 dB (typical)


• Relative Intensity Noise: <−145 dB/Hz (0.1–6 GHz, typical)

Key Features

• Web-based remote user interface accessible via LAN or USB


• Optional touchscreen display for local operator control


• Compact 1U form factor; 25 lbs weight


• Class 1 laser per IEC 60825-1:2014


• Software compatible with 8160xA and 81600B laser families


• Operating altitude to 2000 m; humidity to 85% RH non-condensing

Typical Applications

• Broadband optical device characterization


• Receiver sensitivity and linearity testing


• Transmission and coherent system experiments


• Tunable local oscillator reference

Compatibility & Integration Standalone instrument with optional modular rack integration. Compatible with existing 81600-series laser control software.