Optigain ASE 5000 Series C-Band Broadband ASE Light Source

Optigain ASE 5000 Series C-Band Broadband ASE Light Source

The Optigain ASE 5000 Series is a broadband amplified spontaneous emission light source designed for C-band photonics applications. It provides a broadband optical output for optical component testing, fiber sensor systems, laboratory experiments, and compatible OEM optical assemblies.

Unlike a narrow-linewidth laser source, an ASE source generates optical energy across a broad spectral region. This broadband output is useful for examining the wavelength-dependent response of optical components and systems without relying on a single fixed-wavelength signal.

The ASE 5000 Series is available in two documented output configurations. The gain-flattened model provides 14 dBm, or 25 mW, of optical output with spectral flatness below 2.0 dB. The non-flattened model provides 17 dBm, or 50 mW, of optical output for applications that prioritize higher total optical power over a flattened spectral profile.

The unit includes electrical connections for output-power monitoring, pump-current monitoring, pump-power monitoring, temperature monitoring, TEC-current monitoring, pump control, and thermoelectric cooler control. These functions support integration into laboratory systems and compatible equipment requiring external supervision of source operation.

Features and Benefits of the Optigain ASE 5000 Series

• C-band broadband output: Provides amplified spontaneous emission for compatible C-band optical testing and sensing applications.
• Two output configurations: Available with 14 dBm flattened output or 17 dBm non-flattened output.
• Gain-flattened model: Delivers 25 mW of optical power with documented flatness below 2.0 dB.
• Higher-power model: Delivers 50 mW of non-flattened broadband optical output.
• Optical component testing: Supports wavelength-dependent evaluation of compatible filters, attenuators, couplers, splitters, sensors, and other photonic components.
• Fiber sensor applications: Provides broadband illumination for compatible optical sensing systems.
• Output-power monitoring: Includes an electrical monitor connection for observing source output.
• Pump monitoring: Provides pump-current and pump-power monitor connections.
• Temperature monitoring: Includes an electrical output for monitoring internal temperature conditions.
• TEC-current monitoring: Supports observation of thermoelectric cooler current.
• External pump control: Provides a dedicated pump on/off control connection.
• External TEC control: Includes a thermoelectric cooler on/off control connection.
• Broad environmental range: Supports operation from 0 °C to 70 °C and storage from -40 °C to 85 °C.

Broadband C-Band Optical Output

The ASE 5000 Series is intended for applications requiring broadband optical energy within the C-band. Broadband output allows compatible optical devices to be evaluated over a range of wavelengths rather than at only one laser wavelength.

This characteristic is useful when measuring the spectral transmission of filters, couplers, splitters, attenuators, fiber sensors, and other passive optical components. When combined with an optical spectrum analyzer or another wavelength-resolved receiver, the source can support observation of wavelength-dependent loss and transmission behavior.

The exact wavelength limits, spectral shape, optical connector, fiber type, and output stability are not identified in the supplied specifications and should be confirmed from the individual unit or additional configuration documentation.

14 dBm Gain-Flattened Configuration

The flattened ASE 5000 configuration provides 14 dBm of total optical output, equivalent to approximately 25 mW. Spectral flatness is documented at less than 2.0 dB.

A flattened spectral response is useful for component testing because it reduces large variations in source power across the applicable wavelength region. This can simplify wavelength-dependent measurements and improve the usable signal level across the supported C-band spectrum.

The flattened configuration is appropriate for applications where spectral uniformity is more important than maximum total output power.

17 dBm Non-Flattened Configuration

The higher-power ASE 5000 configuration provides 17 dBm of optical output, equivalent to approximately 50 mW. This model is identified as non-flattened.

The 17 dBm version provides twice the documented optical power of the 14 dBm model. It is suitable for applications where higher total output is required and a flattened spectral profile is not essential.

Because this configuration is non-flattened, the optical power distribution can vary across the emitted spectrum. The spectral response should be measured directly when wavelength-dependent source levels are important to the application.

Output and Internal Monitoring

The ASE 5000 provides electrical monitor connections for several important operating parameters. These signals can support system integration, functional checks, troubleshooting, and source supervision.

• Output Power Monitor: Provides a signal related to the optical output power.
• Pump Current Monitor: Supports observation of the pump operating current.
• Pump Power Monitor: Provides a signal related to pump optical power.
• Temperature Monitor: Supports observation of the monitored internal temperature.
• TEC Current Monitor: Provides information related to thermoelectric cooler current.
• Reference Voltage Monitor: Supplies access to the documented positive reference monitor signal.

Conversion factors, voltage ranges, output impedances, and acceptable loading for these monitor connections are not provided in the supplied specification. External equipment should not be connected until the applicable electrical requirements are verified.

Pump and TEC Control

The electrical interface includes separate pump and thermoelectric cooler control connections. Pin 12 provides pump on/off control, while pin 14 provides TEC on/off control.

These control lines allow compatible host equipment to manage source activation and thermal regulation. Appropriate control sequencing may be required to ensure that temperature control is established before the optical pump is enabled.

The required control logic levels, timing, electrical thresholds, and startup sequence are not specified in the supplied information. These details should be verified before the source is integrated into custom equipment.

Typical Applications

• C-band optical component testing
• Fiber sensor systems
• Broadband optical illumination
• Optical filter characterization
• Coupler and splitter evaluation
• Wavelength-dependent loss measurement
• Optical attenuator testing
• Laboratory photonics experiments
• Optical spectrum analyzer measurements
• Production and quality-control testing
• OEM optical system integration
• Telecommunications research and development

Product Overview

Brand	Optigain
Model Series	ASE 5000
Product Category	Broadband Amplified Spontaneous Emission Light Source
Optical Band	C-band
Available Output Configurations	14 dBm flattened or 17 dBm non-flattened
Flattened Model Output	25 mW
Non-Flattened Model Output	50 mW
Primary Applications	Optical component testing and fiber sensor systems

 

Optical Specifications

Specification	14 dBm Model	17 dBm Model
Optical Band	C-band	C-band
Output Power	14 dBm	17 dBm
Equivalent Output Power	25 mW	50 mW
Spectral Configuration	Flattened	Non-flattened
Documented Flatness	Less than 2.0 dB	Not specified
Output Monitoring	Supported	Supported

 

Electrical Connector Pinout

Pin	Function	Pin	Function
1	Not connected	14	TEC on/off control
2	Not connected	15	Not connected
3	Not connected	16	Not connected
4	Not connected	17	Not connected
5	Positive reference voltage monitor	18	Supply ground
6	Temperature monitor	19	Positive supply voltage
7	TEC current monitor	20	Not connected
8	Not connected	21	Not connected
9	Output power monitor	22	Not connected
10	Pump current monitor	23	Not connected
11	Pump power monitor	24	Not connected
12	Pump on/off control	25	Not connected
13	Monitor ground

 

Environmental Specifications

Specification	Details
Operating Temperature	0 °C to 70 °C
Storage Temperature	-40 °C to 85 °C
Operating Humidity	0% to 85% relative humidity

 

Configuration Details Requiring Verification

Configuration Item	Verification Required
Output Version	Confirm 14 dBm flattened or 17 dBm non-flattened configuration
Optical Connector	Confirm connector family and ferrule polish from the individual source
Fiber Type	Confirm from the model label or optical output configuration
Exact Wavelength Limits	Confirm the supported C-band spectral range from unit-specific documentation or measurement
Supply Voltage	Verify the required positive supply voltage before power is applied
Control Logic Levels	Verify the pump and TEC on/off control requirements
Monitor Scaling	Confirm the voltage-to-value conversion for each monitor output
Optical Output Stability	Confirm through direct testing when required

 

System Integration

The Optigain ASE 5000 should be installed with suitable electrical power, grounding, cooling, optical cabling, and safety controls. The positive supply voltage and current capability must be verified before the unit is energized.

The TEC control should be enabled according to the appropriate startup procedure before the pump is activated. Temperature, TEC current, pump current, pump power, and optical output should be monitored during initial operation.

The optical output should be connected to compatible C-band fiber and measurement equipment. External attenuation may be required before connecting the source to sensitive photodetectors or optical power meters.

Optical Safety

The ASE 5000 can produce up to 17 dBm, or 50 mW, of invisible broadband optical power. Users should not look into the optical output, connector, patch cord, adapter, or exposed fiber end.

The source should be disabled before optical connectors are inspected, cleaned, attached, or removed. Suitable fiber optic laser-safety procedures should be followed throughout installation and operation.

Comprehensive Functional and Performance Testing

The Optigain ASE 5000 Series source receives comprehensive functional and performance testing before shipment. Evaluation may include electrical power operation, pump control, TEC control, temperature monitoring, TEC-current monitoring, pump-current monitoring, pump-power monitoring, and output-power monitor response.

Optical testing may include output continuity, total optical power, broadband spectral response, and spectral flatness when the source is identified as the 14 dBm flattened configuration.

The optical output, electrical connector, monitor pins, control inputs, power connection, enclosure, rack hardware, cooling openings, identification label, and safety markings may be inspected for contamination, damage, corrosion, or excessive wear.

The exact testing scope depends on the verified output configuration, electrical supply requirements, connector type, available C-band power meter, optical spectrum analyzer, reference cables, and unit-specific control information.

Buyer Considerations

Buyers should confirm whether the individual ASE 5000 is the 14 dBm flattened model or the 17 dBm non-flattened model. The two versions provide different output power and spectral characteristics.

The optical connector, fiber type, exact wavelength range, supply voltage, monitor scaling, and control logic should be verified before integration. These details are not established by the general ASE 5000 Series name alone.

The product listing should identify whether the power supply, electrical control cable, optical patch cord, rack hardware, software, manual, test records, or other accessories are included.

Only the broadband ASE source and accessories specifically identified in the product listing should be considered included.

Why Buy from AssetRelay?

AssetRelay supplies professional equipment and product solutions for fiber optic, telecommunications, optical testing, photonics, laboratory, production, inspection, electronic testing, RF/microwave, and technical research applications. The Optigain ASE 5000 Series provides broadband C-band illumination for optical component manufacturers, fiber sensor developers, telecommunications laboratories, production facilities, system integrators, universities, and research organizations.

Buyers should review the output-power configuration, spectral flattening, optical connector, fiber type, electrical requirements, pump and TEC controls, monitor functions, functional test results, and included accessories before purchase.