HP 8168E S+C-Band Tunable Laser Source

HP 8168E S+C-Band Tunable Laser Source

The HP 8168E S+C-Band Tunable Laser Source is a professional optical test instrument designed for precision wavelength-tunable laser output across the 1475 nm to 1575 nm wavelength range. It is suitable for fiber optic, telecom, photonics, laboratory, optical component test, and automated measurement environments where a stable and programmable tunable laser source is required.

As part of the HP 8167A/8168D/8168E/8168F tunable laser source family, the HP 8168E is specifically configured for the 1475 nm to 1575 nm range, making it useful for applications spanning key S-band and C-band optical test regions. The instrument allows users to set wavelength and output power, operate in continuous wave mode, use internal or external modulation, perform wavelength sweeps, and control the laser remotely through HP-IB.

Features and Benefits of the HP 8168E S+C-Band Tunable Laser Source

The HP 8168E S+C-Band Tunable Laser Source provides practical value for professional users who need controlled wavelength output, repeatable optical stimulus, and flexible operation for optical measurement workflows.

• 1475 nm to 1575 nm wavelength range: Supports optical testing across an important S+C-band wavelength span for component characterization and fiber optic measurement applications.
• Fine wavelength resolution: Provides 0.001 nm wavelength resolution, equal to approximately 125 MHz at 1550 nm, for precise wavelength selection.
• Programmable wavelength sweep: Supports start, stop, step, dwell, and cycle settings for automated or manual wavelength sweep measurements.
• CW and modulated output operation: Allows users to operate the laser as a continuous wave signal source or as a modulated optical source depending on test requirements.
• Internal modulation support: Provides internal square-wave modulation from 250 Hz to 300 kHz with fixed 50% duty cycle and TTL modulation output reference.
• External modulation input: Supports external modulation using a signal up to 5 Vpp for optical power modulation in compatible setups.
• Coherence control: Provides linewidth broadening capability to help reduce interference effects and improve power stability in sensitive fiber optic test setups.
• HP-IB remote control: Supports remote programming through HP-IB using compatible command structures for automated laboratory and production test systems.

Advanced Features and Practical Applications

The HP 8168E is designed for optical test environments where wavelength accuracy, repeatability, and stable output power are important. A tunable laser source allows engineers and technicians to characterize wavelength-dependent performance of optical components such as filters, couplers, isolators, wavelength-selective devices, passive components, and fiber optic subsystems.

The instrument supports both direct wavelength setting and wavelength sweep operation. In sweep mode, users can define the start wavelength, stop wavelength, step size, dwell time, and number of cycles. This makes the HP 8168E useful for measuring component wavelength characteristics, insertion loss behavior, transmission response, and other optical performance parameters across a selected wavelength span.

The HP 8168E also supports internal and external amplitude modulation. The internal modulation source provides a square wave with a 50% duty cycle, while the front panel modulation output provides a TTL-level reference signal for synchronizing external measurement equipment. External modulation can be applied through the front panel modulation input when a test setup requires modulation from an external source.

Coherence control is available to broaden the effective linewidth of the optical output. This feature is useful in setups where interference effects caused by connectors, patchcords, and reflections can affect power stability. By increasing the effective linewidth, coherence control can help improve practical measurement stability in sensitive optical test benches.

Typical Applications

The HP 8168E S+C-Band Tunable Laser Source is suitable for professional applications such as:

• Optical component wavelength characterization
• S-band and C-band fiber optic testing
• Passive component test workflows
• Laboratory optical measurement systems
• Automated wavelength sweep measurements
• Telecom and photonics research environments
• Optical power and wavelength response testing
• Fiber optic production and engineering validation
• Service, repair, replacement, or spare tunable laser requirements

Product Overview

Brand	HP / Hewlett-Packard
Model	8168E
Product Category	S+C-Band Tunable Laser Source
Laser Type	Fabry-Perot InGaAsP tunable laser source
Primary Application	Precision tunable optical source for wavelength-dependent fiber optic and photonics measurements
Suitable For	Fiber optic laboratories, telecom test environments, optical component production, photonics research, and automated optical test systems

 

HP 8168E Specifications

Specification	HP 8168E Details
Wavelength Range	1475 nm to 1575 nm
Default Wavelength	1540 nm
Absolute Wavelength Accuracy	±0.1 nm typical
Relative Wavelength Accuracy	±0.035 nm typical ±0.001 nm
Wavelength Resolution	0.001 nm, 125 MHz at 1550 nm
Wavelength Stability	Less than ±100 MHz typical over 1 hour at constant temperature
Wavelength Repeatability	±0.035 nm typical ±0.001 nm
Output Power	Greater than 0 dBm from 1500 nm to 1570 nm; greater than -10 dBm from 1475 nm to 1575 nm; greater than +1 dBm peak typical
Minimum Output Power	-10 dBm
Power Linearity	±0.1 dB
Power Stability	±0.03 dB over 1 hour, typical ±0.01 dB
Power Repeatability	±0.04 dB typical
Power Flatness Versus Wavelength	±0.1 dB, typical ±0.1 dB
Sidemode Suppression Ratio	Greater than 40 dB from 1500 nm to 1570 nm at 0 dBm
Source Spontaneous Emission	Less than -45 dB/0.1 nm from 1500 nm to 1570 nm; less than -35 dB/0.1 nm from 1475 nm to 1575 nm
Relative Intensity Noise	Less than -145 dB/Hz typical
Linewidth, Coherence Control Off	100 kHz typical
Effective Linewidth, Coherence Control On	50 MHz to 500 MHz typical from 1500 nm to 1570 nm

 

Modulation and Control Features

Feature	Details
Internal Modulation Frequency	250 Hz to 300 kHz square wave
Internal Modulation Duty Cycle	50% fixed
Internal Modulation Depth	100%, on/off
External Modulation Frequency	200 kHz to 20 MHz typical at 3 dB optical bandwidth
External Modulation Depth	±15% typical maximum
Modulation Input	Up to 5 Vpp
Modulation Output	TTL reference signal
Analog Output	Uncalibrated voltage proportional to optical output power, approximately 1 mV per 1 µW
Remote Interface	HP-IB interface with SCPI-compatible command support
Default HP-IB Address	24

 

General and Environmental Specifications

Specification	Details
Laser Safety Classification	Class 1 according to FDA 21 CFR 1040.10; Class 3A according to IEC 825-1
Operating Temperature	10 °C to 35 °C
Storage Temperature	-40 °C to +70 °C
Humidity	Less than 95% RH from 10 °C to 35 °C, non-condensing
Warm-Up Time	Typically less than 1 hour; reduced power operation possible during warm-up
Recalibration Period	1 year; 2 years for units with serial number 3426G00176 and over
Power Requirement	100 V to 240 V rms, ±10%
Maximum Power Consumption	260 VA maximum
Dimensions	145 mm H x 426 mm W x 545 mm D, 5.8 in x 16.9 in x 21.6 in
Weight	18 kg net, 40 lb; 21 kg shipping, 46 lb

 

System Integration and Measurement Workflow

The HP 8168E supports front-panel operation for direct wavelength, power, modulation, and sweep setup. It can also be integrated into automated optical test systems using HP-IB. Remote commands allow control of wavelength, output power, modulation state, modulation frequency, power units, output state, system functions, status registers, and error queries.

For wavelength-dependent component testing, users can define a sweep range and perform manual or automatic wavelength sweeps. The instrument can set the maximum power available across a selected sweep range, helping users maintain consistent measurement conditions when characterizing optical components across multiple wavelengths.

Safety and Buyer Considerations

The HP 8168E is a laser-based optical instrument and should be used by trained personnel with appropriate fiber optic safety practices. Users should never look into an active optical output or the end of a connected optical fiber. Connector cleanliness is also important because fiber optic measurement performance depends heavily on clean optical connectors and interfaces.

This product description uses HP 8168E information only. Buyers should confirm the installed connector option, calibration status, included accessories, optical interface type, firmware revision, condition notes, and any installed options before purchase. Compatibility with existing fiber connectors, patchcords, optical power meters, wavelength meters, and automated test systems should also be verified before integration.

Why Buy from AssetRelay?

AssetRelay supplies professional equipment and product solutions for fiber optic, telecom, laboratory, production, inspection, cleaning, RF/microwave, electronic test, and photonics applications. This product is listed to help technical buyers, procurement teams, engineers, installers, and service organizations source practical equipment for demanding professional environments.

When available, buyers should review the provided specifications, compatibility details, condition notes, and accessories before purchase to confirm that the product meets their application requirements.