Agilent 81622B High-Power Germanium Optical Head, 850–1650 nm

Agilent 81622B High-Power Germanium Optical Head, 850–1650 nm

The Agilent 81622B is a high-power Germanium Optical Head designed for professional optical power measurement applications across the 850 nm to 1650 nm wavelength range. It uses a 5 mm diameter germanium detector and supports measurements from compatible connectorized fibers or free-space parallel optical beams.

The 81622B is intended for use with the Agilent 81618A Single Optical Head Interface Module or the Agilent 81619A Dual Optical Head Interface Module. The optical head and interface module form part of a modular optical measurement system. The 81622B does not operate as a standalone optical power meter and requires a supported interface and compatible Agilent lightwave measurement platform.

With an upper measurement capability of +27 dBm within the specified 1250 nm to 1650 nm range, the Agilent 81622B is suited to higher-power optical measurements that exceed the range of many general-purpose optical sensors. Its broad wavelength coverage supports professional fiber optic, telecom, photonics, laboratory, production, and component-characterization workflows.

Features and Benefits of the Agilent 81622B Optical Head

The Agilent 81622B provides practical measurement capability for engineers, technicians, laboratories, manufacturing facilities, and service organizations working with higher optical power levels.

• Germanium detector: Uses a 5 mm diameter germanium sensor element for optical power measurements from 850 nm to 1650 nm.
• High-power measurement capability: Supports optical power measurements up to +27 dBm from 1250 nm to 1650 nm.
• Broad operating range: Measures from +23 dBm to -55 dBm across the full 850 nm to 1650 nm wavelength range.
• Open-beam compatibility: Accepts a parallel free-space beam with a maximum diameter of 4 mm.
• Single-mode and multimode fiber support: Works with standard compatible single-mode and multimode fibers up to 100 µm core size and numerical aperture up to 0.3.
• Modular interface design: Operates with the Agilent 81618A Single Optical Head Interface Module or 81619A Dual Optical Head Interface Module.
• Analog output support: Provides analog output capability through the compatible optical-head interface system.
• Professional measurement performance: Supports laboratory, engineering, production, service, and component-testing applications requiring calibrated optical power measurements.

High-Power Optical Measurement

The Agilent 81622B has two specified power ranges based on wavelength. From 1250 nm to 1650 nm, the optical head provides a measurement range of +27 dBm to -55 dBm. Across the broader 850 nm to 1650 nm range, it provides a measurement range of +23 dBm to -55 dBm.

This wavelength-dependent power range is important when selecting the 81622B for a specific application. Buyers should confirm both the expected optical power and the source wavelength to ensure the intended measurement falls within the supported range. Input power should always remain within the applicable operating limits.

The high-power capability makes the 81622B useful for measuring optical sources, amplified signals, transmitter outputs, and other optical devices producing power levels above those handled by many standard optical sensors. It can be applied in controlled laboratory and production environments where broad wavelength coverage and higher input capability are required.

Open-Beam and Fiber-Coupled Measurements

The Agilent 81622B supports open-beam measurement using a parallel optical beam with a maximum diameter of 4 mm. For accurate open-beam measurements, the optical spot should be properly centered on the active detector area and remain within the specified beam diameter.

The optical head also supports standard compatible single-mode and multimode fibers with core sizes up to 100 µm and numerical aperture up to 0.3. The appropriate optical adapter, connector interface, or coupling arrangement may be required depending on the fiber and connector used in the test setup.

Measurement accuracy can be affected by beam position, spot diameter, fiber numerical aperture, connector condition, adapter condition, and optical alignment. Buyers should review the intended coupling method and confirm that the required adapters are available before placing the optical head into service.

Typical Applications

The Agilent 81622B High-Power Germanium Optical Head is suitable for professional applications such as:

• High-power fiber optic measurements
• Optical source output-power verification
• Telecom transmitter testing
• Amplified optical signal measurement
• Fiber optic component characterization
• Photonics research and development
• Open-beam optical power measurement
• Single-mode and multimode fiber testing
• Production-line optical power monitoring
• Laboratory calibration and measurement workflows
• Service, repair, and replacement equipment requirements

Product Overview

Brand	Agilent Technologies
Model	81622B
Product Category	High-Power Germanium Optical Head
Detector Material	Germanium
Detector Diameter	5 mm
Primary Application	High-power optical measurement from 850 nm to 1650 nm
Required Interface	Agilent 81618A Single or 81619A Dual Optical Head Interface Module
Suitable For	Fiber optic laboratories, telecom testing, photonics research, component characterization, production testing, and service environments

 

Optical Specifications

Specification	Agilent 81622B Details
Sensor Element	Germanium, 5 mm diameter
Wavelength Range	850 nm to 1650 nm
Power Range, 1250–1650 nm	+27 dBm to -55 dBm
Power Range, 850–1650 nm	+23 dBm to -55 dBm
Applicable Fiber Types	Standard single-mode and multimode fiber
Maximum Fiber Core Size	100 µm
Maximum Numerical Aperture	0.3
Open-Beam Capability	Supported
Maximum Parallel-Beam Diameter	4 mm
Uncertainty at Reference Conditions	±3.0% from 950 nm to 1630 nm
Total Uncertainty	±5% ±40 nW from 950 nm to 1630 nm
Return Loss	Greater than 45 dB
Noise, Peak-to-Peak	Less than 40 nW
Minimum Averaging Time	100 µs
Analog Output	Included

 

Linearity Specifications

The following linearity values apply under the defined measurement conditions with zeroing performed. Actual measurement performance depends on source stability, optical coupling, temperature, detector zeroing, beam alignment, connector quality, and calibration status.

Linearity Condition	Specified Performance
Power and Wavelength Range	Continuous-wave power from +27 dBm to -40 dBm, 950 nm to 1630 nm
At 23 °C ±5 °C	Less than ±0.05 dB ±40 nW
Across the Operating Temperature Range	Less than ±0.15 dB ±40 nW

 

Reference and Operating Conditions

The specified uncertainty figures are based on defined reference conditions. These include a continuous-wave optical power level of 10 µW, a 3 mm parallel beam centered on the detector, an ambient temperature of 23 °C ±5 °C, a source spectral width below 10 nm full width at half maximum, and a power-meter wavelength setting that corresponds to the optical source wavelength.

For operating measurements, the optical head may be used with a centered 3 mm parallel beam or compatible connectorized fiber. When fiber numerical aperture exceeds 0.2, an additional uncertainty contribution applies. Measurement uncertainty also changes with calibration age, optical power, connector type, and environmental conditions.

At input powers above +10 mW, additional linearity effects are specified. Proper measurement planning is important when using the optical head near the upper portion of its power range. Following a negative power change greater than 50 dB, additional recovery time may be required before completing a precision measurement.

Interface Module Requirements

The Agilent 81622B must be operated with an Agilent 81618A Single Optical Head Interface Module or an Agilent 81619A Dual Optical Head Interface Module. The interface module connects the optical head to a supported Agilent lightwave measurement platform and provides the required measurement, control, and system integration functions.

Buyers should confirm compatibility among the optical head, interface module, and host instrument before purchase. The required interface module, host lightwave mainframe, adapter, cable, and optical accessories should not be assumed to be included unless specifically identified in the AssetRelay product listing.

Environmental and Mechanical Specifications

Specification	Details
Dimensions	57 mm x 66 mm x 156 mm
Weight	0.5 kg
Operating Temperature	0 °C to 35 °C
High-Power Temperature Limitation	30 °C maximum for input power above +20 dBm
Humidity	Non-condensing
Warm-Up Time	40 minutes
Recommended Recalibration Period	2 years

 

Measurement Preparation and Detector Care

The active detector surface, optical adapter, and fiber connector should be kept clean and protected. Dust, residue, damaged connectors, and poorly aligned free-space beams can introduce power loss, instability, and measurement errors. Protective covers should be installed whenever the detector or adapter is not in use.

The detector should not be touched with cleaning tools unless the appropriate Agilent cleaning procedure is followed. Users should verify that any cleaning supplies are compatible with optical detector surfaces and installed adapters. Compressed gas, solvents, swabs, and other cleaning products should be used only as directed by applicable equipment-care procedures.

Before precision measurements, the optical head should complete the specified warm-up period and be properly zeroed. The wavelength setting in the connected power-meter system should correspond to the source wavelength. The optical source should be stable, and the beam or fiber should be correctly aligned with the detector.

Compatibility and Buyer Considerations

The Agilent 81622B is a configuration-specific high-power germanium optical head. Buyers should confirm that the 850 nm to 1650 nm wavelength range, applicable power range, germanium detector, 5 mm active area, supported fiber dimensions, open-beam capability, and required interface module meet the intended measurement requirements.

Buyers should review the product condition, detector condition, housing condition, installed adapter, calibration status, service history, cable condition, and included accessories before purchase. The optical interface adapter visible or installed on an individual unit should be verified because adapter type and connector compatibility may vary.

The 81622B should not be confused with the Agilent 81626B high-power optical head. Although both models cover 850 nm to 1650 nm and provide high-power measurement capability, the 81622B uses a germanium detector and has different lower power limits, noise performance, and detector characteristics.

Only items specifically identified in the AssetRelay listing should be considered included. The Agilent 81618A or 81619A interface module, host lightwave measurement system, fiber adapters, cables, connector interfaces, cleaning supplies, and calibration accessories may be required separately.

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. The Agilent 81622B Germanium Optical Head is listed to help engineers, laboratory personnel, production facilities, procurement teams, and service organizations source practical optical measurement equipment.

Buyers should review the available product photographs, condition details, detector and adapter condition, included accessories, calibration information, and interface compatibility before purchase. Confirming these details helps ensure that the optical head matches the intended wavelength, power level, fiber type, coupling method, and host measurement platform.

When available, buyers should also review supplied test results, service records, calibration information, and accessory lists before completing the purchase. AssetRelay recommends evaluating the complete measurement-system requirements rather than assuming that the interface module, mainframe, adapters, or optical cables are included with the optical head.