Introducing the WA-1650/1150 Wavemeter® Optical Wavelength Meters

• Absolute optical wavelength measured to the highest accuracy of ± 0.3 pm
• Continuous calibration with built-in wavelength standard
• Simultaneous measurement of total optical power
• Operation with CW, modulated and SONET/SDH signals
• Rugged design for manufacturing environments

Absolute Wavelength Measurement for DWDM Component Characterization

To meet the growing demand for access to larger volumes of digital information, telecommunications operators increase the capacity of their transmission systems using a technique known as dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM). DWDM is a process whereby multiple optical carriers are coupled onto a single fiber to maximize data transmission capacity. To ensure optimal uninterrupted communications, stringent optical performance criteria must be met by the various components included in every DWDM system. Specifically, DWDM components such as transmission fasers, optical multiplexers/demultiplexers, optical filters and fiber Bragg gratings must be accurately characterized with respect wavelength. Burleigh Instruments is uniquely qualified to satisfy this requirement with two new optical wavelength meters.

The most precise wavelength characterization of DWDM components
Since the introduction of the first Wavemeter wavelength meter in 1980, Burleigh has continually provided the most technically advanced optical wavelength measurement capability available. And this continues with the introduction of the new WA-1650 and WA-1150 Wavemeter optical wavelength meters. These systems provide the highest accuracy wavelength measurement and are designed specifically for the precise characterization of DWDM components in manufacturing environments.
These new systems employ Burleigh's  proven scanning Michelson interferometer-based Wavemeter technology to determine the absolute wavelength of a laser under test by comparing its interference fringe pattern with that of a built-in HeNe laser wavelength standard. Unlike other wavelength meters, all factors that can affect wavelength measurements are accounted for in order to achieve the highest absolute wavelength accuracy of ± 0.3 pm (WA-1650). When the highest accuracy is not required, a lower cost alternative is available (WA-1150) to provide an absolute wavelength accuracy of ± 1.5 pm.

Total optical power measured simultaneously
To provide a more complete analysis of DWDM components, these Wavemeter systems simultaneously measure the total power of an optical input signal. The absolute accuracy of this power measurement is ± 0.5 dB and can be reported in units of dBm, mW and µW.

Drift feature measures changes automatically
The drift feature of the WA-1650 and WA-1150 automatically monitors, as a function of time, any changes in the wavelength or the power of an optical signal. Current values and their deviation from the measurement starting point are displayed to provide the real-time status of the laser under test. In addition, the maximum an minimum values are reported to give the limits reached during measurements.

Special design for manufacturing environment
Several design considerations specific to the needs of DWDM component manufacturers have been incorporated into these new optical wavelength meters. With a built-in HeNe laser wavelength standard, the system's accuracy is maintained over long periods of time without the need for calibration. Advanced signal processing allows operations with CW, modulated and SONET/SDH optical signals. And, a rugged benchtop of rack mounted package minimizes any detrimental effects from a typical manufacturing environment.

Features and performance summary

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