Definition Of Terms - Agilent Technologies Agilent 86120B User Manual

Wavelength
1. Obarski, G. E. 1990. "Wavelength Measurement System for Optical Fiber Communications"
2. Moore, C. E. 1971. "Atomic Energy Levels as Derived from the Analysis of Optical Spectra:
3. D. A. Jennings, F. R. Peterson, and K. M. Evenson. 1979. "Frequency measurement of the

Definition of Terms

Range refers to the allowable wavelength range of the optical input signal.
Absolute accuracy indicates the maximum wavelength error over the allowed
environmental conditions. The wavelength accuracy is based on fundamental
physical constants, which are absolute standards not requiring traceability to
artifacts kept at national standards laboratories. Four He-Ne gas lasers are
used. First, there is an internal 632.991 nm-vacuum (473.6127 THz) reference
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laser . To verify absolute wavelength accuracy, three external lasers are mea-
sured during manufacturing with these wavelengths:
730.685 nm, or 410.2896 THz
1152.591 nm, or 260.1032 THz
1523.488 nm, or 196.7804 THz
Differential Accuracy indicates the maximum wavelength error in measuring
the wavelength difference between two signals that are simultaneously
present.
Minimum Resolvable Separation indicates the minimum wavelength separa-
tion of two laser lines required to measure each wavelength simultaneously.
Two laser lines closer in wavelength than the minimum resolvable separation
are not resolved and one average wavelength is displayed.
Display Resolution indicates the minimum incremental change in displayed
wavelength.
NIST Technical Note 1336 (February): 18. Take the average of the two frequencies strad-
dling gain center.
Vol. 1" NSRDS-NBS 35, Vol. 1 (COM-72-51282) (December): 77.
260-THz (1.15 micron) He-Ne laser" Optics Letters Vol. 4, No. 5 (May): 129-130.
Specifications and Regulatory Information
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Definition of Terms
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