Calibrating Wavelength Measurements - Agilent Technologies 8614 B Series User Manual

Calibrating Wavelength Measurements

Environmental variations such as air pressure, temperature, and humidity can affect the index of
refraction of air in the monochromator of the optical spectrum analyzer (OSA). This section dis-
cusses calibration methods that you can use to improve the wavelength accuracy in the Agilent
8614xB OSA's.
page
N o t e Many aspects of remotely programming the optical spectrum analyzers are discussed in Product
Note 86140-2R, Wavelength Calibration for the 86140X Series Optical Spectrum Analyzers
(Literature part number 5980-0043E).
Overview Wavelength calibration routines improve wavelength accuracy by determining errors and cor-
recting them with offsets, using linear interpolation when necessary. For maximum wavelength
accuracy, calibration points spaced a maximum of 10 nm apart are recommended.
You can perform a wavelength calibration by using one of the following methods:
• Manual Method using Internal Calibrator
• Remote Method using Internal Calibrator
• Manual Method using an External Single Wavelength Source
• Remote Method using an External Single Wavelength Source
• External Multipoint Wavelength Calibration
These calibration routines should only be performed after the instrument's temperature has been
stabilized by a minimum of 1 hour of continuous operation.
Refer to "Calibration" on page 3-16
3-16.
Using the Instrument

Calibrating Wavelength Measurements

and to "Calibrator Multi-Pt Align" on
2-13