Photonic and Optical Test Catalog

The Keysight Photonic and Optical Test Catalog provides a comprehensive overview of optical and photonic test instruments designed for precision device characterization, wavelength measurement, modulation analysis, and coherent system evaluation. Organized into seven capability classes across photonic component analyzers and coherent transmission test solutions, the catalog spans tools for optical transmitters, receivers, components, and multi‑channel optical systems. These instruments support applications ranging from optical transceiver development and data center interconnects to photonic integrated circuit validation, coherent communication research, and high‑volume component manufacturing.
 

The catalog includes lightwave component analyzers, wavelength meters, tunable lasers, reference transmitters, optical return loss meters, polarization and dispersion analyzers, optical switches, optical power meters, and coherent modulation analyzers, along with photonic test parts and modular coherent transmission test platforms. Together, these instruments support test modes spanning transmission, reflection, coherent detection, polarization analysis, wavelength tuning, swept‑wavelength testing, and optical power measurement across visible, infrared, and telecom bands.
 

Lightwave component analyzers in the XP1‑class, which includes the N4300 Series, enable calibrated S‑parameter measurements for optical and photonic components by pairing high‑bandwidth vector network analyzers with optical converters. They support high‑frequency characterization up to 110 GHz for modulators, detectors, fibers, and integrated photonic circuits and eliminate manual calibration steps while maintaining stable performance across wavelength, temperature, and polarization variations.
 

Wavelength meters come in the XP2‑class, which includes the 86120 Series. They provide high‑resolution, traceable wavelength measurements from 700 nm to 1650 nm. With sub‑picometer accuracy and fast update rates, they support laser tuning verification, DWDM channel alignment, and wavelength calibration tasks across R&D labs, calibration environments, and automated manufacturing lines.
 

Optical return loss meters come in the XP3‑class, which includes the N7753C. They measure reflected optical power with integrated sensors and internal couplers, offering up to 70 dB of dynamic range. These meters support precise return loss characterization of passive optical components and simplify automated workflows with compact design and USB‑controlled interfaces.
 

Tunable lasers come in the XP4‑class, which includes the N7770 Series. They provide narrow‑linewidth, high‑stability optical sources for wavelength‑dependent performance evaluation, filter testing, and swept‑wavelength characterization. With wide tuning ranges, stable output, and programmable sweep capability, they integrate easily into automated optical test systems used in photonics research and manufacturing.
 

Reference transmitters come in the XP5‑class, which includes the N7718C and 81491A. They generate calibrated optical signals for receiver conformance testing and standards‑based validation. These transmitters support a variety of modulation formats and serve as golden reference sources for validating optical receivers and ensuring system interoperability.
 

Polarization and dispersion analyzers come in the XP6‑class, which includes the N7780C Series. They provide advanced tools for polarization state generation, scrambling, measurement, and characterization of polarization‑dependent loss and dispersion. With real‑time sampling up to 1 MSa/s and integrated functionality for interferometry and SOP control, these instruments support precise component verification and transmission system evaluation.
 

Coherent modulation analyzers and modular coherent transmission come in the XP7‑class, which  includes the N4391C and modular OMAs. They combine real‑time oscilloscopes with coherent receivers to enable high‑speed modulation analysis. They support symbol rates up to 220 GBd and perform detailed EVM, constellation, IQ, and polarization analysis for coherent communication systems, making them suitable for 800ZR, metro, long‑haul, and next‑generation 1.6T development. Modular versions provide configurable sampling rates from 20 GSa/s to 640 GSa/s for flexible multi‑channel testing.
 

Photonic and optical system architectures support a wide range of engineering workflows. Power meters and optical heads offer high‑sensitivity optical power measurements; attenuators provide precise power control; optical switches enable automated multi‑port routing; and component analyzers, wavelength meters, and tunable lasers support device‑level and system‑level characterization. Coherent analyzers and receivers extend capability into ultra‑high‑speed transmission research and advanced coherent modulation testing. Together, these solutions address test requirements across photonics design, manufacturing, calibration, and systems engineering.
 

Keysight’s optical test software extends instrument capabilities with automation, wavelength and modulation analysis, swept‑wavelength processing, component modeling, and reporting tools. Accessories such as calibration adapters, optical connectors, attenuators, fibers, polarization controllers, and probe heads enhance setup flexibility and measurement accuracy in both benchtop and automated environments.
 

Keysight Support Services ensure stable performance, uptime, and long‑term instrument reliability. KeysightCare support plans provide prioritized response times, calibration services, and expert assistance to help engineers maintain accuracy and minimize downtime. High‑performance photonic and optical instruments include one year of KeysightCare Assured, ensuring precise operation and consistent measurement confidence.
 

Overall, the Photonic and Optical Test Catalog serves as a guide to selecting optical power meters, attenuators, switches, wavelength meters, lightwave analyzers, tunable lasers, reference transmitters, coherent receivers, and optical modulation analyzers for applications ranging from basic photonic component evaluation to advanced coherent system testing. With scalable instrument architectures, automated test support, advanced analysis software, and comprehensive support services, Keysight photonic and optical test solutions empower engineers working in telecommunications, data centers, aerospace, photonic device manufacturing, and next‑generation optical research.