Our test result:
Set fixed 8dBm, test by HP 81525A head after a FC/APC-FC/APC SMF jumper.
Channel 1:
Tested output power at 1500nm: 6.35dBm.
Tested output power at 1550nm: 7.17dBm. Wavelength by HP86120B wavelength meter: 1550.007nm
Tested output power at 1580nm: 7.68dBm.
Channel 2:
Tested output power at 1500nm: 6.52dBm.
Tested output power at 1550nm: 7.61dBm. Wavelength by HP86120B wavelength meter: 1549.945nm
Tested output power at 1580nm: 7.66dBm.
Set 0dBm
Channel 1:
Tested wavelength by HP86120B wavelength meter: 1549.992nm
Channel 2:
Tested wavelength by HP86120B wavelength meter: 1549.952nm
Test data of Signal to source spontaneous-emission ratio:
Set 8dBm: 60dB/0.1nm at 1550nm, 61dB/0.1nm at 1570nm.
Set 0dBm: From 52.xdB/0.1nm to 54dB/0.1nm around 1550nm.
We have figured out optical interface is SMF rather than PMF. The laser can be enabled only one minute after turn on power switch. User can calibrate wavelength and output power at 1520nm and 1570nm, see photos 3-6 below (we have not made any user calibration). User can choose display one of 3 options: wavelength, f. ; P; or I, see photos 7-9.
User can turn on "Coherence control" from front panel.
This Photonetics TUNICS-MC Chassis Model 3647RA00 (3647 RA 00) is a modular systems that can hold up to four modules.
Features
•Mainframe Supports up to 4 Modules
•RS-232 and GPIB Remote Interfaces
•User Friendly Front Panel Display
TUNICS 3647RA00 Mainframe Specification:
Control Instrument Front Panel, RS-232, and GPIB
Dimensions: 17.5 x 16.5 x 6 inch
TUNICS 3647HE1550-P6RL Module Specification:
Wavelength Range: 1500 - 1580 nm
Max Power: Set 8dBm
Signal to source spontaneous-emission ratio: >55dB (0.1nm bandwidth)
3 Display options : 1. wavelength, f; 2. P; 3. I
Display Wavelength unit: nm or GHz
Display Power unit : mW or dBm
Resolution: 1 pm
Optical Interface: FC/APC
In model number of 3647HE1550-P6RL: P6 means >6dBm. R means high resolution (1pm), L means Labview driver(not available).
This 3647HE1550-P6RL specification seems very similar to Tunics-plus. We do not know GPIB commands. We do not have exact pdf specification and user manual document. The 1st two pdf links below are only for similar-model specification, and last pdf link below is for similar-model user manual.
Mainframe and 2 laser modules were made in June 1999.
FAQ :
1. How much is bandwidth?
Very narrow. Too narrow for us to test it with 0.1nm-RBW OSA. Bandwith is too narrow for regular users, so mostly they turn on “Ctrl" (coherence control) on front panel to get wide bandwidth to reduce multi-reflection noise, then get more stable output.
2. Continuous tuning ?
No mode hopping ? Continuously tuning. Tuning resolution: 1pm. We verified this (no mode-hopping) with wavemeter from 1550.00nm to 1550.020nm range, we cannot spend too much time to manually verify this on whole wavelength range since we cannot do GPIB on this instrument.