AQ6377 is the first OSA in the world that allows the analysis of the lateral modes of MWIR lasers.
For environmental sensing applications, lasers are increasingly being used to detect gases such as CO2, N2O, and NO. They do this by identifying the wavelength of the absorption lines of different gases. However, lateral modes, which are normally difficult to detect, reduce the laser's ability to distinguish between various types of gases. In the 3.5 to 5μm (Mid Infrared) range, the AQ6377 is the only OSA capable of analyzing with high precision the wavelength spectrum of lasers, including lateral modes.
Manufacturers of gas sensor systems will now be able to assess the purity of emissions and characterize lasers more accurately, thus allowing the best lasers to be selected for specific applications. Increasingly used for diagnostic medical spectroscopy, quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) work using a pulsed technique over a wide range of wavelengths. Yokogawa's OSA AQ6377 is now capable of stable measurements in this wide wavelength range, as well as being able to evaluate pulsed QCL signals with low repetition rates, which until now was difficult to achieve. Thus, the AQ6377 is a leap forward, allowing researchers to work with various pulse lengths and repetition rates. The main features of the AQ6377, which together allow visualization of the side modes of MWIR lasers, include a wavelength resolution of 0.2 nm, a wavelength accuracy of ±0.5 nm, a high dynamic range of 50 dB, and a sensitivity level below -60 dBm.
The wide dynamic range and high sensitivity have been achieved by reducing the influence of side light on the monochromator. The built-in calibration light source takes advantage of the natural absorption properties of acetylene gas to emit a wavelength calibration signal that is accurate to 0.6 picometers. This source is also used in conjunction with the automatic optical alignment capability to compensate for any deviation in the optical axis caused by vibrations during transport and changes in temperature. By combining these features, the AQ6377 can maintain its high optical performance without variation. In addition, the free-space optical input allows both single-mode and multi-mode MWIR fibers (up to 400 μm) to be connected to the same equipment, and offers stable, low insertion loss, increasing measurement repeatability. With no physical contact, the possibility of damaging the fibers when they are connected is eliminated.
Another important feature of the AQ6377 is purging. In the MWIR region, the spectral measurements can be strongly influenced by the absorption of water vapor and carbon dioxide. The purge function is designed to significantly reduce the influence of these gases by continuously supplying a pure purge gas, such as nitrogen, to the monochromator through dedicated connectors located on the rear panel. “With worldwide attention on air quality and the effect of greenhouse gases, we pride ourselves on our ability to help improve the accuracy of your measurements,” says Terry Marrinan, Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Yokogawa Europe and Southeast Asia: “By creating the high-performance OSA AQ6377, we are responding to the needs of customers developing solutions for optical gas detection, as well as surgical teams that require high-performance measurement equipment that is easy to operate and maintain. ”. For more information about AQ6377 5μm Optical Spectrum Analyzer, please visit the following link
