New high-performance optical sensor head for modular optical test platform

The AQ2200-232 is a new high-performance optical sensor head which joins Yokogawa's existing family of optical power meters modules in their modular optical test platform. The sensor head is used together with the dual-port AQ2200-202 interface module and is aimed at making accurate measurements in challenging applications including power testing of laser chips in free space light, I/L curve measurement of laser-diode modules and multicore fibre measurements (with an MPO connector adapter). Key features are a 5mm diameter cooled detector, perfect for measurements in free space, a wavelength measurement range from 800nm to 1700nm, and a power measurement range of +15dBm to -90dBm. It also offers best-in-class uncertainty of ±1.8%, high stability with constant-temperature control, and a wide single-range power range of 30dB. "With the launch of the new optical sensor head, Yokogawa is expanding its multi-application modular optical test platform in line with market demands for higher-speed automatic testing of optical devices in free space, which helps to reduce testing time - and hence costs - compared to fibre-coupled tests.", says Terry Marrinan, vice-president sales and marketing, Yokogawa Europe and South-East Asia: "Post-production testing of laser diodes needs to be fast because the increasing market demand requires higher quantities and cheaper products, and the fastest way to measure their output is by measuring it in free space to eliminate the time involved in connecting and disconnecting the optical fibre to each laser produced."