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Optical Spectrum Analyzer
Yokogawa Test & Measurement Corporation
$25,000 (refurb AQ6370D) or $40,000 (new AQ6370E) CRITICAL ● Primary spectral measurement tool for all chip characterizationRole in QLT Fabrication
The OSA is the central spectral measurement hub for all QLT chip characterization, touching every fabrication milestone from initial waveguide verification through OPC demonstration.
Process Integration Map
| Fab Step | OSA Measurement | Pass/Fail Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| D1: Waveguide loss verification | Cutback loss spectrum across C-band | < 0.5 dB/cm at 1550 nm |
| D1: Fiber-to-chip coupling | Insertion loss at 1550 nm | < 5 dB per facet |
| D2: MZI characterization | Full spectral response 1530–1565 nm | ER > 20 dB; FSR within ± 5% of design |
| D2: Heater tuning verification | Resonance shift vs. heater power | > 0.1 pm/mW tuning efficiency |
| D3: EDFA gain characterization | Gain spectrum + ASE noise floor | Gain > 20 dB; NF < 6 dB |
| D4: FWM/OPC spectrum capture | Pump, signal, idler peak resolution | Conversion efficiency η > -30 dB |
| D4: Phase-matching bandwidth | Idler power vs. signal detuning | Bandwidth > 10 nm |
Instrument Dependencies
The OSA is a passive receiver at the end of every optical measurement chain:
- Tunable laser (#11) provides swept CW input; OSA captures output spectrum
- Mode-locked laser (#12) provides FWM pump; OSA resolves idler sidebands from strong pump background
- EDFA (#28) provides amplified signals; OSA verifies gain spectrum and ASE
- Power meter (#26) cross-calibrates OSA level accuracy monthly
Technical Specifications
| Test | Wavelength Range | Resolution Needed | Power Range | What We Extract |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MZI transmission spectrum | 1530–1565 nm (C-band) | ≤ 0.1 nm | -60 to +10 dBm | FSR, extinction ratio, coupling coefficients |
| Waveguide propagation loss | 1530–1565 nm | ≤ 0.5 nm | -40 to +10 dBm | dB/cm loss from cutback or MZI method |
| FWM/OPC sideband detection | 1500–1600 nm | ≤ 0.05 nm (20 pm) | -80 to +10 dBm | Signal (ωs), idler (ωi), pump (ωp) peaks; conversion efficiency η = P_idler/P_signal |
| Heater tuning efficiency | Single λ ± 5 nm | ≤ 0.1 nm | -30 to +5 dBm | Peak shift vs. heater power (pm/mW) |
| EDFA gain spectrum | 1530–1565 nm | ≤ 0.5 nm | -30 to +20 dBm | Gain flatness, ASE noise spectral density |
| Fiber-to-chip coupling | 1550 nm ± 1 nm | ≤ 0.5 nm | -50 to +10 dBm | Coupling loss per facet |
| Laser source characterization | Any in 600–1700 nm range | ≤ 0.02 nm | -60 to +20 dBm | SMSR, linewidth estimate, mode spacing |
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Yokogawa Test & Measurement |
| Model | AQ6370E |
| Status | Current production (released June 2023, successor to AQ6370D) |
| Architecture | Double-pass diffraction grating monochromator |
| Wavelength range | 600–1700 nm |
| Resolution bandwidth | 20 pm – 2 nm (settable: 0.02, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 nm) |
| Wavelength accuracy | ± 0.02 nm (1520–1620 nm) |
| Wavelength reproducibility | ± 0.005 nm |
| Level range | +20 dBm to -90 dBm |
| Level accuracy | ± 0.3 dB |
| Dynamic range (close-in) | > 78 dB at ± 1 nm; > 70 dB at ± 0.4 nm |
| Stray light | ≤ -75 dB |
| Input | Free-space input with interchangeable fiber connector adapter (FC/APC, FC/PC, SC) |
| Sweep speed | 0.5× sensitivity to 2× speed (adjustable) |
| Display | 10.4" multi-touch capacitive touchscreen |
| Interface | USB 2.0 (host + device), Ethernet/LAN, GP-IB (IEEE 488) |
| Remote control | SCPI commands over Ethernet/GPIB |
| Data output | USB memory stick (CSV, binary), Ethernet transfer |
| Built-in functions | WDM analysis, SMSR, OSNR, power/peak search, notch filtering |
| Operating temperature | +5 to +35°C (performance guaranteed: +18 to +28°C) |
| Storage temperature | -10 to +50°C |
| Humidity | 20–80% RH (non-condensing) |
| Power input | 100–240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, ~100 VA |
| Dimensions | 426 mm (W) × 221 mm (H) × 459 mm (D) |
| Weight | ~19 kg (41.9 lbs) |
| Warm-up time | ≥ 1 hour (auto-alignment after warm-up) |
| Feature | AQ6370E (current) | AQ6370D (discontinued) |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 10.4" multi-touch | 8.4" resistive touch |
| Sweep speed | Improved by ~20% | Baseline |
| Dynamic range | > 78 dB | > 78 dB (same) |
| Resolution | 20 pm min | 20 pm min (same) |
| Network features | Wake-on-LAN, web GUI | Basic SCPI |
| Price (new) | $35,000–$55,000 | Discontinued |
| Price (used) | N/A | $15,000–$35,000 |
| Alternative | Key Specs | Pros | Cons | Approx. New Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yokogawa AQ6380 | 600–1700 nm, 5 pm res | Best resolution; newest model | Most expensive; may be overkill | $45,000–$70,000 |
| Yokogawa AQ6375E | 1200–2400 nm | Extended range (NIR/L-band) | Doesn't cover 600–1200 nm | $40,000–$60,000 |
| Anritsu MS9740B | 600–1750 nm, 30 pm res | Good C-band; multiple ports | Less common in photonics labs; lower dynamic range | $25,000–$40,000 |
| EXFO FTBx-5245 | 1250–1650 nm, 20 pm res | Portable; modular platform | Smaller wavelength range; less lab-oriented | $15,000–$30,000 |
| Thorlabs OSA203C | 1000–2600 nm, 60 pm res | Low cost; Fourier-transform based | Lower resolution (60 pm); limited dynamic range (~45 dB) | $8,000–$12,000 |
| Apex AP2043B | 1520–1600 nm, 0.04 pm res | Ultra-high resolution; excellent for laser characterization | Narrow wavelength range; extremely expensive | $60,000–$100,000 |
Vendor Options & Pricing
| Model | Configuration | Estimated New Price |
|---|---|---|
| Yokogawa AQ6370E (standard) | Base unit, FC/APC adapter | $35,000–$45,000 |
| Yokogawa AQ6370E (high-performance) | Enhanced calibration, extended warranty | $40,000–$55,000 |
| Yokogawa AQ6380 | Higher resolution model | $45,000–$70,000 |
| Thorlabs OSA203C (FT-OSA) | Complete system | $8,000–$12,000 |
Used/Refurbished Market
| Model | "As-Is" Price | Certified Refurb Price | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| AQ6370D (2015–2023 production) | $12,000–$25,000 | $20,000–$35,000 | Common |
| AQ6370C (2012–2015) | $8,000–$18,000 | $15,000–$25,000 | Moderate |
| AQ6370B (2009–2012) | $5,000–$12,000 | $10,000–$18,000 | Less common |
| AQ6317B (older model) | $3,000–$8,000 | $5,000–$12,000 | Available |
| Anritsu MS9740A | $8,000–$18,000 | $12,000–$22,000 | Moderate |
Used market sources:
- Axiom Test Equipment (axiomtest.com) ● certified refurb with calibration
- Custom Cal (custom-cal.com) ● calibration + warranty
- Used-Line (used-line.com) ● as-is marketplace
- TestEquity (testequity.com) ● Yokogawa authorized reseller
- ElectroRent (electrorent.com) ● rental option ($1,500–$3,000/month)
Price History & Market Trends
| Year | AQ6370 Series New Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | ~$30,000 (AQ6370B) | Initial release |
| 2012 | ~$32,000 (AQ6370C) | Minor updates |
| 2015 | ~$35,000 (AQ6370D) | Touchscreen added |
| 2023 | ~$38,000 (AQ6370E) | Multi-touch; faster sweep; WoL |
| 2025 | ~$40,000 (AQ6370E) | Steady; inflation-adjusted |
OSAs hold value well (diffraction gratings don't degrade). A 10-year-old AQ6370B still provides > 70 dB dynamic range ● the physics doesn't change.
Our Budget Recommendation
NEW PURCHASE (fastest delivery):
- Yokogawa AQ6370E (new, standard): $38,000–$45,000; lead time 4–8 weeks (stock from Yokogawa US or TestEquity)
- Contact: Yokogawa US (800) 258-2552 or tmi.yokogawa.com
- This is the industry-standard OSA. Every photonics lab in the world uses a Yokogawa.
BUDGET OPTION (immediate capability):
- Thorlabs OSA203C (new FT-OSA): $10,000; lead time 1–2 weeks (Thorlabs stock)
- 60 pm resolution is sufficient for MZI FSR measurement but marginal for FWM sideband detection
- Limited dynamic range (~45 dB) means FWM conversion efficiency < -45 dB cannot be measured
- Good as an interim tool while waiting for Yokogawa delivery
REFURBISHED (best value for production-grade):
- AQ6370D (certified refurb): $22,000–$30,000; lead time 1–3 weeks from Axiom Test or Custom Cal
- Same core diffraction grating performance as E-model; older touchscreen interface
- Ensure NIST-traceable calibration certificate is included
Budget: $25,000 (refurb AQ6370D) or $40,000 (new AQ6370E)