Keysight 86120D and 86122C
Multi-Wavelength Meters

Data SheetIntroduction
The 8612xx family of multi-wavelength meters is known for reliability and durability on themanufacturing floor, on engineer‘s benches, and even on ships. Statistical data from a large share of
the industry’s installed wavelength meters enables Keysight to continuously fine-tune its instruments
for lower cost of ownership and longer usage. Current updates include an extended recommended
recalibration period of two years and a doubled lifetime of the built-in reference laser. The 86122C
multi-wavelength meter includes five years warranty, the 86120D three years of warranty without
additional cost. The warranty covers not only the reference laser, but all opto-mechanical andelectronic parts.

NEW Fast Update Option for the 86122C Multi-Wavelength Meter
Our flagship model, the Keysight 86122C, is now available with a faster update rate. The new option
86122C-110 accelerates the update rate from 2 per second to 3 per second. The measurement cycle
time is reduced from 0.5 seconds to 0.3 seconds. For compatibility, the previous update rate is stillavailable under option 86122C-100.

NEW 86120D Multi-Wavelength MeterNEW
For the measurement of light sources and signals in the wavelength range from 700 nm to1700 nm, the new 86120D model offers a compelling set of features with ±1.5 ppm accuracy and ameasurement cycle time of 0.6 seconds. Like for the 86122C, all wavelength accuracy specifications
apply to single-scan measurements - there is no averaging required. This makes them ideal for fast,
automated wavelength adjustment procedures.
The 86120D has been qualified for “General Purpose” environmental operating conditions from 0 °C to+55 °C, with shock and vibration tested for use cases that require robust test equipment.

03 | Keysight | 86120D and 86122C Multi-Wavelength Meters - Data Sheet

Keysight multi-wavelength meters are Michelson interferometerbased instruments that measure wavelength and optical powerof laser light over a specified wavelength range. Simultaneous
measurements of multiple laser lines are performed, allowing
measurements of DWDM signals and multiple lines ofFabry-Perot lasers. Each laser line is assumed to have alinewidth (including modulation sidebands) of less than:–– 10 GHz for the 86120D, and–– 2.5 GHz for the 86122C
A broadband mode is also available for measuring the weighted
center of wider lines.
This technical specifications sheet describes the measurement
accuracy and operating conditions of the Keysight 86120D and86122C Multi-Wavelength Meters. The specifications apply to
all functions within the specified environmental conditions. All
specifications apply after the instrument’s temperature has beenstabilized after 15 minutes continuous operation.

Definitions of Terms
Characteristics and specifications
The distinction between specifications and characteristics isdescribed as follows:–– Specifications describe warranted performance.
–– Characteristics provide useful, but non-warranted information about the functions and performance of the instrument.
–– General Characteristics give additional information for using
the instrument. These are general descriptive terms that do
not imply a level of performance.
Specifications apply for wavelengths not equal to any water
absorption line.

Wavelength–– Range refers to the allowable wavelength range of theoptical input signal.
–– Absolute accuracy indicates the maximum wavelength errorover the allowed environmental conditions.
–– Differential accuracy indicates the maximum wavelength
error in measuring the wavelength difference between twosignals that are simultaneously present.
–– Minimum resolvable separation indicates the minimum
wavelength separation of two laser lines input required tomeasure each wavelength simultaneously. Two laser lines
closer in wavelength than the minimum resolvable separation
are not resolved and one average wavelength is displayed.
–– Display resolution indicates the minimum incremental
change in displayed wavelength.

Power–– Calibration accuracy indicates the maximum power
calibration error at the specified wavelengths over theallowed environmental conditions.
–– Flatness refers to the maximum amplitude error in ameasurement between two lines that are separated inwavelength by no more than the specified amount.
–– Linearity indicates the maximum power error in measuring
the change in power of one laser line.
–– Polarization dependence indicates the maximum displayed
power variation as the polarization of the input signal
is varied.
–– Display resolution indicates the minimum incrementalchange in displayed power.

Sensitivity
Sensitivity is defined as the minimum power level of a single laserline input to measure wavelength and power accurately. A laserline with less than the minimum power may be measured butwith reduced wavelength and power accuracy. For multiple laserlines input, sensitivity may be limited by total input power.

Selectivity
Selectivity indicates the ability to measure the wavelength andpower of a weak laser line in the proximity of a specified stronger
laser line and separated by the specified amount.

Input power–– Maximum displayed level indicates the maximum total
input power (total of all laser lines present) to accurately
measure wavelength and power.
–– Maximum safe input power indicates the maximum total
input power (total of all laser lines present) to avoid
permanent optical damage to the instrument.

Maximum number of lines input
Maximum number of lines input is the maximum number ofdisplayed lines. If more than the specified number of lines isinput, only the longest wavelength lines are displayed.

Input return loss
Input return loss indicates the optical power reflected backto the user’s fiber cable relative to the input power. It is limitedby the return loss of the front panel connector, and assumes
the user’s connector is good.

Measurement cycle time
Measurement cycle time refers to the cycle time when measuring
wavelength and power of laser lines. Specific advanced
applications may require longer cycle times.

04 | Keysight | 86120D and 86122C Multi-Wavelength Meters - Data Sheet

Specifications
WavelengthRange
Operating range
Absolute accuracy

At 1550 nm

86120D86122C

Notes

700 to 1650 nm (182 to 428 THz)
700 to 1700 nm (176 to 428 THz)

1270 to 1650 nm (182 to 236 THz)

± 1.5 ppm
typ. ± 1 ppm (within 15 °C to 35 °C)± 2.3 pm

± 0.2 ppm (within 15°C to 35°C)

For lines separated byless than or linewidth
greater than the specified
amount, wavelength
accuracy is reduced.
For laser lines separatedby ≥ 10 GHz (≥ 20 GHz for86120D) and linewidths≤ 2.5 GHz (≤ 10 GHz for86120D).

± 0.3 pm

At 1310 nm± 2.1 pm
± 0.3 pm
Differential accuracy 1± 0.4 ppm
± 0.15 ppm
Minimum resolvable separation 1 (equal power lines input)
15 GHz
5 GHz
At 1550 nm
0.12 nm0.04 nm
At 1310 nm
0.09 nm0.03 nm
Display resolution
0.0001 nm
Units
nm (vacuum or standard air), cm –1, THz
PowerCalibration accuracy 5± 0.6 dB (at ± 30 nm from 780 nm 1,± 0.5 dB1310 nm, and 1550 nm)(at ± 30 nm from 1310 nm and 1550 nm)
Flatness 1± 0.2 dB (1200 to 1600 nm)± 0.2 dB (1270 to 1600 nm)± 0.5 dB (700 to 1650 nm)± 0.5 dB (1270 to 1650 nm)
Linearity± 0.3 dB (1200 to 1600 nm)± 0.3 dB (1270 to 1600 nm)
Polarization dependence± 0.6 dB(1200 to 1600 nm)± 0.6 dB (1270 to 1600 nm)± 1.5 dB 1 (700 to 1650 nm)± 1.0 dB 1 (1600 to 1650 nm)
Display resolution
0.01 dB
Units
dBm, mW, µW
Sensitivity
Single line input–20 dBm (700 to 900 nm)
NA–25 dBm 1 (800 to 1200 nm)
NA–40 dBm 6 (1200 to 1600 nm)–32 dBm (1270 to 1600 nm)–30 dBm 6 (1600 to 1650 nm)–22 dBm (1600 to 1650 nm)
Multiple lines input 1
30 dB below total input power, but not less than single line input sensitivity
Selectivity 1
25 dB spacing ≥ 100 GHz
25 dB spacing ≥ 90 GHz
10 dB spacing ≥ 25 GHz
10 dB spacing ≥ 10 GHz
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Characteristic.
Number of laser lines may be limited by signal power requirements for accurate wavelength measurements.
Type tested means tested, but not warranted, for continuous operation.
At 1550 nm.
Excluding polarization effects.
Spurious free under Preset conditions.

30 nm from any
wavelength
Lines above –30 dBm

Single measurement,without averaging

05 | Keysight | 86120D and 86122C Multi-Wavelength Meters - Data Sheet

Specifications (Continued)
Input power
Maximum displayed level
Maximum safe input level
Return loss–– With non-angled (PC)connectors (Option 021)–– With angled (APC)
connectors (Option 022)
Measurement cycle time
Maximum number of lines
Measurement modes

86120D86122C

Notes+10 dBm+18 dBm+10 dBm+18 dBm

Sum of all lines input

35 dB

35 dB

50 dB

50 dB

0.5 s (86122C-100)
0.3 s (86122C-110)
1000 21000 2
List by wavelength table, list by power table, signal wavelength and power, averagewavelength and total power

0.6 s

Delta modes
Delta wavelength, delta power, delta wavelength and power
Built in automatic measurement applications
Signal to noise ratio 1, 4, 7
Channel spacing–– ≥ 200 GHz> 35 dB with 100 averages–– ≥ 100 GHz> 35 dB with 100 averages–– ≥ 50 GHz> 27 dB with 100 averages
Drift
Maximum, minimum, total drift (max-min) of wavelengths and powers over time
Fabry-Perot characterization
Mean wavelength, peak wavelength, mode spacing, full-width half maximum, peak
amplitude, total power, sigma
Additional features
Power offset, power bars (on or off), user adjustable peak excursion and peak threshold,user adjustable start and stop wavelength limits, graphical display, save and recall
instrument states.
Inputs/outputs
Optical input
9 µm/125 µm single-mode fiber
Rear panel connectors
LAN, PS/2 for keyboard and mouse, SVGA and DVI for external monitor, GPIB, USB, AC Line
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

For wavelengths above
1200 nmCharacteristic.
Number of laser lines may be limited by signal power requirements for accurate wavelength measurements.
Type tested means tested, but not warranted, for continuous operation.
At 1550 nm.
Excluding polarization effects.
Spurious free under Preset conditions.
For laser lines separated by ≥ 10 GHz (≥ 20 GHz for 86120D) and linewidths ≤ 2.5 GHz (≤ 10 GHz for 86120D).

Data logging and sortingby any parameter are
included

0.1 nm noise bandwidth,lines above –25 dBm

06 | Keysight | 86120D and 86122C Multi-Wavelength Meters - Data Sheet

Specifications (Continued)
Reliability
Warranty
Recommended re-calibration
Environmental
Operational
TemperatureHumidity 1
Storage
Temperature
Humidity 1
Dimensions and weight
Dimensions (H x W x D)

Power requirements
Voltage and frequency
Maximum power1.

86120D86122C

3 years
2 years

5 years
2 years

0 to +55 °C< 95% R.H. at +40 °C

15 to 35 °C< 75% R.H. at 35 °C
Indoor use only

–40 °C to +70 °C< 90% R.H. at +65 °C for 24 hrs.

–40 °C to +70 °C< 95% R.H. at +40 °C
5 day cycle

138 mm x 425 mm x 520 mm(5.2 in x 16.7 in x 20.5 in)
14.5 kg (32 lb)
100 V / 115 V / 230 V / 240 V~,
50 Hz / 60 Hz
310 VA max

Type tested means tested, but not warranted, for continuous operation.

Notes

Non-condensing

07 | Keysight | 86120D and 86122C Multi-Wavelength Meters - Data Sheet

General Characteristics
The 8612x wavelength meters contain HeNe reference lasers, which have limited operating lifetimes, like all gas-discharge lasers.
With the latest enhancement of the reference lasers used in the new 86122C, the average laser lifetime has doubled. Together with the2-year recommended re-calibration period and the included 5-year warranty (3 years for 86120D), this helps minimizing planned andunplanned downtimes and cost of ownership.

Ordering Information
For the most up-to-date ordering information, please contact your Keysight sales representative.
86120D Multi-wavelength meter
Optical connectors
86120D-021
Straight (non-angled) connector interface-PC
86120D-022
Angled contact interface-APC
Accessories
86122A-1CM
Rack mount kit without handles
86122A-1CN
Handle kit
86122A-1CP
Rack mount kit plus handles
86120D-UK6
Commercial calibration certificate with test dataWarranty and calibration
R-51B-001-5C
Warranty Assurance Plan – Return to Keysight –5 years
R-50C-011-3
Calibration Assurance Plan – Return to Keysight –3 years
R-50C-011-5
Calibration Assurance Plan – Return to Keysight –5 years
R-50C-021-3
ANSI Z540-1-1994 Calibration – 3 years
R-50C-021-5
ANSI Z540-1-1994 Calibration – 5 years
Connector interfaces (order separately)
81000FI
FC connector interface (FC/PC)
81000HI
E-2000 connector interface
81000KISC connector interface
81000LI
LC connector interface
81000MIMU connector interface
81000NIFC connector interface (FC/APC with narrow key)
81000SI
DIN connector interface
81000VI
ST connector interface

86122C Multi-wavelength meter
86122C-100
Wavelengths 1270 nm to 1650 nm, ± 0.2 ppm
86122C-110
Wavelengths 1270 nm to 1650 nm, Fast Update,± 0.2 ppm
Optical connectors
86122C-021
Straight (non-angled) connector interface-PC
86122C-022
Angled contact interface-APC
Accessories
86122A-1CM
Rack mount kit without handles
86122A-1CN
Handle kit
86122A-1CP
Rack mount kit plus handles
86122C-UK6
Commercial calibration certificate with test data
Calibration
R-50C-011-3
Calibration Assurance Plan – Return to Keysight –3 years
R-50C-011-5
Calibration Assurance Plan – Return to Keysight –5 years
R-50C-021-3
ANSI Z540-1-1994 Calibration – 3 years
R-50C-021-5
ANSI Z540-1-1994 Calibration – 5 years

Optical Instruments Online Information
Optical test instruments
Lightwave component analyzers
Polarization solutions
Spectral analysis productsElectro-optical converters
Optical test instruments accessories
Firmware and driver download
Keysight photonic discussion forum

www.keysight.com/find/oct
www.keysight.com/find/lca
www.keysight.com/find/pol
www.keysight.com/find/mwm
www.keysight.com/find/ref
www.keysight.com/find/octaccessories
www.keysight.com/find/octfirmware
www.keysight.com/find/photonic_forum

08 | Keysight | 86120D and 86122C Multi-Wavelength Meters - Data Sheet

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a one-year warranty on many accessories, calibration devices, systems andcustom products.
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© Keysight Technologies, 2013 - 2016
Published in USA, December 1, 2016
5988-5422EN
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