2-5
Making Measurements
Performing Stimulus-Response Measurements
To characterize a passive device
1Turn on the optical spectrum analyzer and the Agilent 83438A, and allow them
to warm up for 1 hour.
2Use a fiber optic cable to connect the Agilent 83438A’s output to the input of
the optical spectrum analyzer.
3On the optical spectrum analyzer, press INSTR PRESET, AUTO MEAS, and then
AUTO ALIGN.
4On the optical spectrum analyzer, use the START and STOP keys to set the proper
wavelength range.
5Press REF LEVEL, and set the reference level to –10 dBm.
6Press SENS, and set the sensitivity to –70 dBm. You can increase the sensitivity
beyond this value if needed.
7If you are measuring a deep-notch filter, more sensitivity may be required.
Perform the following steps:
aPress Amptd, MORE, and then CHOP On so that On is underlined.
bPress BW,Swp, SWPTIME AutoMan, and set the sweep time to 50 seconds.
These steps cause the optical spectrum analyzer to compensate for the
effect of stray light inside the analyzer’s monochromator.
8Press State, instr modes, and then STM/RESP.
9Press STORE THRU->B, and then NORM On Off to normalize the response.