Dual-Port Tunable Laser Source C- & L- Band
A dual-port tunable laser source is a precision optical instrument that houses two independent tunable lasers in one chassis, each with its own output port,...
Dual-Port Tunable Laser Source C- & L- Band
Compact Dual-Port Tunable Laser Source for Coherent and DWDM Testing — CoBrite DX2 by ID Photonics
A dual-port tunable laser source is a precision optical instrument that houses two independent tunable lasers in one chassis, each with its own output port, wavelength, power setting and on/off control. Engineers use it wherever a test needs two coherent light sources at the same time — a transmitter and a local oscillator, a signal and an interferer, or two neighbouring DWDM channels.
The CoBrite DX2 from ID Photonics GmbH, Germany, is a compact dual-port tunable laser in a 1 HE, half-width 19″ chassis weighing just 1.3 kg. Each port can be fitted with a narrow linewidth laser (typically below 25 kHz) or a standard linewidth, high-power laser (up to 17.8 dBm), covering the C-band, the L-band, or one of each. Both outputs are delivered on polarisation-maintaining fibre, and the instrument is controlled from any web browser or by SCPI commands over USB and Ethernet.
United Spectrum Instruments is the official authorised distributor of the CoBrite DX2 in India, providing configuration guidance, quotations, delivery and after-sales technical support across the country.
The CoBrite DX2 is a compact two-port tunable laser source with sub-25 kHz linewidth options for coherent transmission, DWDM testing and photonics R&D — available in India through United Spectrum Instruments.
Understanding the Dual-Port Tunable Laser Source
What is a dual-port tunable laser source?
A tunable laser source emits continuous-wave (CW) light whose wavelength can be set anywhere within a defined band, rather than being fixed at one value. A dual-port version places two such lasers in one instrument. Each laser has its own fibre output and is controlled on its own, so Port 1 and Port 2 can sit at completely different wavelengths and power levels, or be switched on and off separately.
The CoBrite DX2 delivers exactly this in a chassis only 45 mm tall and 136 mm wide. It can be ordered with one or two laser modules, and each port is configured at the factory with the laser type and band that suits the application.
Why put two lasers in one instrument?
Many optical measurements are inherently two-laser problems. A coherent receiver needs a signal and a local oscillator (LO); the frequency difference between them sets the intermediate frequency that the receiver detects. Crosstalk and filter tests need a wanted channel and an interferer next to it. Heterodyne and beat-note measurements need two stable sources whose offset can be tuned precisely.
Running both lasers from one DX2 instead of two separate instruments means one control interface, one network address, one power supply, a shared thermal environment, and half the bench or rack space.
Where the DX2 fits in the CoBrite family
- CoBrite DX1 — single-port tunable laser for one-channel tasks.
- CoBrite DX2 — one or two ports in 1 HE half-width; the most compact way to get a matched pair of tunable lasers. Some laser types are available in the DX2 and larger chassis but not in the DX1.
- CoBrite DX — up to four ports in a 2U half-width chassis with a local touchscreen display. See the CoBrite DX narrow linewidth tunable laser source.
- CoBrite MX — mainframe systems that scale to dozens of lasers for high channel-count DWDM loading.
What linewidth means for your measurement
Linewidth (Δν) is the spectral width of the laser output. It determines the coherence length, the distance over which the light keeps a stable phase relationship with itself. For a laser with a Lorentzian line shape, coherence length is approximately:
Lc ≈ c / (π · Δν)
For the DX2’s narrow linewidth laser at 25 kHz, this gives about 3.8 km. For a 100 kHz laser it falls to about 950 m. In coherent communication, the combined linewidth of transmitter and LO appears as phase noise that the receiver’s digital signal processing must track; the narrower the lasers, the more margin there is for higher-order modulation formats such as 16QAM and 64QAM. That is why the DX2 lets you choose the laser type port by port.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | CoBrite DX2 Specification |
| Manufacturer | ID Photonics GmbH, Germany |
| Laser Ports | 1 or 2 independent tunable laser ports |
| Laser Type per Port | Narrow linewidth (N-type) or standard linewidth (S-type); further variants on request |
| Linewidth | N-type: <25 kHz typical S-type: 80 kHz typical; <100 kHz below +16 dBm, <150 kHz above |
| Extended C-Band (N-type) | 190.70–196.65 THz (1524.5–1572.0 nm), 10–40 mW (+10 to +16 dBm) |
| C-Band (S-type) | 1527.6–1568.6 nm, up to 60 mW (+17.8 dBm) |
| L-Band (N-type) | 186.00–191.10 THz (1568.8–1611.7 nm), 8–28 mW (+9 to +14.5 dBm) |
| Band Combinations | C + C, L + L, or C + L in one chassis |
| Tuning | Continuous (gridless) tuning across the band; fine tuning ±6 GHz (N-type) or ±10 GHz (S-type); power accuracy ±0.5 dB across the tuning range |
| Fine Tuning Resolution | 1 MHz (N-type); 10 MHz (S-type) |
| Side-Mode Suppression (SMSR) | >40 dB (55 dB typical) |
| Output Fibre | Polarisation-maintaining PANDA fibre, PER >18 dB (25 dB typical) |
| Connectors | FC/APC, FC/PC or SC/PC |
| Remote Control | USB and Ethernet; SCPI-style commands; multi-user access with safety features |
| Local Control | Front-panel laser on/off button; installation-free browser GUI via integrated web server |
| Form Factor | 1 HE, half-width 19″; optional 19″ rack adaptor plate |
| Dimensions (H × W × D) | 45 × 136 × 179 mm (1.77 × 5.35 × 7.04 in) |
| Weight | 1.3 kg |
| Power Supply | External, 100–240 VAC, 0.5 A, 50/60 Hz to 12 VDC; 12 W consumption |
| Operating / Storage Temperature | 0 to 40 °C / −20 to 60 °C, non-condensing |
| Compliance | Class 1M laser product (EN/IEC 60825-1), CE, RoHS |
| Order Code | CBDX2-XY-XY-CC (X = laser type, Y = band per port, CC = connector) |
Specifications depend on the laser type fitted to each port. Contact United Spectrum Instruments for the datasheet of your exact configuration.
Key Features and Advantages
Two Independent Lasers in 1 HE Half-Width
The DX2 packs two fully independent tunable lasers into a chassis just 45 mm high and 1.3 kg in weight. Two units fit side by side in a single 1 HE rack slot, giving four laser channels in the space a typical benchtop source needs for one.
Choose the Laser Type Port by Port
Each port is configured with the laser that the task needs. The narrow linewidth N-type (<25 kHz typical) suits coherent transmission, local oscillator duty and sensing. The standard linewidth S-type (80 kHz typical) offers higher output, up to +17.8 dBm, at lower cost for DWDM loading and general component testing. You pay for narrow linewidth only where it matters.
C-Band, L-Band or Both
Ports can be ordered as C + C, L + L or C + L. A mixed C + L unit covers roughly 1524 nm to 1612 nm from one compact instrument, which is useful for testing wideband amplifiers, ROADMs and C+L transmission systems.
Continuous Tuning with Fine Frequency Control
Wavelength can be set to any frequency in the band, not just ITU grid points, for flexible-grid and gridless testing. Fine tuning covers ±6 GHz at 1 MHz resolution on the narrow linewidth N-type, or ±10 GHz at 10 MHz resolution on the standard linewidth S-type, and output power stays within ±0.5 dB across the tuning range. This makes it straightforward to set a precise transmitter–LO offset or sweep a filter edge.
Polarisation-Maintaining Output
Both ports use PM PANDA fibre with a polarisation extinction ratio above 18 dB (25 dB typical). A stable polarisation state is essential for coherent receivers, IQ modulators, integrated photonic chips and polarisation-sensitive sensors.
Installation-Free Browser Control
An integrated web server presents a pictographic GUI in any browser on a PC, tablet or smartphone. There is no software or driver to install. Multi-user access with safety features lets several engineers monitor the same instrument on a shared lab network.
Ready for Test Automation
SCPI-style commands over USB or Ethernet integrate the DX2 into automated test benches in LabVIEW, Python, MATLAB or any language that can open a socket or serial port. Several CoBrite units can be run from a single PC for higher channel counts.
Low Power and Lab-Friendly
The DX2 draws only 12 W from an external 100–240 VAC supply, so it runs on standard Indian mains without a step-down transformer and adds little heat to a crowded rack. A front-panel on/off button allows quick laser switching without opening the GUI.
Certified for Safety and Compliance
The instrument is a Class 1M laser product to EN/IEC 60825-1 and is CE-marked and RoHS-compliant, simplifying approval in university, government and defence laboratories.
Applications Across Industries
See the full overview of dual-port tunable laser source applications, or explore the uses below.
Matched Transmitter and Local Oscillator for Coherent Receivers
The most common use of the DX2 is as a transmitter–LO pair. Port 1 drives an IQ modulator as the carrier, while Port 2 acts as the local oscillator for a coherent optical receiver. With both lasers at sub-25 kHz linewidth and independently tunable, engineers can set any frequency offset, from intradyne operation near zero to a defined heterodyne IF, and test how the receiver’s DSP copes with laser phase noise and frequency drift.
DWDM Channel and Transponder Testing for Telecom Networks
Telecom equipment makers and network operators use the DX2 to emulate two DWDM channels at any grid spacing for transponder, ROADM and wavelength-selective switch testing in telecommunications and optical networks. Continuous tuning supports both fixed ITU grids and flexible-grid channel plans used in 400G and 800G systems.
Signal and Interferer Injection for Coherent Link Testing
Paired with an optical multi-format transmitter, one DX2 port provides the carrier while the other places an adjacent-channel interferer at a precisely controlled spacing. This setup measures crosstalk tolerance, filter roll-off and receiver selectivity.
Pump and Probe Sources for Quantum Photonics
Research groups working on quantum computing use two narrow linewidth lasers as pump and probe for integrated photonic circuits, microring resonators and frequency-conversion experiments, where coherence and stable polarisation directly affect results.
Signal and LO Sources for Continuous-Variable QKD
In continuous-variable quantum key distribution (QKD) development, the transmitter and receiver both need low-noise, narrow linewidth lasers. The DX2 provides a matched pair in one instrument for lab prototyping and phase-noise characterisation.
Coherent LiDAR and Fibre Sensing Development
For coherent LiDAR, a coherence length of several kilometres at 25 kHz linewidth supports long-range heterodyne detection. The second port serves as a reference or LO, or as a second wavelength for multi-channel sensing trials.
Satellite and Free-Space Optical Communication
Teams developing satellite and space communication terminals use the DX2 to emulate coherent downlink and inter-satellite link signals and the matching LO in the lab, where Doppler-like frequency offsets can be reproduced through fine tuning.
Defence and Secure Communication
For defence and secure communication programmes, the DX2’s compact size, low power draw and remote control make it a practical source for coherent link testing in lab and field-deployable racks.
Optical Component Characterisation and Opto-Electronic Packaging
In opto-electronic packaging and component labs, the DX2 serves as a stable, polarisation-maintaining source for insertion-loss, wavelength-dependent loss and filter-shape measurements on modulators, couplers, AWGs and photonic integrated circuits.
Why Choose United Spectrum Instruments?
Official Authorised Distributor in India
United Spectrum Instruments is the authorised Indian distributor for ID Photonics CoBrite tunable lasers. Buying through us means a genuine instrument with full manufacturer warranty and direct access to ID Photonics engineering when needed.
Help Choosing the Right Configuration
The DX2’s value depends on getting the configuration right: which laser type on each port, which band, which connector. Our team reviews your application, whether coherent receiver testing, DWDM loading, quantum optics or sensing, and recommends the most cost-effective combination before you order.
Experience with Indian Research and Industry
We work with IITs, CSIR laboratories, defence establishments, telecom equipment makers and photonics start-ups across India, so we understand the procurement processes, documentation and technical expectations of each.
Delivery and Local Technical Support
We handle import, documentation and delivery to your site anywhere in India, and provide after-sales technical support for installation, remote-control setup, SCPI integration and troubleshooting.
A Complete Optical Test Portfolio
Alongside the CoBrite family, we supply coherent receivers, multi-format transmitters, optical spectrum analysers and related optical communication test equipment, so you can source a complete coherent test bench from one partner.
Contact Us
Phone: +91 93631 83748 / +91 97899 04948
Email: sales@unitedspectrum.in
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FAQs
What is the CoBrite DX2 dual-port tunable laser source?
The CoBrite DX2 is a compact tunable laser instrument from ID Photonics GmbH that houses one or two independent tunable lasers in a 1 HE, half-width 19″ chassis. Each port has its own wavelength, power and on/off control, making it ideal for coherent transmitter–local oscillator pairs, DWDM channel testing and photonics research.
What is the difference between the CoBrite DX1, DX2 and DX?
The DX1 is a single-port tunable laser. The DX2 holds one or two ports in a 1 HE half-width chassis weighing 1.3 kg. The DX holds up to four ports in a 2U half-width chassis with a local touchscreen. Choose the DX2 when you need a matched pair of lasers in the smallest possible footprint.
What linewidth does the CoBrite DX2 offer?
With the narrow linewidth N-type laser, linewidth is below 25 kHz typical, corresponding to a coherence length of about 3.8 km. The standard linewidth S-type laser offers 80 kHz typical (below 100 kHz at output powers under +16 dBm) with higher output power. The laser type is chosen separately for each port.
Which wavelength bands does the CoBrite DX2 cover?
The DX2 covers the C-band and L-band. The narrow linewidth extended C-band laser tunes from 1524.5 to 1572 nm, and the L-band laser from 1568.8 to 1611.7 nm. A unit can be configured as C + C, L + L or C + L, covering roughly 1524–1612 nm from one instrument.
Can the two ports have different laser types or bands?
Yes. Each port is configured independently at the time of order. For example, you can combine a narrow linewidth C-band laser on Port 1 with an L-band laser on Port 2, or pair a narrow linewidth LO with a higher-power standard linewidth transmitter.
Can the CoBrite DX2 act as both transmitter and local oscillator?
Yes, this is its most common use. One port drives the IQ modulator as the carrier and the other serves as the local oscillator for the coherent receiver. Because both lasers are tuned independently, you can set any frequency offset between them with fine tuning down to 1 MHz resolution on the narrow linewidth laser.
Is the CoBrite DX2 output polarisation-maintaining?
Yes. Both outputs use polarisation-maintaining PANDA fibre with a polarisation extinction ratio above 18 dB (25 dB typical). Connectors are available as FC/APC, FC/PC or SC/PC.
How is the CoBrite DX2 controlled?
Locally, a front-panel button switches the laser on and off. For full control, an integrated web server provides a browser-based GUI on any PC, tablet or smartphone with no software installation. For automation, SCPI-style commands over USB or Ethernet work with LabVIEW, Python, MATLAB and other environments.
What output power does the CoBrite DX2 provide?
Output power depends on the laser type and band: about +10 to +16 dBm for the narrow linewidth C-band laser, +9 to +14.5 dBm for the L-band laser, and up to +17.8 dBm for the standard linewidth C-band laser. Power is user-adjustable, with ±0.5 dB accuracy across the tuning range.
What are the size and power requirements of the CoBrite DX2?
The DX2 measures 45 × 136 × 179 mm and weighs 1.3 kg. It fits a 1 HE half-width 19″ rack slot with an optional adaptor plate. It runs from an external 100–240 VAC, 50/60 Hz supply and consumes only 12 W, so it works directly on Indian mains power.
Who is the authorised distributor of the CoBrite DX2 in India?
United Spectrum Instruments, Chennai, is the authorised distributor of ID Photonics CoBrite tunable lasers in India. We supply customers nationwide, including IITs, CSIR laboratories, defence establishments and telecom companies, with pre-sales configuration support and after-sales technical service.
How can I get a quote or datasheet for the CoBrite DX2 in India?
Use the Get in Touch form on this page, email sales@unitedspectrum.in, or call +91 93631 83748 or +91 97899 04948. Tell us your application, preferred bands and laser types, and we will send the matching datasheet and a quotation for your exact configuration.
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