ID OSA Optical Spectrum Analyser for Opto-Electronic Packaging

Why Opto-Electronic Packaging Needs Spectral Checks

Opto-electronic packaging turns a laser chip, photonic integrated circuit or modulator into a fibre-coupled part that can be used in a system. Each step, from die attach and alignment to fibre pigtailing, bonding and sealing, puts heat and stress into the device.

That stress can move a laser’s centre wavelength, change its side modes or alter the spectral response of a PIC. A power meter will show that light is coming out of the package, but not whether the spectrum is still what the bare device delivered.

Packaging lines therefore need a spectrum measurement that is quick enough to sit inside the test sequence, sensitive enough for the low power that reaches the fibre during early alignment, and accurate enough to compare one stage with the next.

The Optical Spectrum Analyser for Packaging Lines

The ID OSA optical spectrum analyser from ID Photonics measures by coherent detection. The incoming light is mixed with an internal tunable laser reference and the spectrum is rebuilt from the result, instead of being scanned by a grating. The design is solid state, with no moving optical parts.

In opto-electronic packaging this means the same instrument can record a device’s spectrum at wafer or chip level, after fibre coupling and after final sealing, so each stage can be compared against the one before it.

Spectra saved at each step also build a record for every device. If a part fails later in assembly or in the field, the record shows whether its spectrum moved during packaging, which helps a line find which process step needs adjusting.

Why Accuracy, Sensitivity and Speed Matter

Three figures decide how useful the analyser is on a packaging line:

• Frequency accuracy: ±1 GHz (±8 pm), so small wavelength shifts between packaging stages can be compared against the device specification.
• Sensitivity: the high-sensitivity port reaches −60 dBm, for weak signals during early alignment or from tapped outputs.
• Speed: a full band sweep in 0.5 s keeps spectral checks from slowing the line.

Built for Opto-Electronic Packaging and Test

The ID OSA is a half-width 19-inch unit weighing 1.8 kg, which fits packaging stations, test racks and benches.

Two input ports

The standard port takes −30 to +23 dBm and the high-sensitivity port −60 to +3 dBm, covering both weak coupled light and full-power outputs. Optical return loss is above 35 dB.

C-band and L-band

The C-band covers 1528.5 to 1567.5 nm and the L-band 1569.08 to 1609.73 nm, which suits telecom lasers, PICs and passive components working in those bands.

Line synchronisation

A 3.3 V TTL trigger in and out lets sweeps start when an alignment stage or test station is ready, at a scan rate of 2 Hz.

Automation

USB, Ethernet, a browser GUI and SCPI commands for Python, LabVIEW and MATLAB let the analyser run inside automated packaging test sequences. It runs from a 100 to 240 V supply at 40 W.

Building a Complete Packaging Test Bench

The Compact Tunable Laser Source provides a known, stable wavelength for checking passive packaged parts, and the Dual-Port Tunable Laser Source drives two devices or two ports of a PIC from one unit. For packaged Mach-Zehnder modulators, the Automatic Bias Control System holds the device at its operating point while the optical spectrum analyser checks the output. Multi-lane PICs can be loaded at once from the Multi-Channel Tunable Laser Sources. Each source can be scripted alongside the analyser, so one test sequence covers the full device.

Who Uses It

• Laser diode and transceiver packaging lines
• Photonic integrated circuit and silicon photonics packaging teams
• Modulator and passive component manufacturers
• Contract packaging and assembly service providers
• Photonics packaging research groups at universities and national institutes

Supply and Support in India

United Spectrum Instruments (USI), Chennai, supplies the ID OSA optical spectrum analyser in India as the distributor for ID Photonics, together with the CoBrite tunable lasers and the automatic bias control system.

USI helps opto-electronic packaging teams choose the band, set up port use and fit the analyser into automated test sequences, and provides installation, training and after-sales support.

Request a Configuration

Download the brochure from this page, use the Enquire Now button, write to sales@unitedspectrum.in, or call +91 93631 83748 / +91 97899 04948. Please mention:

• The devices you package and their wavelength band
• The packaging stages where spectra must be checked
• The power levels at the point of measurement
• Your test software and line control