Narrow Linewidth Tunable Laser Source O- C- L- Band
A narrow linewidth tunable laser source is a precision optical instrument that generates laser light at a highly specific, adjustable wavelength...
Narrow Linewidth Tunable Laser Source O- C- L- Band
High-Performance, Multi-Port Tunable Light Source for Next-Gen Optical Communications with CoBrite DX Tunable Laser Source
A narrow linewidth tunable laser source is a precision optical instrument that generates laser light at a highly specific, adjustable wavelength with an extremely tight spectral width — typically below 100 kHz, and in high-performance models like the CoBrite DX, below 25 kHz. This level of spectral purity is essential in applications where phase noise, coherence length, and wavelength stability directly determine system performance.
The CoBrite DX is a multi-port, rack-mountable tunable laser platform developed for professionals working in Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) testing, coherent optical communications, photonics research and development, and optical component characterisation. Supporting C-band, L-band, C+L-band, and extended X-band wavelength ranges, it consolidates up to four independent tunable laser modules into a single compact chassis — reducing lab complexity without compromising precision.
United Spectrum Instruments is the official authorised distributor of the CoBrite DX in India, providing pre-sales consultation, fast delivery, and full after-sales technical support across the country.
The CoBrite DX is a flexible, multi-port tunable laser source with sub-25 kHz linewidth, designed for DWDM testing, coherent transmission, and photonics R&D — available in India through United Spectrum Instruments.
Understanding Narrow LinewidthTunable Laser Source O- C- L- Band
What is a tunable laser source?
A tunable laser source is an instrument capable of continuously sweeping or stepping its output wavelength across a defined spectral range while maintaining stable power and phase characteristics. Unlike fixed-wavelength lasers, tunable laser sources allow engineers and researchers to test multiple wavelength channels, characterise devices across a band, or act as a configurable local oscillator — all with a single instrument.
What does “narrow linewidth” mean — and why does it matter?
Linewidth refers to the spectral width of a laser’s output, measured in Hz (or kHz). A narrower linewidth means:
- Greater coherence length — the laser maintains phase correlation over longer distances
- Lower phase noise — critical for advanced modulation formats (QPSK, 16-QAM, 64-QAM)
- Higher measurement resolution — essential in interferometry and spectroscopy
- Better signal integrity — in coherent optical systems operating at 100G, 400G, and beyond
The CoBrite DX achieves a linewidth of less than 25 kHz, placing it in the ultra-narrow linewidth category suitable for the most demanding coherent and metrology applications.
What bands does the CoBrite DX cover?
The CoBrite DX supports the following ITU-T-defined optical bands:
| Band | Frequency Range | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|
| C-band | 190.70 – 196.65 THz | DWDM transport, coherent systems |
| L-band | 186.00 – 191.10 THz | Extended DWDM, long-haul |
| C+L combined | 186.00 – 196.65 THz | Wideband testing |
| X-band (custom) | As specified | Specialised R&D applications |
Technical Specifications
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Key Features and Advantages
Ultra-Narrow Linewidth: < 25 kHz
The CoBrite DX delivers a linewidth of less than 25 kHz — a specification that directly enables compatibility with advanced modulation formats including QPSK, 16-QAM, and 64-QAM used in 100G, 400G, and 800G coherent optical systems. This spectral purity ensures that phase noise does not degrade bit error rates in coherent detection experiments or production testing environments.
Modular Multi-Port Architecture (1, 2, or 4 ports)
Unlike single-port laser sources that require multiple units for multi-channel testing, the CoBrite DX hosts up to four independent CoBrite laser modules in a single 2HE half-width chassis. Each port is independently configurable for wavelength, power, and band — enabling simultaneous multi-channel DWDM testing, local oscillator + transmitter configurations, and multi-band setups without additional hardware.
Benefit: Reduces rack space consumption, capital expenditure, and system complexity by up to 75% compared to deploying four separate tunable laser units.
Polarisation-Maintaining (PM) Output
All outputs are polarisation-maintaining, ensuring that the state of polarisation is preserved from source to device under test. This is a mandatory requirement in:
- Coherent transmitter and receiver testing
- Modulator characterisation (LiNbO₃, silicon photonic)
- Polarisation-sensitive interferometric measurement
Dual Control Interface: Touchscreen + Web GUI
Local control: A large colour touchscreen on the front panel allows manual wavelength selection, power adjustment, and real-time monitoring — suitable for shared lab environments where multiple users operate the instrument.
Remote control: An integrated web server provides browser-based GUI access from any device (laptop, tablet, smartphone) on the same network. No software installation or drivers are required. This makes the CoBrite DX immediately deployable in automated test environments and remote lab setups.
SCPI-Compatible Automation Interface
The CoBrite DX supports SCPI-style command sets over USB and Ethernet, making it fully compatible with:
- LabVIEW test sequencing
- Python (PyVISA, pyvisa-py)
- MATLAB instrument control
- Custom automation frameworks for production test lines
Compact Rack-Mount Form Factor
At 2HE half-width in a standard 19″ rack, the CoBrite DX is among the most space-efficient multi-port tunable laser platforms available. It delivers four-channel laser capability in the same rack space typically occupied by a single-port benchtop instrument.
Five Configurable Variants
Five factory-configured variants are available, spanning different combinations of linewidth performance and output power level. This allows buyers to select the right cost-performance balance for their specific application — from cost-optimised DWDM testing to high-end coherent R&D.
Applications Across Industries
Telecom & Network Equipment Manufacturing: DWDM Transport Testing
Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) systems transmit dozens to hundreds of independent wavelength channels over a single optical fibre, each precisely aligned to the ITU-T G.694.1 frequency grid. Testing these systems requires a laser source capable of:
- Tuning to any ITU-T grid channel across C and L bands
- Maintaining stable, low-noise output for repeatable measurements
- Simultaneously driving multiple channels for parallel test throughput
The CoBrite DX’s multi-port design and broad C/L-band coverage make it a direct fit for DWDM component and system testing in telecom equipment manufacturing environments.
Typical devices tested: DWDM multiplexers/demultiplexers, arrayed waveguide gratings (AWGs), optical add-drop multiplexers (OADMs), reconfigurable OADMs (ROADMs), WDM transceivers.
Coherent Optical Communication: Transmitter & Receiver Testing
Coherent optical systems — the backbone of 100G, 400G, and 800G data centre interconnects and long-haul networks — rely on phase-sensitive modulation formats. Testing these systems requires laser sources with linewidths narrow enough to avoid phase noise penalties.
The CoBrite DX meets this requirement with its sub-25 kHz linewidth and PM output, supporting:
- Coherent transmitter characterisation (IQ modulators, DSP-based transceivers)
- Coherent receiver sensitivity testing
- Bit error rate (BER) measurement under realistic local oscillator conditions
- Emulation of real-world carrier-grade laser behaviour in lab environments
Photonics R&D: Academic and Industrial Research Laboratories
Research institutions working in quantum photonics, optical sensing, laser spectroscopy, and integrated photonics require tunable laser sources that combine spectral purity with measurement flexibility. The CoBrite DX serves this market as:
- A tunable local oscillator for homodyne and heterodyne detection experiments
- A narrow-band probe laser in Mach-Zehnder and Fabry-Pérot interferometers
- A transmitter source for modulation format experiments (QPSK, QAM, OFDM)
- A wavelength reference in fibre Bragg grating (FBG) sensing systems
Institutions currently using CoBrite platforms: Photonics research groups at IITs, national optical laboratories, and defence R&D establishments in India.
Local Oscillator (LO) in Coherent Optical Receivers
In coherent detection, the local oscillator laser must be frequency-matched to the received signal carrier with high stability and low phase noise. An unstable or broad-linewidth LO directly degrades receiver sensitivity and increases BER.
The CoBrite DX provides:
- Sub-25 kHz linewidth LO output — compatible with DP-QPSK and higher-order QAM detection
- Stable wavelength locking across temperature variations
- PM output ensuring alignment with polarisation-diversity coherent receivers
Optical Component Characterisation
Test and measurement engineers use tunable laser sources to sweep across wavelength ranges and measure the transmission, reflection, or insertion loss characteristics of passive and active optical components. The CoBrite DX enables characterisation of:
- Optical bandpass filters and notch filters
- Arrayed waveguide gratings (AWGs) and echelle gratings
- Silicon photonic chips and photonic integrated circuits (PICs)
- Optical isolators, circulators, and couplers
- Photodetectors, avalanche photodiodes (APDs), and coherent receivers
Defence & Aerospace: LiDAR and Optical Sensing
Narrow linewidth tunable lasers are increasingly deployed in defence-grade coherent LiDAR, optical frequency domain reflectometry (OFDR), and distributed fibre sensing applications. The CoBrite DX’s spectral purity and broad tuning range support range-resolved measurements and high-resolution distributed sensing across long fibre spans.
Why Choose United Spectrum Instruments?
Official Authorised Distributor in India
United Spectrum Instruments is the official authorised distributor of the CoBrite DX in India, appointed by IL Photonics. This means customers receive genuine, warranty-backed instruments — not grey-market or refurbished units — with full manufacturer support behind every sale.
End-to-End Technical Expertise
Our team includes engineers with hands-on experience in optical communication test and measurement. We provide:
- Pre-sales consultation: Product selection guidance based on your specific application, linewidth requirement, band, and budget
- Configuration support: Choosing the right variant (1, 2, or 4 ports; C/L/X band; output power level) for your setup
- Integration assistance: Help connecting the CoBrite DX to your existing LabVIEW, Python, or MATLAB test automation infrastructure
- After-sales technical support: Responsive support across India for calibration questions, interface troubleshooting, and software integration
Pan-India Service Coverage
With operations based in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, United Spectrum Instruments supports customers across India — including IITs, DRDO establishments, telecom OEMs, optical component manufacturers, and photonics start-ups in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, Mumbai, Delhi NCR, and beyond.
Compliance and Business Credentials
United Spectrum Instruments is a fully GST-registered, MSME-certified Indian business entity:
- GST No.: 33ALHPN5688H2ZO
- IEC No.: 0414019059 (Import Export Code — for duty-compliant imports)
- MSME No.: UDYAM-TN-02-0113376
All imports are duty-compliant and invoice-transparent, with full GST documentation provided for institutional procurement.
Fast Quotation and Delivery
We understand that lab timelines and project deadlines are non-negotiable. United Spectrum commits to:
- Quotation turnaround within 1 business day for standard configurations
- Delivery timelines communicated upfront at the time of order confirmation
- Proactive communication on import lead times for custom configurations
Trusted by Research and Industry
United Spectrum Instruments has supplied precision optical instruments to leading research institutions, telecom companies, and defence establishments across India. Our track record of reliable delivery and responsive after-sales support makes us the preferred partner for high-value photonics instrumentation.
FAQs
What is a narrow linewidth tunable laser source?
A narrow linewidth tunable laser source is a precision optical instrument that emits laser light at an adjustable wavelength with a very tight spectral width — typically below 100 kHz. The narrow linewidth minimises phase noise, making these instruments essential for coherent optical communications, DWDM testing, interferometry, and photonics research. The CoBrite DX achieves a linewidth of less than 25 kHz.
What does "tunable" mean in the context of a laser source?
A tunable laser source can continuously adjust its output wavelength across a defined range — in the CoBrite DX, this covers C-band (190.70–196.65 THz) and L-band (186.00–191.10 THz). This allows a single instrument to test multiple DWDM channels, characterise wideband optical components, or act as a configurable local oscillator without needing separate fixed-wavelength lasers.
What is the linewidth of the CoBrite DX, and why does it matter?
The CoBrite DX delivers a linewidth of less than 25 kHz. In practical terms, this means the laser’s output is spectrally very “clean” — with minimal phase noise. For coherent optical systems using QPSK, 16-QAM, or 64-QAM modulation, a broad linewidth LO directly raises the bit error rate (BER). The sub-25 kHz linewidth of the CoBrite DX ensures it does not become a limiting factor in system performance.
What optical bands does the CoBrite DX support?
The CoBrite DX supports C-band (190.70–196.65 THz), L-band (186.00–191.10 THz), C+L combined band, and a custom X-band option for specialised applications. Each port in a multi-port configuration can be independently assigned to a different band.
How many variants of the CoBrite DX are available?
Five factory-configured variants are available, differing in linewidth performance and output power level (ranging from 9 dBm to 17 dBm). United Spectrum Instruments can help you select the right variant based on your application requirements and budget.
Is the CoBrite DX output polarisation-maintaining?
Yes. All outputs of the CoBrite DX are polarisation-maintaining (PM), which is a requirement for coherent transmitter/receiver testing, modulator characterisation, and polarisation-sensitive measurement setups.
How many laser channels can I test simultaneously with the CoBrite DX?
With a 4-port configuration, you can simultaneously test up to four independent DWDM channels, each with separate wavelength and power settings. This enables parallel multi-channel characterisation that would otherwise require four standalone laser units.
Can I control the CoBrite DX remotely without installing software?
Yes. The CoBrite DX includes an integrated web server that provides browser-based GUI access from any device — laptop, tablet, or smartphone — on the same network. No software, drivers, or plugins are required.
Is the CoBrite DX compatible with LabVIEW, Python, and MATLAB?
Yes. The CoBrite DX supports SCPI-style command sets over USB and Ethernet, making it directly compatible with LabVIEW (via NI-VISA), Python (via PyVISA), MATLAB (via the Instrument Control Toolbox), and any other automation framework that supports SCPI over TCP/IP or USBTMC.
What is the output power range of the CoBrite DX?
Output power is configurable between 9 dBm and 17 dBm depending on the variant selected. Power is adjustable within the range for each model.
What rack space does the CoBrite DX require?
The CoBrite DX fits in a standard 19″ equipment rack at 2HE (2U) half-width. This makes it one of the most space-efficient multi-port tunable laser platforms available for lab and production environments.
What power supply does the CoBrite DX require?
The CoBrite DX operates on 100–240 VAC, 0.5A, 50/60Hz, with a maximum power draw of 35W. It is fully compatible with Indian standard 230V/50Hz power supply.
Can the CoBrite DX be used as a local oscillator in a coherent receiver?
Yes. Its sub-25 kHz linewidth, high output stability, and PM output make it an excellent local oscillator (LO) source for coherent detection experiments and system characterisation across C, L, and C+L bands.
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FAQs
What is a narrow linewidth tunable laser source?
A narrow linewidth tunable laser source is a precision optical instrument that emits laser light at an adjustable wavelength with a very tight spectral width — typically below 100 kHz. The narrow linewidth minimises phase noise, making these instruments essential for coherent optical communications, DWDM testing, interferometry, and photonics research. The CoBrite DX achieves a linewidth of less than 25 kHz.
What does "tunable" mean in the context of a laser source?
A tunable laser source can continuously adjust its output wavelength across a defined range — in the CoBrite DX, this covers C-band (190.70–196.65 THz) and L-band (186.00–191.10 THz). This allows a single instrument to test multiple DWDM channels, characterise wideband optical components, or act as a configurable local oscillator without needing separate fixed-wavelength lasers.
What is the linewidth of the CoBrite DX, and why does it matter?
The CoBrite DX delivers a linewidth of less than 25 kHz. In practical terms, this means the laser’s output is spectrally very “clean” — with minimal phase noise. For coherent optical systems using QPSK, 16-QAM, or 64-QAM modulation, a broad linewidth LO directly raises the bit error rate (BER). The sub-25 kHz linewidth of the CoBrite DX ensures it does not become a limiting factor in system performance.
What optical bands does the CoBrite DX support?
The CoBrite DX supports C-band (190.70–196.65 THz), L-band (186.00–191.10 THz), C+L combined band, and a custom X-band option for specialised applications. Each port in a multi-port configuration can be independently assigned to a different band.
How many variants of the CoBrite DX are available?
Five factory-configured variants are available, differing in linewidth performance and output power level (ranging from 9 dBm to 17 dBm). United Spectrum Instruments can help you select the right variant based on your application requirements and budget.
Is the CoBrite DX output polarisation-maintaining?
Yes. All outputs of the CoBrite DX are polarisation-maintaining (PM), which is a requirement for coherent transmitter/receiver testing, modulator characterisation, and polarisation-sensitive measurement setups.
How many laser channels can I test simultaneously with the CoBrite DX?
With a 4-port configuration, you can simultaneously test up to four independent DWDM channels, each with separate wavelength and power settings. This enables parallel multi-channel characterisation that would otherwise require four standalone laser units.
Can I control the CoBrite DX remotely without installing software?
Yes. The CoBrite DX includes an integrated web server that provides browser-based GUI access from any device — laptop, tablet, or smartphone — on the same network. No software, drivers, or plugins are required.
Is the CoBrite DX compatible with LabVIEW, Python, and MATLAB?
Yes. The CoBrite DX supports SCPI-style command sets over USB and Ethernet, making it directly compatible with LabVIEW (via NI-VISA), Python (via PyVISA), MATLAB (via the Instrument Control Toolbox), and any other automation framework that supports SCPI over TCP/IP or USBTMC.
What is the output power range of the CoBrite DX?
Output power is configurable between 9 dBm and 17 dBm depending on the variant selected. Power is adjustable within the range for each model.
What rack space does the CoBrite DX require?
The CoBrite DX fits in a standard 19″ equipment rack at 2HE (2U) half-width. This makes it one of the most space-efficient multi-port tunable laser platforms available for lab and production environments.
What power supply does the CoBrite DX require?
The CoBrite DX operates on 100–240 VAC, 0.5A, 50/60Hz, with a maximum power draw of 35W. It is fully compatible with Indian standard 230V/50Hz power supply.
Can the CoBrite DX be used as a local oscillator in a coherent receiver?
Yes. Its sub-25 kHz linewidth, high output stability, and PM output make it an excellent local oscillator (LO) source for coherent detection experiments and system characterisation across C, L, and C+L bands.
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