High Resolution Optical Spectrum Analyser in India
An optical spectrum analyser (OSA) measures how optical power is distributed across wavelength. It is the standard tool for checking laser wavelength and side-mode suppression,...
High Resolution Optical Spectrum Analyser in India
Picometre-Resolution Optical Spectrum Analyser for DWDM, OSNR and Coherent Signal Analysis — ID OSA by ID Photonics
An optical spectrum analyser (OSA) measures how optical power is distributed across wavelength. It is the standard tool for checking laser wavelength and side-mode suppression, verifying DWDM channel plans, measuring optical signal-to-noise ratio (OSNR) and examining the spectra of modulated signals.
The ID OSA from ID Photonics GmbH, Germany, is a high-resolution OSA based on coherent detection rather than a moving diffraction grating. It resolves the spectrum at 312.5 MHz (2.5 pm), scans the full band at up to 2 Hz, and has no moving optical parts, so it needs no recalibration. Two input ports, a standard port and a high-sensitivity port, together cover more than 90 dB of input power. It is available for the C-band or L-band in a half-width 19″ 1 HE housing, controlled by USB, Ethernet, a browser GUI or SCPI commands.
United Spectrum Instruments is the official authorised distributor of the ID OSA in India, providing application guidance, quotations, delivery and after-sales technical support across the country.
The ID OSA is a compact, calibration-free optical spectrum analyser with 2.5 pm resolution for DWDM, OSNR, laser and transceiver testing in R&D and production — available in India through United Spectrum Instruments.
Grating OSA vs ID OSA (coherent detection): which do you need?
| Criterion | Traditional grating OSA | ID OSA (coherent detection) |
|---|---|---|
| How it measures | Rotating diffraction grating (monochromator) | Coherent detection with a tunable local laser |
| Spectral resolution | Typically tens of picometres on benchtop models | 2.5 pm (312.5 MHz) |
| Full-band scan speed | Several seconds at high resolution | Up to 2 full-band scans per second |
| Moving optical parts | Yes | None |
| Recalibration | Needed periodically | Not required |
| Wavelength coverage | Broad, often several hundred nm in one unit | C-band (1528.5–1567.5 nm) or L-band unit |
| Size and weight | Large benchtop instrument | Half-width 19″, 1 HE; 44 × 205 × 210 mm; under 3 kg |
| Remote control | Varies by model | USB, Ethernet, SCPI, built-in browser GUI |
| Cost | Higher | Significantly lower than a traditional grating OSA |
| Best for | Broadband sources, multi-band work in one instrument | DWDM channel analysis, OSNR, transceiver and modulated-signal testing, rack-mounted test rigs |
Which to choose: pick a grating OSA if you need very broad wavelength coverage in one instrument. Pick the ID OSA if you work in the C- or L-band and need picometre resolution, fast scans and no maintenance at a lower cost. Contact United Spectrum Instruments, Chennai, for a quote or demo anywhere in India.
Understanding the High Resolution Optical Spectrum Analyser
What is an optical spectrum analyser?
An optical spectrum analyser plots optical power against wavelength or frequency. Engineers use it to see exactly where each laser or DWDM channel sits, how much power it carries, how much noise surrounds it, and what shape its spectrum takes after modulation.
Why resolution matters
Resolution is the OSA’s ability to separate closely spaced spectral features. Conventional grating-based OSAs typically resolve around 20 pm (about 2.5 GHz at 1550 nm). That is adequate for 100 GHz DWDM grids, but it blurs the detail of modern flexible-grid channels, the roll-off of 64 GBaud and faster coherent signals, and the narrow side modes of tunable lasers.
The ID OSA samples the spectrum at 2.5 pm (312.5 MHz), around eight times finer. At 1550 nm the conversion is:
Δλ = λ² · Δf / c ≈ (1550 nm)² × 312.5 MHz / c ≈ 2.5 pm
That level of detail shows the true shape of modulated spectra, the edges of optical filters and closely spaced superchannel carriers.
How the ID OSA works differently
Instead of rotating a grating, the ID OSA uses a coherent detection principle: the incoming light is mixed with an internal tunable reference, and the beat signal is analysed electronically. With no moving optics, the instrument is fast, compact and robust, and it does not drift out of calibration from mechanical wear, which suits both portable use and permanent installation in production test racks.
Two input ports for a wide power range
The ID OSA has a standard port for −30 to +23 dBm and a high-sensitivity port for −60 to +3 dBm. Together they span more than 90 dB, so one instrument can analyse both a fully loaded high-power DWDM line and a weak tapped monitoring signal.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | C-Band Model (ID-OSA-MPD-01) | L-Band Model (ID-OSA-MPD-11) |
| Frequency Scan Range | 191.25–196.125 THz | 186.25–191.05 THz |
| Wavelength Scan Range | 1528.5–1567.5 nm | 1569.08–1609.73 nm |
| Scan Resolution | 312.5 MHz / 2.5 pm | |
| Absolute Frequency Accuracy | ±1 GHz (approx. 8 pm) | |
| Scan Rate | Up to 2 Hz (full band) | |
| Input Power Range — Standard Port | −30 to +23 dBm | |
| Input Power Range — High-Sensitivity Port | −60 to +3 dBm | |
| Dynamic Range | >50 dB; spurious-free dynamic range >45 dB | |
| Relative / Absolute Power Accuracy | 0.4 dB / ±0.7 dB | |
| Optical Return Loss | >35 dB | |
| Optical Input Connector | FC/APC, user-removable connector plate for cleaning | |
| Trigger In / Out | 3.3 V TTL, SMA female | |
| Data Interfaces | USB and Ethernet | |
| Control | Windows GUI, integrated web server (browser GUI), SCPI-style commands | |
| Calibration | No moving optical parts; no recalibration required | |
| Form Factor | Half-width 19″ 1 HE, stackable; optional rack-mount kit (ID-OSA-ACC-RM-01) | |
| Dimensions (H × W × D) | 44 × 205 × 210 mm (1.7 × 8 × 8.2 in) | |
| Weight | <3 kg | |
| Power Supply | Integrated, 100–240 VAC, 80 VA, 50/60 Hz | |
| Operating / Storage Temperature | 0 to 40 °C / −20 to 60 °C, non-condensing | |
Contact United Spectrum Instruments for the current datasheet and configuration options.
Key Features and Advantages
2.5 pm (312.5 MHz) Scan Resolution
Picometre-class resolution reveals the true spectral shape of high-baud-rate coherent signals, flexible-grid channels, laser side modes and filter edges that conventional OSAs smooth over.
Fast Full-Band Scanning
The ID OSA scans the complete C-band or L-band at full resolution at up to 2 Hz, fast enough for live alignment, tuning feedback and high-throughput production testing.
No Moving Parts, No Recalibration
Its coherent detection architecture has no rotating grating or other moving optics. The instrument is robust, portable and free from the mechanical drift that requires periodic recalibration in grating-based OSAs.
Over 90 dB Input Power Range
A standard port (−30 to +23 dBm) and a high-sensitivity port (−60 to +3 dBm) let one instrument analyse both high-power amplified DWDM signals and weak monitor taps, with more than 50 dB dynamic range on a single scan.
C-Band or L-Band Models
Choose the C-band model for 1528.5–1567.5 nm or the L-band model for 1569–1610 nm. Two units side by side in one 1 HE rack slot give complete C+L coverage.
Ultra-Compact and Stackable
The half-width 19″ 1 HE housing measures just 44 × 205 × 210 mm, fits on a crowded bench, stacks in test racks, and runs from an integrated 100–240 VAC supply.
Flexible Control and Automation
Operate the ID OSA from the supplied Windows GUI, from any browser through its integrated web server, or by SCPI-style commands over USB or Ethernet for automated scripts in Python, MATLAB or LabVIEW. TTL trigger input and output synchronise scans with external events.
Cost-Effective High-Resolution Analysis
The ID OSA delivers picometre-class resolution at a fraction of the cost of a traditional high-end OSA, making high-resolution spectral analysis affordable for every bench and production station.
Applications Across Industries
DWDM Transport Testing and OSNR Measurement
Network equipment makers and operators use the ID OSA to verify channel frequencies, power levels and OSNR across DWDM systems in telecommunications and optical networks, including flexible-grid and superchannel configurations.
Transceiver, Laser and Component Production Test
In opto-electronic packaging and component manufacturing, the ID OSA checks laser centre wavelength, SMSR and spectral width, and measures filter, AWG and WSS passbands, with fast scans and no recalibration downtime on the production line.
Tunable Laser Qualification
Paired with CoBrite tunable lasers, the ID OSA verifies wavelength accuracy, side-mode suppression and power across the tuning range during incoming inspection and periodic checks.
Modulated Signal Characterisation
High resolution reveals the spectral occupancy, roll-off and carrier leakage of QPSK and QAM signals from an OMFT multi-format transmitter or a coherent transceiver under test.
Quantum Photonics and Integrated Optics Research
Researchers in quantum computing and integrated photonics use the ID OSA to map microring resonances, observe frequency combs and characterise nonlinear conversion with picometre detail.
QKD System Development
For quantum key distribution testbeds, the high-sensitivity port helps identify classical channel leakage and spontaneous Raman noise that could affect quantum channels sharing a fibre.
Coherent LiDAR Source Verification
For coherent LiDAR, the ID OSA verifies the wavelength, spectral purity and stability of seed and swept lasers during development and production.
Satellite, Space and Defence Optical Links
In satellite and space communication and defence and secure communication programmes, the compact and rugged ID OSA supports link verification in the lab and at field test sites.
Why Choose United Spectrum Instruments?
Official Authorised Distributor in India
United Spectrum Instruments is the authorised Indian distributor for ID Photonics, so you receive a genuine ID OSA backed by the manufacturer.
Help Choosing C-Band, L-Band or Both
We review your measurement tasks, power levels and channel plans and recommend the right model, or a C+L pair, for your lab or production line.
Experience with Indian Research and Industry
We work with IITs, CSIR laboratories, defence establishments, telecom companies and photonics manufacturers across India and understand their procurement and documentation requirements.
Delivery and Local Technical Support
We deliver anywhere in India and provide after-sales support for setup, software, SCPI automation and troubleshooting.
A Complete Optical Test Portfolio
Alongside the ID OSA, we supply CoBrite tunable lasers, coherent receivers, multi-format transmitters and PM components, so your entire optical test bench can come from one partner.
Contact Us
Phone: +91 93631 83748 / +91 97899 04948
Email: sales@unitedspectrum.in
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FAQs
What is the ID OSA optical spectrum analyser?
The ID OSA is a high-resolution optical spectrum analyser from ID Photonics GmbH. It measures optical power versus wavelength with 2.5 pm (312.5 MHz) resolution across the C-band or L-band, using coherent detection with no moving parts, in a half-width 19″ 1 HE housing.
What resolution does the ID OSA offer?
The scan resolution is 312.5 MHz, equivalent to 2.5 pm at 1550 nm. This is several times finer than typical grating-based OSAs and reveals the detailed shape of modulated signals, filter edges and laser side modes.
Which wavelength bands does the ID OSA cover?
The C-band model (ID-OSA-MPD-01) covers 1528.5–1567.5 nm, and the L-band model (ID-OSA-MPD-11) covers 1569.08–1609.73 nm. For C+L coverage, two units can be used side by side.
What input power range does the ID OSA support?
The standard port accepts −30 to +23 dBm and the high-sensitivity port −60 to +3 dBm, giving more than 90 dB of combined input range. Dynamic range on a single scan is more than 50 dB.
Does the ID OSA need regular calibration?
No. It uses a coherent detection principle with no moving optical parts, so it does not suffer the mechanical drift that requires periodic recalibration in grating-based OSAs.
How fast does the ID OSA scan?
It scans the full C-band or L-band at full resolution at up to 2 Hz, suitable for live tuning feedback and high-throughput production testing.
Can the ID OSA measure OSNR?
Yes. OSNR characterisation of DWDM channels is one of its main applications, and its high resolution helps separate signal from noise on closely spaced and high-baud-rate channels.
How accurate is the ID OSA?
Absolute frequency accuracy is ±1 GHz (about 8 pm). Relative power accuracy is 0.4 dB and absolute power accuracy is ±0.7 dB.
How is the ID OSA controlled?
Through the supplied Windows GUI, through any browser via its integrated web server, or with SCPI-style commands over USB or Ethernet for automation in Python, MATLAB or LabVIEW. TTL trigger input and output are also provided.
What are the size and power requirements of the ID OSA?
It measures 44 × 205 × 210 mm in a half-width 19″ 1 HE format, weighs under 3 kg and has an integrated 100–240 VAC, 80 VA power supply. An optional kit mounts it in a 19″ rack.
Who is the authorised distributor of the ID OSA in India?
United Spectrum Instruments, Chennai, is the authorised distributor of ID Photonics products, including the ID OSA, in India, supplying research institutions, telecom companies and manufacturers nationwide with application guidance and after-sales support.
How can I get a quote or datasheet for the ID OSA 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 band, power levels and measurement tasks, and we will send the datasheet and a quotation.
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