AMSTERDAM -- Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) today announced two new technologies that will transform optoelectronic component development and accelerate the creation of high bandwidth next-generation optical networks. With this technology, optical component designers can now precisely measure the very narrow spectral characteristics of tunable lasers and transmitters, and for the first time accurately characterize the optical waveforms of transceivers operating at 40 Gb/s and beyond. This will allow manufacturers to bring new dense-wave division multiplexing (DWDM) networking equipment to market more quickly, which presents new opportunities for both carriers and consumers of high speed data networking technologies. Both the Agilent 83453A high resolution spectrometer and the optical sampling technology are patented inventions that originate from Agilent Laboratories, Agilent’s central research arm and a vital source of proven technology for Agilent businesses(1).“Despite the industry downturn, traffic volumes continue to grow exponentially, and ultimately service providers will need additional capacity,” said Tom White, senior vice president and general manager of Agilent’s Communications Solutions Group. “To accommodate this, equipment designers must push the limits toward higher bit rates and denser channel spacing. Agilent will enable customers to position themselves on top with new products when the inevitable upturn arrives.” The Agilent 83453A High Resolution Spectrometer

The revolutionary Agilent 83453A high resolution spectrometer provides 1,000 times better resolution than conventional grating-based optical spectrum analyzers. This groundbreaking technology allows extremely fine sub-picometer spectral resolution measurements on tunable lasers, transmitters and systems. Never before have designers had an integrated and fully specified solution that precisely measures very narrow spectral characteristics of lasers for next-generation DWDM networks. Optical Sampling Technology

An emerging technology in development at Agilent Labs will offer vital insight into the characterization of devices and system components intended for 40 Gb/s transmission and beyond. Agilent is raising the bar for ultra high speed waveform measurements by using innovative optical sampling technology that offers far more bandwidth than today’s sampling oscilloscopes. For the first time, designers will have enough optical bandwidth to accurately characterize components operating at bit rates up to 160 Gb/s. Agilent Technologies Inc.