This International Standard provides procedures for calibrating an optical spectrum analyzer
designed to measure the power distribution of an optical spectrum. This analyzer is equipped
with an input port for use with a fibre-optic connector.
An optical spectrum analyzer is equipped with the following minimum features:
a) the ability to present a display of an optical spectrum with respect to absolute wavelength;
b) a marker/cursor that displays the optical power and wavelength at a point on the spectrum
display.
NOTE This standard applies to optical spectrum analyzers developed for use in fibre-optic communications, and
is limited to equipment that can directly measure the optical spectrum output from an optical fibre, where the
optical fibre is connected to an input port installed in the optical spectrum analyzer through a fibre-optic connector.
In addition, an optical spectrum analyzer can measure the spectral power distribution with
respect to the absolute wavelength of the tested light and display the results of such
measurements. It will not include an optical wavelength meter that measures only centre
wavelengths, a Fabry-Perot interferometer or a monochromator that has no display unit.
The procedures outlined in this standard are considered to be mainly performed by users of
optical spectrum analyzers. The document, therefore, does not include correction using the
calibration results in the main body. The correction procedures are described in Annex C.
Of course, this standard will be useful in calibration laboratories and for manufacturers of
optical spectrum analyzers.