Visible-range lasers are used in applications where spectral quality, stability, and repeatability are critical. In microscopy, spectroscopy, flow cytometry, quantum technologies, and LiDAR, even weak unwanted spectral components can affect measurement accuracy and system performance. Accurate spectral characterisation is therefore essential throughout product development and manufacturing.
Integrated Optics, a laser and photonics manufacturer based in Lithuania, develops ultra-compact laser sources for scientific and industrial applications worldwide. Its MatchBox platform is a configurable family of integration-ready continuous-wave, multi-wavelength and pulsed lasers, combining optics, control electronics and thermal stabilisation in a compact matchbox-sized enclosure.
A key challenge for Integrated Optics is detecting weak spectral modes and other low-level components close to the main laser signal. Although much weaker than the principal emission peak, these components may indicate unwanted laser behaviour or reduced spectral purity. To support both product development and production quality control, the company required an optical spectrum analyser offering wide wavelength coverage, high wavelength resolution, sensitivity and close-in dynamic range, together with fast and repeatable measurements.
Integrated Optics selected Yokogawa’s AQ6373E Optical Spectrum Analyser, which covers wavelengths from 350nm to 1200nm. The instrument is used for single-mode laser production, spectral filtering, component characterisation, quality inspection, and new product development. One of its principal advantages is an approximately 60dB close-in dynamic range, enabling engineers to distinguish weak spectral modes from the dominant laser peak and assess spectral purity with greater confidence. This helps verify that each laser meets the performance requirements of its intended scientific or industrial application.
The AQ6373E’s sensitivity also supports measurements at relatively low optical input levels, simplifying test arrangements during production. Integrating this level of optical performance into such a compact laser platform presents significant engineering challenges. Integrated Optics develops intelligent laser systems with advanced control electronics and thermal stabilisation, making precise spectral calibration essential to maintain performance and stability across a broad temperature range. Yokogawa’s optical spectrum analyser supports these requirements by enabling automated calibration and validation workflows through its extensive connectivity options, helping ensure fast, repeatable measurements and consistent product quality. Its broad wavelength range allows Integrated Optics to use a single platform across a wide portfolio of visible and near-infrared laser products, reducing measurement complexity.
“Yokogawa provides a highly capable, telecom-grade instrument whose performance is exceptionally well suited for laboratory laser measurements,” says Evaldas Pebreza, CEO of Integrated Optics. “We benefit from the reliability expected of telecommunications equipment while also achieving the resolution and sensitivity required to characterise far more demanding laser sources.”
Using the AQ6373E, Integrated Optics can perform fast, accurate and repeatable measurements, identify weak spectral components, verify spectral purity, and evaluate new laser designs. For Integrated Optics, the main benefit is greater confidence that every laser meets demanding customer requirements. Yokogawa’s wavelength coverage, close-in dynamic range and measurement reliability support both efficient production quality control and the development of ultra-compact advanced laser sources for medical, scientific, industrial and quantum applications.
