HP 8703A

This LCA goes from 130MHz to 20GHz with up to 1601 data points. The internal laser is at 1310 nm, but the internal modulator is compatible with 1550nm external inputs (it takes 2 hours for the modulator to "warm up" and auto-bias correctly). The Coldren group also has an 8703A with a 1550nm internal laser source.

Cascade Microtech's guide to microwave measurements

Remote control

To read the trace data in Matlab, run: File:Readtrace8703A.m. This saves the data in the workspace as a text variable. The File:Savetrace8703A.m converts that workspace data to numerical format and saves and plots it, but occasionally makes sign errors (maybe 1% of data points will be wrong).

To reset the GPIB bus after a communication error:

press Local

set to system controller (may have to unplug USB/GPIB cable for it to let you do this - plug back in before next step)

use NI MAX to scan for instruments (won't find any/error message pops up)

set to talker/listener