IEC 61290-1-2:2026

IEC 61290-1-2:2026 applies to all commercially available optical amplifiers (OAs) and optically amplified sub-systems. It applies to OAs using optically pumped fibres (OFAs based on either rare-earth doped fibres or on the Raman effect), semiconductors (SOAs), and planar optical waveguides (POWAs). This document does not apply to polarization-maintaining optical amplifiers. This document defines uniform requirements for accurate and reliable measurements, by means of the electrical spectrum analyzer test method, of the following OA parameters, as defined in IEC 61291-1, Clause 3:
a) nominal output signal power;
b) gain;
c) reverse gain;
d) maximum gain;
e) polarization-dependent gain.
In addition, this test method provides a means for measuring the following parameters:
- maximum gain wavelength;
- gain wavelength band.
This document specifically covers single-channel amplifiers. For multichannel amplifiers, the IEC 61290-10 series applies.
NOTE 1 The applicability of the test methods described in this document to distributed Raman amplifiers is for further study.
NOTE 2 A test method for polarization-maintaining optical amplifiers is for further study.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition published in 2005. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
a) addition of information on the applicability of this document to the scope;
b) harmonization of the scope with the IEC 61290-1 series;
c) addition of safety recommendations to Clause 4 and Clause 5;
d) correction of an error in Clause 7, item e);
e) replacement of the term "wavelength measurement accuracy" with "wavelength accuracy".