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The HP 81531A is a plug-in InGaAs optical power sensor designed for use with the HP/Agilent 8153A or 8163A Lightwave Meter mainframes. It enables precise measurements of fiber-optic power levels from the visible into the near-infrared spectrum, making it ideal for lab characterization, field verification, and manufacturing test routines.

Key Features & Benefits

Wavelength coverage from 800 nm to 1700 nm
Power measurement range from +3 dBm down to –90 dBm
InGaAs photodiode sensor for high sensitivity and low noise
Standard PC-type optical connector interface for quick mating
Plug-in module format for rapid swaps without recalibration drift
Compatibility with HP/Agilent 8153A and 8163A Lightwave Multimeters

Detailed Specifications

Parameter	Specification
Wavelength Range	800 nm to 1700 nm
Power Measurement Range	+3 dBm to –90 dBm
Detector Type	InGaAs photodiode
Optical Connector	FC/PC (standard Agilent interface)
Module Weight	0.9 lb (0.41 kg)
Operating Temperature	0 °C to +50 °C
Storage Temperature	–40 °C to +70 °C

Specifications sourced from Test Equipment Center and ArtisanTG.

Real-World Applications

Verifying transmitter output power of laser diodes and LEDs
Measuring link losses during installation and maintenance of single-mode fibers
Cross-checking field measurements against lab-grade references
Automating power sweep tests in production environments