STATISTICAL-ANALYSIS OF INTERFEROMETRIC CROSSTALK - THEORY AND OPTICAL NETWORK EXAMPLES

General, statistical properties of accumulation of interferometric cro sstalk due to a number of interfering signals are analyzed. The probab ility density function of the total crosstalk is derived as function o f the sum of the incoherent crosstalk contributions associated with th e interfering signals. Because the total crosstalk level can be expect ed to vary only slowly as compared to the time duration of one bit, th e probability p that the total crosstalk exceeds a maximum tolerable v alue is introduced as a parameter in the crosstalk and bit error rate analysis of optical networks. General computations show that the cross talk requirement on optical network elements may be significantly rela xed if it can be accepted that it is possible, although most unlikely, that the total crosstalk may exceed this maximum tolerable value. The statistical crosstalk model is then illustrated by investigation of o ptical network examples with respect to their crosstalk and transmissi on properties, and, finally, compared with previous crosstalk models.