Fundamental bit-error-rate limits of in-line optical regeneration by synchronous intensity modulation: An analytical Gaussian-statistics model

Fundamental limits of optical regeneration by in-line synchronous intensity modulation are evaluated through a simple Gaussian-statistics analysis. Re generation is shown to involve three processes: asymptotic stabilization of signal-to-noise ratio, asymptotic stabilization of timing jitter, and inst rinsic conversion of timing jitter into intensity noise. The model also inc ludes filtering, which is shown to reduce or suppress amplitude noise. Key system parameters, which are valid regardless the origin of noise and jitte r (amplification, interaction, collisions), are identified for the regime o f "infinite" transmission, where the bit-error rate becomes distance-invari ant. These parameters make it possible to predict the level and distance at which the bit-error rate converges, thus enabling rapid analytical evaluat ion and optimization of system performance. Novel effects such as transitio n from intensity-noise-limited to timing-jitter-limited regimes (or the rev erse) and eye reopening with distance have been identified and analyzed for the first time. (C) 2000 Academic Press.