Abstract

► Recently, various analytical models for non-linear propagation in uncompensated coherent systems have been proposed. This tutorial focuses on several related key questions, such as the following. ► What are the differences among such models? Can they be unified? Are they accurate? ► According to models, how does NLI (non-linear interference noise) accumulate over optical bandwidth and distance? How many channels are enough to generate most or all the NLI in a system? What can be done to mitigate, either optically or electronically, the impact of NLI? ► What is, then, the ultimate fiber capacity? Are there simple design rules which can be derived through the model? ► What is their impact on the design and management of flexible wavelength-routed networks?

© 2012 Optical Society of America