Digital Fiber Optic Communication.

The single-mode optical fiber represents the universal transmission medium of future communication systems. The most important characteristics of digital signal transmission are described and its boundaries are indicated that can be expected in pulse-formed light intensity modulation and in light field modulation in coherent detection. The behavior of light sources and photodetectors plays an important role. A review of already applied today's digital optical transmission using single-mode fibers gives an indication for future developments.