Maximizing the transmission performance of adaptively modulated optical OFDM signals in multimode-fiber links by optimizing analog-to-digital converters

Based on a comprehensive theoretical model of a recently, proposed novel technique known as adaptively modulated optical orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (AMOOFDM), investigations are undertaken into the impact of an analog-to-digital converter involved in the AMOOFDM modem on the transmission performance of AMOOFDM signals in unamplified intensity-modulation and direct-detection (IMDD) multimode-fiber (MMF)-based links. It is found that signal quantization and clipping effects are significant in determining the maximum achievable transmission performance of the AMOOFDM modem. A minimum quantization bit value of ten and optimum clipping ratio of 13 dB are identified, based on which, the transmission performance is maximized. It is shown that 40-Gb/sover-220-m and 32-Gb/s-over-300-m IMDD-AMOOFDM signal transmission at 1550 nm with loss margins of about 15 dB is feasible in the installed worst case 62.5-mu m MMF links having 3-dB effective bandwidths as small as 150 MHz - km. Meanwhile, excellent performance, robustness to fiber types, and variation in launch conditions and signal bit rates is observed. In addition, discussions are presented of the potential of 100-Gb/s AMOOFDM signal transmission over installed MMF links.