Bit Error Probability for Baseband and Subcarrier Optical Communication Systems

Digital baseband and digital subcarrier noncoherent optical communication systems are considered in this paper. Expressions are developed for the bit error probability of optical subcarrier systems which use a nonliner polarization modulator and either a one-detector or a two-detector receiver, The expressions are evaluated numerically, and the results are used to compare the one- and two-detector subcarrier systems with the corresponding one- and two-detector baseband systems for a fLxed bit error probability.