Perspective of applications of mid-infrared optical systems for long haul communications

A discussion is presented of the impact of the future fluorozirconate-based optical-fiber systems, operating at 2.5-3.4 mu m, on long-distance communication applications. Evaluations and comparisons with other alternatives (mainly 1.55 mu m) direct and coherent detection are performed, focusing on optical submarine links in the Mediterranean basin. It is shown that it will be necessary to reduce the losses of ZrF/sub 4/ for 2.55- mu m optical fibers to less than 0.1 dB/km in order to improve the performance needed for coherent detection with 1.55- mu m silica fibers.<
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