Wavelength-dependent modulation effects of light-emitting diodes in multiple-subband passive optical networks

Summary form only given. Although for moderate data rates and 100% modulation depth, LED BER performance is similar to that of a semiconductor laser, this issue becomes cloudy under partial modulation. For subcarrier-modulated LEDs, the partial modulation unveils spectral hinging which makes subband modulation depths depart from nominal values. Interference measurements showing the relation between the subband wavelength of a subcarrier-modulated LED interferer and the level of BER floors of a baseband modulated LED were confirmed by a simple theory.