On the distribution and performance implications of filtered interferometric crosstalk in optical WDM networks

The distribution and performance implications of filtered interferometric crosstalk in optical networks is theoretically and experimentally studied. The probability density function is estimated by using a maximum entropy approach based on analytically derived statistical moments. The theoretical results are confirmed by relevant experimental data obtained from an amplitude shift keying direct detection (ASK/DD) system using directly, and externally modulated light sources. Power penalties are measured for both types of source modulation. The experimental results are in good agreement with theory.