Performance analysis of optical prefiltering-SCM systems by accurate spectral techniques

We present a detailed study of the dc optical prefiltering (OP) technique in subcarrier multiplexed (SCM) lightwave systems. A numerical model, including all of the most relevant limiting effects, is used in combination with Prony's method in order to obtain an accurate assessment of analog transmission systems performance. Intrinsic limitations of the dc-OP technique are highlighted and the full numerical results are compared with those obtained from limited analytical approximations.