Robust optical systems using maximum likelihood sequence estimators

We examine the use of maximum likelihood sequence estimators (MLSE) in realising robust optical transmission systems. Such systems will be more tolerant to non-ideal installations in which, for example, the residual dispersion, or the launch power, are not at the optimum level. We present experimental results for 10 Gb/s transmission, assessing the enhancement in tolerance to chromatic dispersion and launch power through the use of MLSE