Performance evaluation of externally modulated high-bit-rate lightwave systems

Relations are derived concerning the main parameters which determine the performance of a high-bit-rate optical communications system over standard single mode optical fibers employing an external optical modulator. Both the influence of linear and nonlinear effects (SPM and SBS) has been included in the model. The system equation obtained indicates an optimum chirp parameter and the range where parasitic phase modulation can be used for SBS suppression.