MLSE receivers: Application scenarios, fundamental limits and experimental validations

Electronic post-processing techniques based on MLSE (Maximum Likelihood Sequence Estimation) for the mitigation/compensation of fiber linear (CD, PMD) and non-linear (SPM and other intra-channel) propagation effects are reviewed, in conjunction with IMDD, DPSK and PSBT. Fundamental limitations and experimental validations are discussed. Specific application scenarios are addressed, including both uncompensated and dispersion-managed links.