Statistical Properties of the Interaction Between Linear Mode Coupling and Kerr-Nonlinearities in Few-Mode Fibers

In this paper we consider intrachannel interaction of Kerr-nonlinearities and linear mode coupling in mode division multiplexed fiber communications. We present statistics of the influence of linear coupling on the nonlinear waveform distortions. Simulations show that modulation format sufficiently influence on the dispersion of probability distribution of nonlinear impairments enhancement caused by linear coupling. QAM-modulated signals are more robust to stochastic nonlinear impairments enhancement than OOK-modulated signals. Signals with higher order of QAM-modulation demonstrate higher robustness. In the case of OOK modulation RZ-coding is preferable. Obtained statistical results are useful for estimation of system outages and for proper choice of modulation type in mode division multiplexed communications.