Chromatic dispersion induced distortion of modulated monochromatic light employing direct detection

The spectrum of an intensity modulated (IM) and a combined intensity-frequency modulated (IM-FM) monochromatic light source has been generated. The amplitudes of the modulated carrier and the first three pairs of sidebands are plotted showing the influence of IM on an FM signal. The effects of first order chromatic dispersion on the baseband amplitude response and harmonic distortion are determined. The manner in which modulation type and depth, modulating frequency, wavelength, and fiber length alter harmonic distortion is presented. Numerical examples giving the amplitude response of a single-mode fiber system as well as the magnitude of the second- and third-harmonic distortion caused by chromatic dispersion are presented. Based on this material, the limits placed on analog transmission due to chromatic dispersion may be assessed.