Next-generation long-haul optical links: Higher spectral efficiency through time-frequency packing

We consider realistic long-haul optical links, where nonlinear effects represent the main impairment, and investigate the application of time-frequency packing with low-order constellations as a the most viable solution to increase the spectral efficiency. We will see that this technique allows to overcome the relevant theoretical and technological issues related to this spectral efficiency increase and is more effective than the simple adoption of high-order modulation formats which are more sensitive to nonlinear effects.