Long distance digital subcarrier multiplexed lightwave systems

Summary form only given. In this paper, we will summarize various subcarrier multiplexed lightwave (SCM) lightwave system limiting factors such as total channel capacity and ultimate transmission distance, based on our theoretical and experimental results. Total channel capacity is limited by clipping phenomenon, laser noise, and modulation bandwidth. Ultimate transmission distance is limited by optical fiber linear dispersion-induced carrier amplitude suppression, optical fiber nonlinearity (e.g., self-phase-modulation, stimulated Brillouin scattering, etc.) induced nonlinear distortions, and erbium-doped fiber amplifier noise accumulations.