Capacity limits imposed by intermodulation distortion on QAM SCM systems utilizing an optically linearized Mach-Zehnder modulator as transmitter

Summary form only given. Subcarrier multiplexed (SCM) systems at 1.55 /spl mu/m with a combination of amplitude modulation-vestigial sideband (AM-VSB) and QAM channels using a Mach-Zehnder (MZ) modulator have been demonstrated. Here, we calculate, for the first time to our knowledge, the ultimate limit that the intermodulation distortion (LMD) of an optically-linearized Mach-Zehnder externally-modulated laser imposes on the opacity of an all-optical AM system and determine the required received optical power.