An optical FSK heterodyne dual filter detection system for taking advantage of DFB LD applications

An optimum system configuration for an optical frequency-shift keying (FSK) heterodyne dual-filter detection system with distributed feedback laser diodes (DFB LDs) is investigated, taking into consideration LD phase noise influence. Experimental and theoretical examination show that an IF filter bandwidth greater than 10 times the beat spectral linewidth is necessary to avoid LD phase noise influence. A 301-km long-span transmission experiment has been successfully carried out with an optimum configuration for 34 Mb/s. High receiver sensitivity, -61.8 dBm with more than 10 dB improvement over the direct detection system, has also been achieved. Experimental results at higher bit rates of 140, 200, and 280 Mb/s indicate that a modulation index greater than two is desirable to avoid cross talk between mark and space signals. With sufficient frequency deviations, high receiver sensitivities of -54.7 dBm (140 Mb/s) and -52.5 dBm (200 Mb/s) have been achieved. These represent 9.6- and 9-dB sensitivity improvement, respectively, over direct detection systems. A guide for FSK dual-filter detection system design is derived from the experimental and theoretical results. Potential application regions for a dual-filter detection system with DFB LDs are determined. >