Single-channel transmission in dispersion managed links in conditions of very strong pulse broadening: application to 40 Gbit/s signals on step-index fibers

Summary form only given. Dispersion management (DM) techniques to periodically compensate for fiber chromatic dispersion, /spl beta//sub 2/, has been shown to be a useful strategy for increasing the capacity of optical communication systems. We show that optimal propagation conditions can be obtained by simultaneously minimizing nonlinear distortion on single pulses and nonlinear interactions among the pulses. As a result, a 40 Gbit/s soliton signal can be transmitted over a record distance of 1300 km in a link encompassing step-index fibers, with 100 km amplifier spacing and GVD compensation by gratings. Theoretically, minimization of nonlinear distortion can be obtained by analyzing the pulse bandwidth variation along the link.