The application of optical coherent multichannel techniques to future broadband networks

The sensitivity advantage of coherent detection can be exploited to achieve increased transmission distance in longspan systems or increase the data rate of existing links. The combination of higher sensitivity and the tunability and frequency selectivity of the optical heterodyne receiver opens the way to the exploitation of this emerging technology in broadband subscriber networks of the future. The authors discuss the application of coherent multichannel (CMC) techniques to transmission and switching in broadband networks, and present the current status of the R&D of optoelectronic components and fibre optic systems for these applications