Fundamental limits of all-optical synchronous phase regeneration through Kerr fiber

Limitations of all-optical synchronous phase modulation though Kerr fiber are addressed. Signal-clock walkoff, fiber loss and distribution of nonlinear effects along the fiber. The results yield another confirmation of the potential of this regeneration scheme. We have shown the resistance of the Kerr fiber modulator to walkoff effects both analytically and numerically. These effects can be compensated for by an initial adjustment of the RF phase between the sinusoidal clock and the signal. All-optical modulation in the transmission fiber should therefore be compatible with dispersion management techniques and regenerated-WDM systems. In addition, no difference of performance was found between Kerr fiber modulators and ideally lossless lumped phase modulators