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Center for Nonlinear Studies |
Optical transmission is a key element of the "information revolution" since optical fiber waveguides present low loss, high capacity, cost-efficient transmission media. As the rate at which information can be transmitted increases a fundamental question about the physical limitations of the amount of information (capacity) that can be transmitted through optical fiber arises. The nonlinear nature of the propagation of light in optical fiber systems plays a crucial role in limiting the capacity and makes these limits difficult to calculate. We investigate achievable information rates (lower bound of capacity) in the case of strongly dispersion-managed systems, the most promising technology for optical communications of next generation.