Wideband subcarrier multiplexed optical communication system operating over more than one octave

摘要

An optical communication system includes an optical transmitter for transmitting a subcarrier multiplexed optical signal through a single mode optical fiber to an optical receiver. The optical transmitter includes a semiconductor laser diode for generating a light beam. The laser diode is preferably a high speed InGaAsP laser diode emitting in a spectral range of 1.3-1.6 micrometers. The light beam is intensity modulated with a composite modulation signal to provide the optical signal for transmission. The composite modulation signal includes multiple modulated microwave carriers that cover a total bandwidth greater than one octave. Harmonics and intermodulation products do not interfere with transmission, and a favorable signal-to-noise ratio or bit error rate is maintained when the bandwidth of the composite modulation signal exceeds one octave.