Reduced complexity maximum likelihood sequence estimator for high-speed fiber optic communication systems

Abstract

In this paper we present a new reduced complexity maximum likelihood sequence detector for intensity modulation / direct detection (IM/DD) fiber optic systems. The proposed detector takes into account the presence of thermal and amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) noise. The results presented here show a negligible performance degradation from the optimum receiver, while implementation complexity is significantly reduced. The mathematical models derived in this paper are attractive for the design and analysis of very high speed optical receivers.