Optimization of WDM lightwave systems (BAC) design using error control coding

Abstract

In a binary asymmetric channel (BAC) it may be necessary to correct only those errors which result from incorrect transmission of one of the two code elements. In optical fiber multichannel systems, the optical amplifiers are critical components and amplified spontaneous emission noise in the optical amplifiers is the major source of noise in it. The property of erbium doped fiber amplifier is nearly ideal for application in lightwave long haul transmission. We investigate performance of error correcting codes in such systems in presence of stimulated Raman scattering and amplified spontaneous emission noise with asymmetric channel statistics. Performance of some best known concatenated coding schemes is reported. 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.