Fiber Optic Communication Links

Abstract

This article examines the requirements for the design of optical fiber communication networks used in telecommunication, data center communication, and analog applications. Figures of merit for different applications are discussed, including signal‐to‐noise ratio, bit error rate, modulation error ratio, and spurious‐free dynamic range. Optical link budgets are reviewed in detail, including transmission loss, wavelength‐dependent attenuation, splice loss, and connector loss. Factors affecting optical link performance are presented, including modal and chromatic dispersion, mode partition noise, relative intensity noise, and other link design parameters. Examples of a simple approach to optical ink design are also discussed.