Optimization Techniques for 160 GBPS WDM Optical Links to Minimize Nonlinear Effects

Increased channel capacity of optical transmission system is obtained by either increasing the bit rate of transmission or by using the technique of Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM). In long distance communication, higher launched power is required to achieve the required signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) but with increased launched optical powers, rates and the number of wavelength channels, nonlinear optical effects have been increased. DWDM (Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing) Systems facilitate the maximum channelization of the huge bandwidth offered by Optical Systems. The paper recognizes Cross Phase Modulation (XPM) and Four Wave Mixing (FWM) as major performance limitations for DWDM Systems. We have optimized the 160 GBPS, 16 channel optical link and have observed the optimization by variation of parameters like Dispersion, Channel Spacing and Pulse Width alongside NZDSF (Non-Zero Dispersion Shifted Fiber) and DCF (Dispersion Compensated Fiber) have been employed to further optimize the system performance. System parameters have been proposed for optimum performance yielding a Q –factor value of 34.89 dB and BER (Bit Error Rate) value of the order of 10^-268.