Performance analysis and tradeoffs for dual-pulse PPM on optical communication channels with direct detection

The performance and tradeoffs of multipulse position modulation (MPPM) are investigated and compared with that of the traditional (single) pulse position modulation (PPM) scheme typically employed on the optical direct-detection channel. While the primary motivation for the consideration of the problem is to provide performance improvement for deep-space optical communications where narrow high-peak-power transmitted pulses offer significant advantages in terms of detection probabilities and background suppression capabilities at the receiver, the results obtained are sufficiently generic as to apply to other applications.