50-dB nonlinear crosstalk suppression in a WDM analog fiber system by complementary modulation and balanced detection

We investigate, theoretically and experimentally, a novel scheme to suppress the nonlinear crosstalk between wavelengths in wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) analog fiber systems. It is based on an improvement to a previously introduced crosstalk-suppression technique by complementary modulation of two closely spaced optical twin carriers (TCs). By combining the modulated TCs by a balanced detector (TCs-balanced detection [TC-BD]), the suppression can be improved further. We have obtained up to 50-dB crosstalk reduction at low modulation frequencies, where crosstalk is most severe, and in the most interesting region for cable television systems.