Constraints on the bit rates in direct detection optical communication systems using linear or soliton pulses

The effects of stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) and the self-frequency shift on soliton communication systems are analyzed. These effects impose stringent limitations on the maximum data rates that can be carried in such systems. The limitations arise as soliton amplitude or frequency fluctuations are translated into pulse position jitter after propagation along a fiber. Estimates of the maximum data rates in single-channel and multichannel soliton systems are obtained and are compared with data rates in linear direct detection systems. A single-channel soliton system can, in principle, carry data at a rate of between two and ten times faster than a simple, direct-detection, linear system. In a multichannel system, using data channels at different wavelengths, the advantages of using solitons are reduced