Optical FSK signal detection in a heterodyne system using semiconductor lasers

Abstract

A 10−8 bit error rate is achieved for 100 Mbit/s signals in an FSK heterodyne frequency-discrimination detection system, in which AlGaAs double-heterostructure lasers are used as both the FSK transmitter and the local oscillator. Receiving signal power level to achieve a low bit error rate is experimentally obtained, which confirms the principle of optical heterodyne detection. AM quantum noise in the laser local oscillator and FM quantum noise are important factors which determine the system performance.