On the bit error rate of lightwave systems with optical amplifiers

Abstract
We revisit the problem of evaluating the performances of communication systems withoptical amplifiers and a wideband optical filter. We compute the exact probability of error andthe optimal threshold and compare them with those predicted by Gaussian approximations forASK, FSK or DPSK modulations, both for ideal photodetectors and for the case where shotnoise is significant.1 IntroductionWe consider the problem of receiving modulated signals that have passed through optical amplifiers.An ...