title: Accurate sensitivity in optically preamplified direct detection.
abstract: We present a novel model for calculating the bit error rate in optical communication systems in the case of on-off keying intensity modulation and optically preamplified direct detection. The model accounts for the intersymbol interference and is based on the Laguerre photon-count probability distribution predicted by photodetection theory. For a non-return-to-zero modulation format an accurate value of the sensitivity for a quantum-limited receiver of 33.9 photons/bit is obtained.
authors.affiliation: CoreCom, Via G. Colombo 81, 20133 Milan, Italy. martelli@corecom.it
authors.forename: Paolo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Martelli
authors.forename: Silvia M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Pietralunga
authors.forename: Dario
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Nicodemi
authors.forename: Mario
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Martinelli