Non-Gaussian soliton timing-jitter statistics after synchronous phase/intensity modulation are analyzed through a simple theory. Corresponding deviations in bit-error rates from Gaussian approximation are derived.

Summary form only given. Regeneration of soliton signals through synchronous phase or intensity modulation (PM or IM) causes dramatic reduction of jitter and amplitude noise, therefore enabling unlimited propagation distances. Through perturbation theory and extensive numerical simulations, it was shown that after regeneration, the output statistics of the jitter are non-Gaussian. In this paper, we derive through a simpler and analytical method the non-Gaussian probability density functions (PDF) for PM or IM. We use them to evaluate the respective deviations in bit error rates (BER) with respect to the Gaussian PDF approximation.

Summary form only given. In this paper, we report the first analysis of transoceanic WDM systems based on in-line saturable absorption. Two different configurations can be chosen. In the first, WDM channels are made to be periodically synchronous. At these synchronous locations, a single in-line saturable absorbers is traversed by the whole WDM multiplex. In the second one, the WDM channels are periodically demultiplexed, each individually experiencing saturable absorption. In both cases, filters are used to stabilize both frequency and amplitude of the solitons.

Validation of a new polarisation-independent InP Mach-Zehnder interferometer providing adjustable phase/intensity optical modulation as a soliton regenerator is made through loop experiments. Error-free 20 Gbit/s transmission over 40,000 km is obtained in push-pull mode to compare with 8,000 km under single-electrode control

A new polarisation-independent InP Mach-Zehnder interferometer provides adjustable phase/intensity optical modulation under independent 20 GHz electrical control of the electrodes. Validation of the component as a regenerator for soliton systems is made through recirculating loop experiments. Error free transmission at 20 Gbit/s over more than 40000 km is obtained in push-pull mode for comparison with 8000 km under single-electrode control.

The potential of fast in-line saturable absorbers is investigated for multiwavelength soliton systems. Numerical simulations demonstrate that both synchronous and asynchronous 4/spl times/10 Gb/s transmissions are possible with this technique. Limitations by finite absorber dynamics are also analyzed. Q factors close to 10 are obtained for a 4/spl times/10 Gb/s transmission with constant dispersion, provided that the absorber recovery time does not exceed 10 ps. The results demonstrate the capability of saturable absorbers to enhance performance in passive wavelength-division-multiplexed (WDM) soliton systems.