Statistical characterization and bit-error rate analysis of lightwave systems with optical amplification using two-photon-absorption receiver structures

In this paper, the authors study the performance of a two-photon absorption (TPA) receiver in a typical communication system employing an optical amplifier. For the study, the authors develop a comprehensive performance analysis, taking into account noises due to an optical amplifier, shot noise, and thermal noise, using Gaussian approximation technique. In evaluating the performance of the system using this technique, the mean and the variance of the received signal will be derived. Comparing the results of receivers using the TPA process with that of a typical single-photon absorption (SPA) structure leads the authors to conclude that TPA receivers can be used when the speed of the electronic parts of the receiver structures is not too high, as expected