Generalized Stokes parameters shift keying approach to multichip differential phase encoded optical modulation formats

Conventional and advanced modulation formats that simultaneously modulate two or more of the optical attributes of phase, amplitude, and polarization and/or utilize observation intervals longer than two chips (time slots) are designed by using a unified interpretation as signaling by means of generalized Stokes parameters. In particular, the new paradigm is applied to the recently introduced multichip extension of optical differential phase shift keying.