Incoherent in-band crosstalk induced power penalty in amplified WDM networks: a comparative study using Gaussian and chi-squared probability density functions

An analytical expression for power penalty (PP) from the formula for bit-error rate is derived by employing saddle point approximation in the chi-squared probability distribution function. This theory differs from the earlier ones in that it takes into account the dominant signal-amplified spontaneous emission beat noise applicable for optically pre-amplified systems. Imperfect extinction ratio accounting for higher power penalties is also considered in the analysis. Results have been compared with the available experimental results for a low number of crosstalk sources and an excellent agreement has been found. Although Gaussian probability density function (pdf) is simple to analyse, PP calculated from this pdf for a low number of crosstalk sources fails to match with the experimental results.