Field of Research
The nonlinear Schrödinger equation (NLSE) describes the propagation of the optical field complex envelope in a single-mode optical fiber. As it is not solvable in closed-form, iterative approaches, e.g., the split-step Fourier method, must be used to calculate the channel output from the channel input.
Vannucci et al. introduced a new method based on regular perturbation and improved the accuracy with the so-called enhanced regular perturbation [1]. The logarithmic perturbation model [2] concludes the class of perturbation-based solutions of the NLSE widely used today. See [3] for a comparison of the methods.
Content of the Seminar Paper
There are two options regarding the content of the seminar paper:
- Understand regular perturbation and be able to explain it and how to use it to model optical communication systems. See [4, Sec. 2] for an easy introduction on how to use it and [5] for a discussion on drawbacks, particularly in terms of accuracy, and how to overcome them.
- Understand regular perturbation, enhanced regular perturbation, and logarithmic perturbation. Explain all three and point out similarities and differences.
Organization of the Supervision
- After you successfully apply for the topic, we will have a kick-off meeting to discuss everything necessary for the upcoming work. After that, the responsibility for the seminar paper is all on you. You can always contact me, ask questions, and ask for meetings, and I am happy to assist you along the way, but I need you to be proactive.
- I can comment on your work (e.g., the paper's outline and some paragraphs you have already written) anytime you need it and guide you as you prepare your paper and presentation. Regarding final drafts, I comment on one complete version of your paper. Ideally, this would mean that you do some work (literature research, the paper's outline, the body, the introduction, and the conclusion), and we discuss your results after every step. Ultimately, you give me one draft, and I comment on it. This method is more successful and instructive than writing a paper a few days before the deadline.
- Beware that when I comment on your work, this is not the same as a correction. My comments are suggestions on improving the quality of the work, but I cannot spend the time searching for and fixing every mistake there is or could be (this would also not fit the seminar's purpose).
- I expect solid research. There should be two significant references. Those are papers you know in detail and which majorly impact your work. Of course, they are always accompanied by supporting references.
[1] A. Vannucci, P. Serena and A. Bononi, "The RP method: a new tool for the iterative solution of the nonlinear Schrödinger equation," 2002, doi: 10.1109/JLT.2002.800376.
[2] E. Forestieri and M. Secondini, "Solving the nonlinear Schrödinger equation," in "Optical Communication Theory and Techniques," E. Forestieri, ed. 2005, doi:10.1007/0-387-23136-6_1.
[3] M. Secondini and E. Forestieri, "A Comparative Analysis of Different Perturbation Models for the Nonlinear Fiber Channel," 2015, doi: 10.1364/ACPC.2015.AM3D.1.
[4] R. Dar, M. Feder, A. Mecozzi, and M. Shtaif, "Properties of nonlinear noise in long, dispersion-uncompensated fiber links," 2013, doi: 10.1364/OE.21.025685.
[5] A. Barreiro, G. Liga and A. Alvarado, "Data-Driven Enhancement of the Time-Domain First-Order Regular Perturbation Model," 2023, doi: 10.1109/JLT.2023.3237041.
Prerequisites
Ideally, you have a background in optical communications. As long as you feel confident with the references mentioned above, you should be fine, though.
