Operating Fiber Networks in the Quantum Limit
Janis Nötzel, Matteo Rosati
Abstract
We consider all-optical networks from a quantum perspective. We show that optimal quantum receivers allow a <inline-formula xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\sim 57$</tex-math></inline-formula> % decrease in energy consumption of all-optical amplifiers. Furthermore, we prove that quantum receivers allow for a logarithmic scaling of the system capacity with the number of pulses per second, while standard Shannon-type systems are limited by the transmit power. Based on our findings we argue for a new approach to optical communication network design, wherein in-line amplifiers are operated at very low gains and in conjunction with high-spectral-bandwidth fiber and a quantum receiver, enhancing data transmission in a practically relevant quantum limit.