As network traffic increases continuously, advances in spectral efficiency with higher-order modulation formats, such as 64 and 256 quadrature amplitude modulation (64-QAM and 256-QAM, respectively), are expected. The device nonlinearity is a major obstacle in achieving a higher-order modulation which requires a high signal-power-to-noise ratio and a low waveform distortion. In this study, we analyze the characteristics of device nonlinearity and its impact on the performance of a coherent transceiver. Furthermore, we demonstrate a low-complexity nonlinear compensation that operates on a symbol rate basis and that can handle higher-order modulations such as 64-QAM or beyond.
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