Sequence Selection for Nonlinear Interference Mitigation: Current Approaches & Open Challenges

In optical fiber transmission systems, nonlinear interference (NLI) significantly limits the achievable data rates for a reliable communication. In this talk, we review recent approaches to sequence selection as a method for minimizing NLI. By carefully selecting at the transmitter side symbol sequences that generate minimal NLI, it is possible to enhance system performance. We underline the various metrics used to assess the NLI generated by a symbol sequence in a transmission link, highlighting their theoretical bases and practical applications. Despite these recent advancements, numerous challenges remain unsolved, such as the complexity of predicting NLI accurately and on-the-fly at the transmitter, the computational burden of sequence selection, and the quest for novel schemes drawing upon the lessons learned from sequence selection. This talk discusses these open challenges and suggests potential directions for future research to address them.