System and method for minimizing nonlinear distortion in optical communication systems employing laser intensity modulation

An optical transmitter system comprising:

• an electronically adjustable amplitude limiting means for receiving and processing a multiplexed composite modulated electrical input signal representative of a plurality of multiplexed communication channels and for transmitting in response thereto a limited composite modulated electrical signal;
• and
• an optical output means for receiving the limited composite electrical signal and for generating modulated optical signal in response thereto, the optical signal having an output power being substantially linearly proportional to the received limited composite modulated electrical signal between a lower electrical clipping level and an upper electrical clipping level;
• wherein the limited composite modulated electrical signal transmitted by said electronically adjustable amplitude limiting means is adjusted and processed so as to be between the lower electrical clipping level and the upper electrical clipping level of the optical output means for all possible multiplexed composite modulated electrical input signal values.