Provided are methods and systems for receiving and processing optical signals. A dual single side band (SSB) modulation scheme is utilized to take advantage of a given wavelengths' bandwidth. Modulation schemes are employed that modulate each SSB with their In-phase (I) and Quadrature (Q) components. The methods and systems discussed utilize an adaptive equalizer and an LMS algorithm to remove imaging components of the left and right SSBs provided by the modulators. The adaptive equalizer and the LMS algorithm also compensate for linear and nonlinear distortions. Various algorithms can be employed, including but not limited to, algorithms for updating crosstalk coefficients in the equalizer, where the cross talk coefficients are induced from the imaging from the modulation of the dual SSB signal, and for updating coefficients relating to linear and nonlinear distortion.