Modulation instability effects on three-channel optically multiplexed communication systems

Four-wave mixing dynamics an analyzed on a three-channel optically multiplexed communication system. In the anomalous propagation regime, where modulation instability effects are much stronger, energy interchange among signal channels tends to favor the central channel as opposed to the normal propagation regime where the central channel is depleted. These results are explained both in terms of the phase-matched growth of generated spectral sidebands and the three-channel modulation instability gain spectrum. (C) 1999 Published by Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.17141699536