Parametric Resonance and Radiative Decay of Dispersion-Managed Solitons

We study propagation of dispersion-managed solitons in optical fibers which are modeled by the nonlinear Schrödinger equation with a periodic dispersion coefficient. When the dispersion variations are weak compared to the average dispersion, we develop perturbation series expansions and construct asymptotic solutions at the first and second orders of approximation. Due to a parametric resonance between the dispersion map and the dispersion-managed soliton, the soliton generates continuous-wave radiation leading to its radiative decay. The nonlinear Fermi golden rule for radiative decay of dispersion-managed solitons is derived from the solvability condition for the perturbation series expansions. Analytical results are compared to direct numerical simulations, and good agreement is obtained.