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