Nonlinear chirp of dispersion-managed return-to-zero pulses

Applying variational methods, we derive a reduced system of equations from the nonlocal equation that governs the average dynamics in dispersion-manag ed systems. These equations, which apply for any type of return-to-zero pul se, describe the stroboscopic evolution of the pulse parameters and bypass the fast variations inside each dispersion map. In the limit of large map s trength we integrate the equations to obtain explicitly formulas for the pa rameters of a chirped return-to-zero pulse as well as the amount of post-tr ansmission compensation needed to restore the initial pulse width. (C) 2001 Optical Society of America.