The problem of soliton interaction in optical-fiber communication systems is investigated analytically with the assumption of incoherent soliton interaction, i.e., interaction through nonlinear intensity overlap only. This situation is found to lead to attraction forces between consecutive pulses that are weaker than those in previously investigated coherent cases. The subsequent maximum system bandwidth is correspondingly improved.

• Received 6 May 1985

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.32.2270