Full models of scalar modulation instability (MI) in optical fibers available in the literature
usually involve complex formulations. In this paper, we present a novel approach to the
analysis of MI in optical fibers by means of a simple geometrical description in the power
versus frequency plane. This formulation allows us to relate the shape of the MI gain to any
arbitrary dispersion profile of the medium, thus providing a simple insight. As a result, we
derive a straightforward explanation of the nontrivial dependence of the cutoff power on high …

We present a novel approach to the analysis of a full model of scalar modulation instability
(MI) by means of a simple geometrical description in the power vs. frequency plane. This
formulation allows to relate the shape of the MI gain to any arbitrary dispersion profile of the
medium. As a result, we derive a straightforward explanation of the non-trivial dependence
of the cutoff power on high-order dispersion and obtain explicitly the power that maximizes
the gain. Our approach puts forth a powerful tool to synthesize a desired MI gain with the …