Abstract: An array of spatially-separated optical detectors is configured to receive a free-space optical communication signal from a remote source. Each optical detector of the array includes an optical system and an array of light sensors. The optical system collects a portion of light received from the remote source and directs it toward the array of light sensors. The array of light sensors, in turn, converts the collected portion of light to one or more electrical, detected signals corresponding to the collected portion of light. A processor is coupled to the array of spatially-separated optical detectors, receiving the detected signals and combining the received signals to obtain information borne by the received optical communication signal.

Abstract: A variable-bit-rate communication system is described. The communication system includes a variable-bit-rate transmitter that generates digital data at a first or a second bit rate and a variable-bit-rate receiver that receives the digital data. The digital data comprises a sequence of signaling waveforms having a first or a second duty cycle, respectively, wherein each signaling waveform has the same shape.