Abstract: A tracking system and method in an optical communications system utilizing an optical communications beam. In one embodiment, the disclosed tracking system includes a tracking detector having a plurality of regions coupled to a corresponding plurality of tracking channel circuits. Each of the tracking channel circuits includes an optical detector coupled to receive the optical communications beam. The peak-to-peak amplitude modulation in the optical communications beam is measured by substantially reducing or removing a direct current (DC) offset present in the optical communications beam. In one embodiment, after the DC offset is substantially reduced or removed, the signal is then amplified and converted into an all positive signal, which is then filtered. The filtered signal is one of a plurality of tracking signal outputs, which are input to an alignment circuit.