Abstract: A tracking system and method in an optical communications system utilizing an optical communications beam. In one embodiment, the disclosed optical communications system includes a communications receiver circuit and a tracking circuit. The optical communications system generates a communications signal. The 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, mixed with the communications signal and then filtered.

Abstract: An integrated optical communications receiver/alignment system and method. In one embodiment, a method and an apparatus are disclosed in which a semiconductor substrate includes a plurality of outer optical detectors disposed in the substrate. An optically transparent center region such as for example an optical waveguide or an optical fiber is integrated in the semiconductor substrate in a central location relative to the plurality of outer optical detectors. The optically transparent center region is optically coupled to receive an optical communications beam and the plurality of outer optical detectors are employed for alignment and/or tracking purposes.