Use of external optical feedback in a laser to generate a data signal

摘要

Disclosed are various systems and methods for generating a data signal. In one embodiment, a system is provided that comprises a laser with a gain medium, the laser being configured to emit optical power. The laser is further configured to receive an external optical feedback optically coupled into the gain medium from an optical medium. The external optical feedback is modulated by data embodied in the optical medium. A circuit generates the data signal corresponding to the data based upon a variation in the optical output power of the laser due to the external optical feedback directed into the gain medium of the laser.