Patent ID: 7018111
Filing Date: 2006-03-28
Classification: H04B

Abstract:
1. A communication system for transmitting information from a source of information to a utilization device, said system comprising: a source of a first plurality of light beams, each of said light beams carrying the same information; a plurality of amplifying optical fibers, each of said amplifying optical fibers of said plurality defining an input port coupled to one of said light beams of said source of plural light beams for receiving and propagating a light beam, each of said plurality of optical fibers also defining an output port at which said propagating light beam is manifested; a plurality, equal to said first plurality, of light-to-electric converters, each of said light-to-electric converters including a light input port coupled to an output port of a corresponding one of said optical fibers, for receiving said manifested light therefrom, and also including an electrical output port, for producing at said electrical output port an electrical signal including said information and also including noise attributable to said amplification, which noise differs from fiber to fiber; and electrical summing means coupled to said electrical output ports of each of said light-to-electric converters, for summing together said electrical signals including said information and said noise, for thereby tending to average said noise for improving the signal-to-noise ratio.