Systems and methods for demodulation of wave division multiplexed optical signals

A method of detecting information encoded in an optical signal, the method comprising:

• receiving optical signal energy of a plurality of wavelengths;
• accumulating the optical signal energy in an optical resonator that approaches a steady state of accumulated optical signal energy;
• outputting optical signal energy from the accumulated optical signal energy, the intensity of the output optical signal energy at a respective wavelength of the plurality of wavelengths being proportional to the accumulated optical signal energy of the respective wavelength;
• detecting the output optical signal energy of at least one of the plurality of wavelengths;
• and
• determining a modulation characteristic of the received optical signal energy based on the detected output optical signal energy.

An optical receiver comprising:

• an etalon configured to at least partially accumulate optical signal energy of a plurality of wavelengths between two semi-reflective surfaces and having an aperture to allow optical signal energy to enter and an output to allow a portion of the accumulated optical signal energy to be emitted, the etalon configured to cause the output optical signal energy to temporarily vary in intensity based upon a phase transition in the entering optical signal energy;
• an optical-electrical converter configured to receive at least one wavelength of the output optical signal energy and to convert the received output optical signal energy into an electrical signal;
• and
• a receiver configured to receive the electrical signal and to determine encoded information based in part on the electrical signal.