Intensity-based optical multiplexing systems and methods

A method for multiplexing optical signals for transmission over a communication link, the method comprising:

• receiving a set of input optical signals, wherein each input optical signal in the set of input optical signals has an optical intensity at a given time in one of at least two amplitude states;
• arranging a respective first linear polarizer in a transmission path of each input optical signal in the set of input optical signals, wherein each respective first linear polarizer has a polarization angle that is different from a polarization angle of other respective first linear polarizers;
• combining the set of input optical signals to form a combined beam;
• arranging a second linear polarizer in a transmission path of the combined beam,
• wherein the respective first linear polarizer and second linear polarizer have a difference in polarization angle that selectively adjusts the optical intensity of the at least one input optical signal so that it has a respective specific optical intensity for each of the at least two amplitude states at the output of the second linear polarizer, and
• wherein the respective specific optical intensity of each input optical signal in the set of input optical signals at the output of the second linear polarizer differs such that any combination of the input optical signals at any given time sums to a different combined magnitude.