What is the main purpose of a receiver in a fiber-optic communication system?

The main purpose of a receiver in a fiber-optic communication system is to convert optical signals into electrical signals. In a fiber-optic system, information is transmitted through light pulses that travel along the fiber. The receiver is equipped with photodetectors, which are sensitive to light, and its role is to detect these light pulses. Once the light is detected, the receiver converts it into electrical signals that can be processed by electronic devices, such as computers or networking equipment. This conversion is crucial for the continuation of data communication, as it allows the information originally sent as light to be interpreted and used by the receiving equipment.

In contrast, other options such as generating optical signals, transmitting data, or amplifying light signals pertain to different functions performed by other components in the system. Generating optical signals is typically the job of a transmitter, while amplifying light signals is often done by amplifiers designed specifically for fiber-optic applications. Transmitting data can involve multiple parts of the system, including the transmitter and the medium through which it moves, but does not specifically highlight the function of the receiver.