Which functions does the detector in an optical receiver perform?

The detector in an optical receiver plays a crucial role in converting light signals into electrical signals, which is fundamental for further processing and interpretation of the data transmitted via optical fibers. This conversion process allows the light pulses that represent digital information to be transformed into corresponding electrical signals that can then be demodulated, meaning the original data can be recovered from the encoded light signal.

Demodulation is essential because it decodes the variations in the light signal, allowing the receiver to interpret the transmitted information accurately. This process requires precise timing and sensitivity to ensure that even the smallest changes in signal strength are detected, which can represent binary data (1s and 0s) in communication systems.

While other functions mentioned in the other choices may play important roles in the overall optical communication system, they do not accurately describe the primary functions performed by the detector in an optical receiver. For instance, amplification and filtering are typically handled in the signal processing stages rather than the detector itself, which focuses on the conversion and demodulation tasks.