A multiplexed optical communication system includes a plurality of chopping modulators associated with a first plurality of channels to receive input optical pulses having a first width and to produce therefrom chopped optical pulses having a second width narrower than the first width; a multiplexer to multiplex the chopped optical pulses of the first plurality of channels into a serial bit stream; an optical medium to transport the serial bit stream; and a demultiplexer to demultiplex the serial bit stream into output optical pulses in a second plurality of channels.