Embodiments of fiber optic communication systems are disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes an optical channel having a channel response, a pulse-shaping transmitter coupled to a first end of the optical channel, and a receiver coupled to a second end of the optical channel. The transmitter includes a spread pulse modulator to shape pulses of data prior to transmission and an electrical to optical converter to transmit electrical data signals as the light signals over the optical channel. The receiver includes an optical to electrical converter to receive light signals from the optical channel and generate electrical data signals and a matched filter to receive and filter the electrical data signals with a response substantially matching a combined response of the transmitter and the channel response to increase a signal to noise ratio thereof.