I understand the concept, what i am interested in is the practical meaning.

So given that it produces a higher electrical output for a given level of light input and assuming there is a base requirement output which is adequately provided from the standard detectors, my mind suggests that you can allow a greater light degradation (i.e. greater distance), or conversely you require less laser power at the transmit end. So on long distance (land or sea) optical communications cables you could theoretically use fewer repeaters/amplifiers.

Anyone know - is this right? Because that would imply there are some decent savings outside the data center.