In recent years, progress in the generation of squeezed states of light, mainly characterized by a reduced noise property, has stimulated important work in relation to their potential use to improve the sensitivity of optical communication systems. These notes are devoted to the detection and information processing of optical signals at very low levels of power. A survey of recent developments from the quantum and classical points of view is presented. Ultimate limits of performance under the criteria of detection and information are established. Some of the results are detailed and may be utilized for the design of practical systems of communication using present technology. These lecture notes address physicists and engineers interested in present and future developments in optical communications.