A magnetic resonance (MR) system and method for generating information about an object is provided. The MR system comprises at least one MR detector configured to sense a plurality of electromagnetic signals and a modulator coupled to the MR detector and configured to modulate optical signals with the electromagnetic signals to generate corresponding modulated optical signals. The MR system further comprises a resonant matching circuit configured for matching an impedance of the MR detector to an impedance of the modulator to achieve at least one of a voltage gain or a noise performance. An optical conduit coupled to the modulator is configured to transmit the modulated optical signals from within a shielded environment to outside the shielded environment. A signal detector coupled to the optical conduit is configured to convert the modulated optical signals to electrical signals.