This invention teaches a way to multiplex and de-multiplex unipolar signals using spread spectrum methods. While bipolar spread spectrum signal multiplexing may be used in may applications, for example for systems using radio signals, when using unipolar signals there is a loss of orthogonally which makes the standard algorithms unworkable. This invention teaches a method to recover orthogonally and make spread spectrum multiplexing useful for unipolar signals. One example is in the measurement of optical absorbance along multiple paths simultaneously using light signals, as for functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS).