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The fields of optics and photonics have experienced dramatic technical advances over the past several decades and have cemented themselves as key enabling technologies across many different industries. This paper explores past milestones, present state of the art, and future perspectives of several different topics, including: lasers, materials, devices, communications, bioimaging, displays, manufacturing, and industry evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

An introduction to the section on optics and photonics included in the "Proceedings of the IEEE" is presented.

The article focuses on digital communications system which was said to rank first among other revolutionary innovations in the U.S. After its passage of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, the $95.3 billion investment in the industry was said to gather its returns. It was in the year 1990 wherein the growth of telecommunications began but has experienced a collapse in the year 2000. It was in the year 1970's wherein serious development of digital technologies rose along with other revolutionary innovations. Other significant events in the history related to digital technologies include the monopoly of the AT&T in the telecommunication industry and the passage of the act.