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The article discusses that the use of Microelectromechanical System actuators to adjust the optical properties of nano-optics devices will provide a viable platform for tunable optical filters. The electronically controllable nano-optic devices allow the adjustment of optical power, polarization, phase, focal point, direction and transmitted or reflected wavelength. A nano-optic tunable filter taps an optical signal and together with a photodetector can be used to detect power and wavelength drift for WDM channels.

Focuses on the benefits of nanotechnology to optical circuit design. Useful properties of nano-optic devices; Discussion on nano-optics; Evolution of nano-optic applications; Conclusion.

Focuses on the growing interest in liquid crystal (LC) for optical switching and signal conditioning applications. Physical and optical properties of LC; Discovery of LC in the late 19th century; Development of various LC applications; lllustration of the use of LC in telecommunications, optical switching and signal-conditioning. INSET: Ethernet, by Richard Cunningham.