These days, it seems as if there are two kinds of optics companies: those that are making communications components and those that want to make communications components. And noncommunications customers are crying: "What about us?" Communications demands are inarguably forcing the creation of some important technology and manufacturing advances. Optical filters are more precise than ever before. Optical fibers not only carry light, but they also help condition it. Novel assembly techniques and materials are maximizing optical efficiency. But the communications demand has been so high that few of these advances have reached other potential customers...