Traditionally, fiber optic devices have been assembled using various discrete components. Some observers believe integrated optical components, photonic chips and wafer scale manufacturing provide an answer to the assembly woes that have been plaguing the industry.

Once known primarily for rugged kitchenware, such as casserole dishes, Corning Inc. (Corning, NY) is now the world's leading producer of optical fiber, which it pioneered more than 30 years ago. The $4.7 billion company spun off its famous cookware business in 1998 to focus on the booming fiber optics industry.

Fiber optic communication requires more than just hair-thin strands of glass. A wide variety of optoelectronic components and photonic devices are necessary to generate, modulate, guide, amplify, switch and detect light.