But the optical switch takes the flickers of lights flashing by and, with the use of its micro-mirrors, redirects them from one optical fibre to another.

ECONOMIST: Reinventing Marconi

They are devising ways to send optical signals vast distances without the need for expensive electronic goosing, tinkering with mirrors to switch and bend light in new ways and trimming costs to open up entirely new parts of the telecom infrastructure.

FORBES: Hooked on photonics