-field photons in two- dimensional devices such as optical chips. All findings were validated by com- putational and theoretical methods; together, there findings provide specific information as to how near fields can be used to guide light. 4.7 OPTICAL ANTENNA A new optical antenna, developed by researchers at the University of Warwick in the United Kingdom, promises to bring significant benefits to wireless net- THE FUTURE IS FIBER-OPTICAL TECHNOLOGIES works, household electronics, and long-distance data transfers. The device applies techniques used to manipulate radio frequencies to select the incom- ing "signal frequencies" carried on infrared beams to produce the optical equivalent of the radio. The antenna, developed by Professor Roger Green and Roberto Ramirez- Iniguez, in the University of Warwick's engineering department, has been licensed to Optical Antenna Solutions of Nottingham, United Kingdom, which will be responsible for further development. Derick Wilson, Optical Antenna Solutions' managing director, believes the technology provides enormous benefits to several industries and has significant commercial opportunities. One of the first applications being considered is to use the antenna to provide secure practical "point and pay methods" for credit cards. An optical antenna serves the same purpose as an electronic one. It must collect energy from an area and channel it through to a receiving element or, conversely, transmit energy that has originated from a small source over an area. The new device uses a combination of precise curvatures on the lens part of the instrument with a multi-layered filter. The optical antenna is SO precise that it can detect a signal on one particular wavelength of light; it is also 100 times more efficient at gathering a signal than any previous optical sensor of this kind. This has immediate benefits for indoor wireless networks and household devices. It allows signal transmitters and receivers to operate at a significant angle to each other and to discriminate much m