SEATTLE, Aug. 31 -- OpticsEast, the only comprehensive optics event on the East Coast, spotlights the research behind many of the breakthroughs in nanotechnology, biology, telecommunications and environmental science. The event features conferences, courses, special events, an exhibition and technical programs. Participants have the opportunity to network with peers and learn about the latest research on sensors and telecomunications applications and technologies. OpticsEast's organizer, SPIE, said it expects 130 vendors from the local region and the international optics and photonics communities to participate in the OpticsEast 2005 exhibition, which will showcase a wide variety of products and services. The Optics East exhibition coincides with a technical program comprised of 25 conferences in three symposia. The primary theme of OpticsEast 2005 is optical sensors, which have been incorporated into a wide variety of technologies and applications. Topics will include: • optoelectronic components and systems for sensing applications • emerging applications in life sciences using optics and photonics • new applications in communications • core optics and photonics: components and devices For more information, visit: www.spie.org