Riza and co-workers contributions in the field of communication have ranged from both the optical fiber domain to the laser communications wireless arena. In the fiber-optic signal attenuation arena, the group has pioneered the most diverse set of variable optical attenuator (VOA) modules using optical MEMS, acousto-optic, and liquid crystal (LC) technologies. The group for example proposed and demonstrated the world’s first fault-tolerant variable attenuators, all-digital fiber-optic switches, and wavelength sensitive add-drop filters. Riza also invented the Hybrid MEMS/LC design for fiber-optic applications including the hybrid analog-digital design for producing world record performance VOAs. In the free-space wireless domain, Riza invented Multiplexed Optical Scanner Technology, a new method for no-moving parts three dimensional steering of light beams. The group also developed the most advanced theoretical models for freespace-to-Single Mode Fiber (SMF) lens coupling that has realized amazing near zero loss SMF-to-SMF optical power transfer for short distances and expected low loss designs for long range optical wireless links.