Descrição Polatis believes in photonics for the mass(es). Polatis develops optical switches based on its micro-actuation and sensing system (MASS) technology. The company touts its MASS platform as being more reliable and scalable than other optical switching systems, particularly because of its minimal insertion loss (light leakage). Initial products include modular and rack-mount switches for use in automated test, military, telecommunication, and video switching applications. Polatis was founded in 2000 by research director Andrew Dames; investors include 3i, Alta-Berkeley, and Prelude Ventures. The company expanded in 2005 when it combined its operations with those of Continuum Photonics.