While some LAN technologies use optical components (i.e., trunks between switches / routers), Optical Networking is generally something discussed as a WAN / distribution / "long lines" / MAN kind of technology ... usually SONET and/or DWDM.
Here's a link on theCisco main site:
http://business.cisco.com/prod/tree.taf%3Fasset_id=88046&MagID=87969&public_view=true&kbns=1.html
If you do a search on the main site of "optical networking basics" you'll get a much larger list to browse.
A good place to start is with the media. I recommend looking around for good sources on fiber optic cabling. Within each major category (single mode or multi mode) there is a large variety of media, depending on the application.
Next, I'd suggest looking into traditional Time-Division Multiplexing (TDM). The TDM hierarchy is a good basic foundation which includes optical transport systems. Once you understand what kind of information is being transmitted, the "how" becomes a little easier to understand.
Along with TDM, you'll start hearing more about SONET (Synchronous Optical NETwork(ing)).
Once you're into SONET, then things like Packet-Over-SONET (POS) start to surface.
After that, Wave Division Multiplexing (WDM), Dense WDM, Course WDM and related topics should be pretty easy to understand, at least in general terms.
The higher up you look in the Optical Model, the easier the concepts get. As you learn more about the physical media and signaling, that's where a lot of the ugly details begin to appear.
As you begin to learn and have specific questions, post 'em up here.
Good Luck
Scott
