The Optics and Photonics section is dedicated to publishing significant scientific advances and innovations in the fields of optics and photonics. The section aims to cover both fundamental research and applied aspects, spanning a broad spectrum of topics, from theoretical studies to practical implementations.

Led by Dr. Lorenzo Pavesi from the University of Trento, the Optics and Photonics section welcomes submissions in the various domains of photonics and optics, which connect diverse fields and serve a wide range of purposes.

Topics considered in the scope of this section include:

adaptive optics
advanced materials for photonic applications
coherence and its applications
computational imaging
diffraction patterns and theory
fiber optics
free-space optics
generation and measurement of ultrashort pulses
geometrical optics
high-precision measurement techniques
holography and digital holography
hybrid integration of electronic and photonic devices
integrated photonics
laser-based additive manufacturing
lasers and light sources
lIDAR and remote sensing
liquid crystals
metamaterials
metrological standards for optics and photonics
microscopy techniques (confocal, multiphoton)
monlinear dynamics in optical systems
nonlinear optics
optical coherence tomography (OCT)
optical manipulation at the nanoscale
optical signal processing
optical simulations and modelling
optical systems and imaging
opto-mechanics
optoelectronic devices
photonic crystals and metamaterials
photonic neural networks
photovoltaic technologies
plasmonics
quantum optics
silicon photonics
solar concentrators and light management
terahertz photonics
theoretical foundations of light-matter interaction
topological photonics
ultrafast and nonlinear phenomena
wave optics and interference

Submissions should provide detailed, in-depth knowledge about the various fields where photonics plays a role, such as lighting, energy, security, sensing, environment, defense, communication, computing, medicine, and manufacturing. Both fundamental studies and applied research are relevant. Theoretical, experimental and simulation works are considered.

In particular, the section welcomes submissions dedicated to advancing the fundamental understanding of light and its interaction with matter. It emphasizes wave optics, including studies on interference, diffraction, and coherence phenomena. The section explores also developments in quantum optics and their applications in quantum photonics. Nonlinear optics, including the exploration of solitons, harmonic generation, and nonlinear interactions, will be a significant area of interest. These fundamental studies are crucial for pushing the boundaries of how we understand and utilize light in various applications. Another critical focus area is the development and innovation of photonic devices and materials which support and advance biomaterials, chromophores, fluorescent materials, integrated optical devices, liquid crystals, metamaterials, negative refractive index, nonlinear optics, optical antennas, optical fiber, opto-mechanics, photonic crystals, plasmonics, quantum optics, semiconductor optics, solar cells, synthesis and fabrication techniques, and their contributions to SDGs 3 (Good Health and Well-being), 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and 13 (Climate Action).

To maintain a balanced focus on groundbreaking scientific research and innovation, the Optics and Photonics section does not consider submissions on highly specialized or engineering-centric topics. Therefore, research focused on incremental device concepts, engineering applications of optics and photonics, manufacturing and production engineering, prototyping and product developments, telecommunication engineering without innovation in photonics, software engineering for optical systems, improvements or optimizations of existing optical or photonic technologies without substantial innovation or scientific advancement, applications in biology (eg.,brain studies, human recognition, or tumor prediction) unless they involve the manipulation or analysis of light and its interaction with matter, will not be considered as these topics may fall outside the scope of optics and photonics research.

This multidisciplinary section seeks to advance the frontiers of optics and photonics by focusing on cutting-edge scientific research, novel technological developments, and innovative applications. By emphasizing topics that push the boundaries of understanding and exploring new avenues of light-based science and technology, the section aims at disseminating and communicating a deeper understanding of the science of light and its various applications optics to researchers, industry, policymakers, and the public worldwide.

Modern Trends in Hollow Core Microstructured Optical Fibers