Functional Materials for Photonic and Optoelectronic Devices

Photonics and Optoelectronics are critical components of many modern technologies, including optical communication networks, information storage systems, energy harvesting solutions, and the healthcare sector. As these fields rapidly advance, they rely heavily on sophisticated functional materials that exhibit unique structural, electrical, and optical properties. Recent developments have introduced materials that offer unprecedented control over light-matter interactions, facilitating significant strides in device performance. These advancements have led to the development of semiconductors with tunable band gaps, hybrid organic-inorganic perovskites, two-dimensional materials such as transition metal dichalcogenides, plasmonic nanostructures, and quantum dots. As a result, the efficiency, miniaturization, and innovation of photonic and optoelectronic devices have expanded, unlocking opportunities in ultrafast signal processing, quantum communication, and wearable technologies.

This Research Topic aims to explore the synthesis, characterization, and application of functional materials in photonics and optoelectronics. The primary objective is to understand how these advanced materials can revolutionize the performance and functionality of devices used across various sectors. Specific questions include how to optimize these materials for increased efficiency and how to integrate them into existing systems seamlessly. The research will also focus on testing hypotheses related to material performance under different conditions, thereby paving the way for further technological breakthroughs.

To gather further insights in the expansive domain of photonics and optoelectronics, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

• Next-generation semiconductors and hybrid materials for LEDs, lasers, and solar cells

• Perovskite-based photonic and optoelectronic devices

• Nanophotonic and plasmonic structures for light manipulation and sensing

• Two-dimensional and low-dimensional quantum materials for optoelectronics

• Nonlinear and ultrafast photonic materials for high-speed device applications

• Integration of advanced materials into scalable, multifunctional photonic systems

By highlighting both fundamental discoveries and applied innovations, this Research Topic aspires to offer fresh insights into the role of functional materials and inspire further research and cross-disciplinary collaborations in materials science, physics, and engineering.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• Mini Review
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• Mini Review
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review

Keywords: photonics devices, photonic systems, next-generation semiconductors, 2-D photonic materials, energy harvesting, optoelectronic devices

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.