Publications Calls for Papers

The IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics (JSTQE) invites manuscript submissions in the area of Semiconductor Lasers, covering fundamental advances, device technologies, integration, and applications. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to: · High power and high efficiency semiconductor lasers · Narrow-linewidth, low noise single frequency semiconductor lasers · High-speed directly modulated and externally modulated semiconductor lasers · Vertical cavity surface emitting lasers, micro- & nano-cavity semiconductor lasers · Semiconductor lasers based on wide-bandgap and novel semiconductor materials · Quantum dots, quantum-dash and quantum cascade lasers · Heterogeneous, monolithic and hybrid integrated semiconductor lasers · Nonlinear dynamics for semiconductor lasers and mode locked semiconductor lasers · Semiconductor laser integration for photonic integrated circuits and co-packaged optics · Applications in optical communications, sensing, LiDAR, and microwave photonics

Focusing on Scientific Discourse and Methodological Standards to Shape Future Research Activities

Scientific progress relies not only on new experimental or theoretical results but also on the continuous critical examination, debate, and refinement of existing knowledge. Precise definitions, rigorous measurement protocols, and transparent reporting standards are essential for maintaining scientific integrity and long-term impact. To foster this vital aspect of scientific evolution, IEEE JSTQE is launching a new section and article submission type dedicated to constructive scientific discourse, methodological clarification, and community-driven standardization. This section provides an open forum for critical analysis, expert perspectives, and technical commentary that complement traditional research articles and strengthen the foundations of quantum electronics and photonics. We invite researchers to submit original papers and review articles that advance the state-of-the-art in this interdisciplinary domain. The scope of this issue covers the design, fabrication, characterization, and application of photonic structures for thermal control.

Photonic thermal devices represent a rapidly advancing field focused on controlling and manipulating heat flow through photonic approaches. By engineering the spectral, directional, and temporal properties of thermal radiation, researchers are unlocking new capabilities for energy harvesting, thermal management, and sensing. This special issue aims to highlight recent breakthroughs in photonic thermal devices, ranging from fundamental physics to practical applications in energy, sustainability, and advanced thermal technologies. We invite researchers to submit original papers and review articles that advance the state-of-the-art in this interdisciplinary domain. The scope of this issue covers the design, fabrication, characterization, and application of photonic structures for thermal control.

IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics (JSTQE) invites manuscript submissions in “Advances in Semiconductor Surface-emitting Lasers: VCSELs and PCSELs”. VCSELs have a variety of features, such as their ultra-compact size, low power consumption, high-speed operation, and high-power operation when arranged in an array. They are currently in practical use in a wide range of applications, including optical interconnects, optical sensing, and laser printers, while active research is still being conducted to further improve their performance, such as by increasing the number of junctions to improve efficiency and expanding the wavelength range. On the other hand, PCSELs are a new type of surface-emitting lasers that have the unique advantage of being able to achieve both high-power and high-beam-quality operation, as well as advanced functionalities such as beam scanning. Recently, research and development of PCSELs has been rapidly progressing around the world, and social implementation for various cutting-edge applications has also commenced. In light of the above-mentioned current status of VCSELs and PCSELs, the purpose of this issue of JSTQE is to highlight the recent progress of semiconductor surface-emitting lasers that possess either horizontal or vertical cavity. For either cavity geometry, researchers seek similar or different approaches for scaling up the laser output power, increase the modulation rate, or increasing the laser functionality.

IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics (JSTQE) invites manuscript submissions on the applications of self-injection locking (SIL) in electronics and photonics. The SIL technique plays a crucial role in RF and microwave oscillators, lasers, and photonic systems, where exceptional frequency stability and low phase noise are paramount. While SIL has been studied for decades, recent advancements in photonics—particularly in all-optical locking of lasers to photonic integrated circuit (PIC) microcavities and delay lines—have significantly revitalized its relevance. The ongoing development of heterogeneously integrated lasers on PIC platforms has driven the need for new stabilization methods that leverage PIC components. Traditional phase locking techniques, such as Pound-Drever-Hall locking, pose integration challenges due to their reliance on electro-optical modulators, fast low noise photodetectors, as well as low noise electronic circuits. In contrast, SIL oscillators achieve frequency stabilization by aligning their emission frequency with the high-quality factor (Q-factor) cavity mode, ensuring effective and robust locking without any electronics use. Remarkably, the locking frequency range in SIL systems can surpass the cavity’s bandwidth by several orders of magnitude, with the primary limiting factor being the spectral width of the laser’s optical gain medium.

Driven by AI compute and datacom demands, the ecosystem for 200 Gbit/s per lane intensity modulation/direct detection (IM/DD) technology is becoming a reality. However, the next doubling to 400 Gbit/s per lane (400G) presents significant technological challenges, including the further extension of component bandwidths, as well as power- and cost-per-bit efficiency aspects. As a result, substantial research efforts are required to develop the next generation 400G systems, which must be capable not only of delivering high data rates but also of maintaining a competitive edge over increasingly leaner versions of coherent technologies optimized for short link distances. Building upon the foundations of previous JSTQE special issues, such as Optical Detectors (2022) and Advanced Modulators and Integration Beyond Si and InP-based Platforms (2024), the IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics invites manuscript submissions demonstrating recent Advances in High-Speed Intensity Modulation/Direct Detection Technologies. The purpose of this special issue of JSTQE is to highlight the progress and trends leading toward or beyond 400G intensity modulation and direct detection systems.

The IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics (JSTQE) invites manuscript submissions on Inverse Design of Photonic Applications Using Quantum and Classical Computing. The integration of inverse design methodologies with photonic technologies has opened new frontiers in how we formulate, discover, and realize complex optical systems. Inverse design leverages advanced optimization algorithms, ranging from physics-based adjoint gradient methods that enable efficient, deterministic optimization to data-driven machine learning frameworks that allow exploration of vast and unconventional design spaces. With the advent of quantum computing, the field is experiencing a paradigm shift, enabling unprecedented opportunities in tackling computationally intractable design problems beyond the reach of classical resources. By leveraging both classical high-performance computing and emerging quantum algorithms—individually and in hybrid workflows—researchers are beginning to solve inverse design challenges for photonic systems with enhanced efficiency, scalability, and physical insight. These advances promise transformative impacts on applications spanning communications, energy, sensing, computing, defense and security, and biomedical technologies. The purpose of this issue of JSTQE is to highlight recent progress, challenges, and opportunities at the intersection of inverse photonic design, classical optimization, and quantum computing.