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Publications Calls for Papers

Photonics Society journals are dedicated to the publication of manuscripts in all areas of photonics. Open calls for papers are below and we welcome contributions to our publishing portfolio.

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IEEE Photonics Journal

IEEE Journal of Quantum Electronics

IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics

IEEE Photonics Technology Letters

IEEE/Optica Journal of Lightwave Technology

IEEE Photonics Journal

Special issue on 1st Carpathian Biophotonics Meeting (CBM 2025)

IEEE Photonics Journal
[Extended Deadline]

The 1st Carpathian Biophotonics Meeting (CBM 2025) is the inaugural edition of a conference series whose main objective is to explore the latest advancements in biophotonics—a rapidly evolving field at the intersection of optics, photonics, life sciences and advanced materials. CBM 2025 will be held between 8–12 September 2025 in Sinaia, Romania. It brings together international researchers, industry experts, and clinicians to discuss cutting-edge advancements in biomedical imaging, optical diagnostics, laser-based fabrication, light-based sensing, and advanced photoactive biomaterials, among others. This special issue seeks to capture the vibrant discussions and latest findings showcased at CBM 2025, inviting in-extenso papers for all regular, invited and plenary contributions presented within this conference. This special issue will thus welcome comprehensive full-length original research, review, or perspective articles, inspired by conference presentations, seeking to highlight interdisciplinary innovations that span optics, life sciences, computational imaging, biomaterials, and AI.

Submission Deadline: 12/11/2025

Publication Date: Feb 2026

Guest Editors: Prof. Gabriella Cincotti, Prof. Marie Louise Groot, Prof. Loredana Latterini, University of Perugia, Italy, Prof. Adrian Podoleanu, Dr. Felix Sima, Dr. Stefan G. Stanciu

Manuscript Type: Special Issue on the 1st Carpathian Biophotonics Meeting (CBM 2025)

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Special issue on Optical-fiber-based Integrated Sensing and Communication

IEEE Photonics Journal

Benefiting from the capabilities of ultra-long-distance, high-speed data transmission, optical fiber communication networks have become the foundation of the information society since the successful development of low-loss optical fibers in the 1970s. Recent studies have revealed that the ubiquitous optical fiber infrastructure can also function as a highly sensitive distributed sensor, capable of detecting external physical perturbations such as acoustic waves, vibrations, temperature changes, and pressure variations along the fiber. By sharing transmitters, receivers, transmission links, and digital signal processing units, both communication and sensing functionalities can be achieved, giving rise to the promising field of optical-fiber-based integrated sensing and communication (O-ISAC). This integration of sensing and communication through shared hardware and software offers significant benefits in cost and efficiency. O-ISAC not only promotes the development of self-intelligent networks—enabling autonomous fault diagnosis through inherent sensing capabilities—but also provides a novel solution for large-scale sensing applications such as urban structural imaging, ocean seismic monitoring, and underground pipeline surveillance. However, O-ISAC still faces significant challenges in both research and practical application: the mutual interference between sensing and communication functions is not fully understood; scaling these systems over long distances requires novel schemes to simultaneously enhance their key performance metrics; and a clear framework to reduce their cost and complexity is still needed. Meanwhile, data-driven machine learning and AI techniques have emerged as a promising trend.

Submission Deadline: 02/15/2026

Publication Date: Summer 2026

Guest Editors: Xian Zhou, Fan Zhang, Ran Gao, Santosh Kumar, Gang-ding Peng, Guang-quan Wang

Manuscript Type: Special Issue on POEM 2025

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Special issue on POEM 2025

IEEE Photonics Journal
[Extended Deadline]

We are pleased to announce that the IEEE Photonics Journal (PJ) invites submissions to a Special Issue highlighting advances across the wide landscape of photonics and optoelectronics, inspired by the latest developments presented at the 16th International Photonics and Optoelectronics Meeting (POEM 2025), held in Wuhan, China. Founded in 2008, POEM is a premier annual conference that brings together leading researchers and engineers to discuss breakthroughs in photonic science and technologies across fundamental, applied, and translational domains. The conference covers a wide range of topics that reflect the dynamic scope of modern photonics—many of which align closely with the Photonics Journal editorial vision. This Special Issue seeks to extend the scientific impact of POEM by publishing high-quality, peer-reviewed papers that capture both the depth and breadth of current advances presented at the meeting and beyond.

Submission Deadline: 01/31/2026

Publication Date: Summer 2026

Guest Editors: Jinwei Zeng & Jun Liu

Manuscript Type: Special Issue on POEM 2025

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IEEE Journal of Quantum Electronics

There are currently no calls for papers for this publication.

IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics

Advances in Semiconductor Surface-emitting Lasers: VCSELs and PCSELs

Journal of Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics

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.

Submission Deadline: 02/01/2026

Publication Date: Nov/Dec 2026

Guest Editors: Prof. Susumu Noda (Primary GE), Dr. Takuya Inoue (Junior Primary GE), Prof. Kent D. Choquette, Prof. Nobuhiko Nishiyama, Prof. Weidong Zhou, Dr. Paul Crump, Prof. Kyoko Kitamura

Manuscript Type: Advances in Semiconductor Surface-emitting Lasers: VCSELs and PCSELs

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Advances in High-Speed Intensity Modulation and Direct Detection Technologies

Journal of Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics

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.

Submission Deadline: 04/01/2026

Publication Date: Jan/Feb 2027

Guest Editors: Dr. Robert Borkowski (Primary GE), Dr. Guo-Qiang Lo, Dr. Shinji Matsuo, Dr. Ying Zhao, Dr. Chen Zhu

Manuscript Type: Advances in High-Speed Intensity Modulation and Direct Detection Technologies

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Special issue on Inverse Design of Photonic Applications Using Quantum and Classical Computing

IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics

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.

Submission Deadline: 06/01/2026

Publication Date: March/April 2027

Guest Editors: Sun-Kyung Kim, Junichiro Shiomi, Tengfei Luo, Seongmin Kim, Run Hu, Cheng Zhang

Manuscript Type: Special Issue on Inverse Design of Photonic Applications Using Quantum and Classical Computing

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3-D Horizons in Photonics: Unraveling the Next Frontier of Integrated Circuits

Journal of Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics

The IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics (JSTQE) invites manuscript submissions in 3-D Horizons in Photonics. The integration of photonics and electronics has forever transformed the landscape of modern technology. At the forefront of this revolution is the development of Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs), which are swiftly emerging as the torchbearers of next-gen circuitry. Historically rooted in the traditional 2-D fabrication processes inherited from electronic ICs, PICs have begun a transformative journey toward intricate 3-D configurations. The leap from 2-D to 3-D, observed recently in electronic IC designs, isn’t just a dimensional shift; it represents a paradigm change in how we conceptualize, design and deploy PICs. The IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics invites manuscript submissions in the area of 3D Photonics. The purpose of this issue of JSTQE is to highlight the recent progress and trends in developing leading-edge 3D Photonics technologies.

Submission Deadline: 08/31/2025

Publication Date: Mar/Apr 2026

Guest Editors: Prof. Alex Yasha Yi (Primary GE) Dr. Colin McDonough, Prof. Xingjun Wang, Dr. James Foresi, Prof. Sarah Kurtz

Manuscript Type: Photonics for Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation

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Self-Injection Locked Lasers and Associated Systems

Journal of Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics

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.

Submission Deadline: 12/01/2025

Publication Date: Sept/Oct 2026

Guest Editors: Dr. Andrey Matsko (Primary GE), Prof. Igor Bilenko, Prof. Daniel J Blumenthal, Prof. Andrei Fotiadi, Dr. Jiang Li, Prof. Olivier Llopis, Prof. Kartik A. Srinivasan, Prof. Kerry Vahala, Prof. Yating Wan, Prof. Xu Yi

Manuscript Type: Special issue on Self-Injection Locked Lasers and Associated Systems

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Emerging Topics for Nanophotonics, Metamaterials and Plasmonics

Journal of Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics

The IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics (JSTQE) invites manuscript submissions in Emerging Topics for Nanophotonics, Metamaterials and Plasmonics. Nanophotonics offers not only the potential for the continued miniaturization of optical, photonic, and optoelectronics devices and systems, but also offers opportunities to explore novel phenomena and device architectures at or below the diffraction limit. Achieving nanphotonic and/or subwavelength or sub-diffraction limit functionality requires mechanisms to confine, generate, absorb, or in some way manipulate light to or in ultra-small volumes. Plasmonics, leveraging collective charge oscillations in metal films coupled to electromagnetic waves offers one approach to engineering light at the nanoscale. At the same time, Metamaterials and Metasurfaces, composites with engineered electromagnetic or elastic response, are opening new horizons in materials science, engineering, photonics, quantum electronics, sensing, and computing. Recent advances in meta-structures, leveraging dielectric, metallic, or even phononic components, where the ability to mold waves at both diffraction-limited and deep subwavelength domains offer new opportunities for applications in imaging, optical computing, sensing and communication.

Submission Deadline: 08/01/2025

Publication Date: May/June 2026

Guest Editors: Viktor Podolskiy, Evgenii Narimanov, Daniel Wasserman, Natalia Litchinitser, Jonathan Fan

Manuscript Type: Special issue on Emerging Topics for Nanophotonics, Metamaterials and Plasmonics

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Advanced Biophotonics in Emerging Biomedical Technologies and Devices

Journal of Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics

The IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics (JSTQE) invites manuscript submissions in Biophotonics. The field of Biophotonics is developing rapidly and benefits from state-of-the-art technologies coming from the areas of quantum electronics, lasers and electro-optics as well as advances in the life sciences and medicine. Innovative biophotonics technologies make significant contributions to biomedical research, clinical practices, and public health. Photonics-based technologies offer unique advantages based on molecular level contrast, nanometer resolution, non-contact or minimally invasive access, rapid and cost-effective assays for point-of-care, etc. The purpose of this issue of JSTQE is to highlight recent progress and trends in developing leading-edge biophotonics technologies.

Submission Deadline: 10/01/2025

Publication Date: July/August 2026

Guest Editors: David Nolte (Primary GE), J. Quincy Brown, Guanying Chen, Brian Cunningham, Xudong (Sherman) Fan, Honghui He, Manoj Varma, Sharon Weiss

Manuscript Type: Special Issue on Advanced Biophotonics in Emerging Biomedical Technologies and Devices

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Advances in Free Space Laser Communications

Journal of Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics

The IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics (JSTQE) invites manuscript submissions in Advances in Free Space Laser Communications. The emerging field of Free Space Laser Communications has leveraged the huge terrestrial fiber optics industry together with recent proliferation of affordable space launches to become a realistic solution for space-based constellations cross-links, high bandwidth data downlinks and communication needs for human space flight. With multiple organizations across the globe continuing to innovate in this field both with technology development and system designs, lasercom is poised to continue to revolutionize the field of space-based communications in the near future by providing unique solutions to the communications bottleneck as well as systems size, weight and power limitations. The IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics invites manuscript submissions in the area of Free Space Laser Communications. The purpose of this issue of JSTQE is to highlight the recent progress and trends in developing leading-edge lasercom technologies.

Submission Deadline: 05/01/2025

Publication Date: Jan/Feb 2026

Guest Editors: Dr. Katia Shtyrkova (Primary GE) Dr. Farzana Khatri, Dr. Malcolm W. Wright, Dr. Dimitar Kolev

Manuscript Type: Advances in Free Space Laser Communications

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IEEE Photonics Technology Letters

Special issue on IEEE Summer Topicals 2025

Photonics Technology Letters [Extended Deadline]

The IEEE Photonics Technology Letter will publish a Special Issue dedicated to the progress reported at the IEEE Summer Topicals meeting of 2025, held from 21st to 23rd July in Berlin, Germany. This issue will provide an opportunity for participants to expand the papers presented at the meeting and reach a wider audience whilst maintaining a short letter format. The organizers will encourage the submission of letters extending the regular and invited submissions on the following Summer Topicals: • Integrated Quantum Photonics and Signal Processing for Quantum Communications • Light by Light Manipulation for Next Generation Photonics • Multi-Channel Transceivers vs. High Symbol Rate for High-Speed Optical Transmission • Nonlinear Laser Dynamics • Optical Access and 6G networks: From Photonics to New Network Applications • Photonics-Electronics Convergence Devices and Packaging Technology for Future Datacenter and Computing Networks • Shaking Hand of Neuromorphic Computing & Optical Networks • Ultrastable Lasers Role in Insane Science

Submission Deadline: 12/01/2025

Publication Date: May 2026

Guest Editors: Dr. Ruben Luis, Prof. Nithyanandan Kanagaraj, Dr. Mahtab Aghaeipour, Dr. Carlos Natalino da Silva, Dr. Chris Vagionas

Manuscript Type: Special issue on IEEE Summer Topicals 2025

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Special issue on Intelligent Computing and Wireless Optical Communications

Photonics Technology Letters [Extended Deadline]

IEEE Photonics Technology Letters (PTL) will publish a Special Issue dedicated to report expanded versions of high-quality contributed and invited talks presented at the International Conference on Intelligent Computing and Wireless Optical Communications (ICWOC), held during June 27-29, 2025, in Chengdu, China. The conference theme, “Intelligent Connectivity in Optical Communications,” underscores the convergence of intelligent computing technologies and optical communication systems, aiming to drive groundbreaking innovations and shape the future of next-generation intelligent networking solutions. As optical communication systems evolve to meet the increasing demands for ultra-high-speed, low-latency, and energy-efficient data transmission, integrating intelligent computing technologies such as photonic neuromorphic computing, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and advanced signal processing has become imperative. Intelligent computing empowers real-time network optimization, intelligent resource allocation, adaptive modulation schemes, and proactive fault detection, significantly enhancing the performance and reliability of optical networks. However, despite these advancements, numerous challenges remain. The integration of intelligent computing with optical fiber networks, optical wireless communications, and free-space optics necessitates further exploration to overcome spectrum constraints, link instability, and dynamic channel impairments. This Special Issue aims to showcase cutting-edge research that advances intelligent computing and optical communication technologies, fostering innovations that will shape future intelligent, resilient, and adaptive communication infrastructures.

Submission Deadline: 12/01/2025

Publication Date: April 2026

Guest Editors: Dr. Xiong Deng, Dr. Chen Chen, Dr. Xiping Wu, Dr. Chao Li

Manuscript Type: Special Issue on Intelligent Computing and Wireless Optical Communications (ICWOC2025).

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Special issue on the 16th International Symposium on Measurement Technology and Intelligent Instruments (ISMTII 2025) and the 3rd International Conference of Optical Imaging and Measurement (ICOIM 2025)

Photonics Technology Letters

IEEE Photonics Technology Letters (PTL) will publish a Special Issue dedicated to presenting expanded versions of the outstanding papers from the 16th International Symposium on Measurement Technology and Intelligent Instruments (ISMTII 2025) and the 3rd International Conference of Optical Imaging and Measurement (ICOIM 2025), held from May 25-28, 2025, in Wuhan, China. ISMTII / ICOIM 2025 aims to provide a forum for world-class optical, nanometrology, precision metrology, and instrumentation experts to exchange ideas and inspire sparks. The four-day symposium will not only provide opportunities for established and early-career investigators to exchange cutting-edge techniques on measurement and instrumentation but also will bridge the gap between academia and industry by offering the opportunity to disclose the most challenging roadblocks in industry measurement and inspection. This symposium is a renowned meeting dedicated to the most recent challenges, trends, solutions, and innovations in optical imaging and measurement.

Submission Deadline: 08/01/2025

Publication Date: October 2025

Guest Editors: Dr. Prof. Jinlong Zhu, Dr. Prof. Shiyuan Liu, Dr. Prof. Shuming Yang, Dr. Prof. Wenhan Zeng

Manuscript Type: Special Issue on ISMTII / ICOIM 2025

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