Lasers and nonlinear optics focus on advances in laser science, nonlinear optical phenomena, and their applications across physics, materials science, and engineering. It covers the development of ultrafast laser sources, control of light–matter interactions at high intensities, nonlinear frequency conversion, supercontinuum generation, optical solitons, and frequency combs. The topic also includes experimental and theoretical methods for investigating high-intensity laser–matter interactions and novel strategies for manipulating light in various media.

This topic covers the following areas, but is not limited to:

• Design, generation, compression, and control of femtosecond and attosecond pulses
• Harmonic generation, optical parametric amplification, difference-frequency generation, and related nonlinear frequency conversion processes
• Supercontinuum generation in bulk media, optical fibers, photonic crystal fibers, and waveguides for broadband light sources
• Dynamics of temporal and spatial optical solitons, microresonator frequency combs, and precision metrology applications
• Strong-field physics, relativistic optics, plasma generation, and ultrafast dynamics in solids, liquids, and gases

Fiber and guided-wave photonics explores the design, fabrication, and application of optical fibers, waveguides, and integrated structures for light generation, guidance, manipulation, and detection. It covers specialty fiber technologies, fiber-based light sources, nonlinear optical effects, sensing strategies, and integrated guided-wave platforms for communication, imaging, and other photonic applications.

This topic covers the following areas, but is not limited to:

• Photonic crystal fibers, hollow-core fibers, and other microstructured fiber designs
• Ultrafast and high-power fiber lasers, novel gain media, and fiber amplifier technologies
• Silicon photonics, planar lightwave circuits, and hybrid waveguide integration platforms
• Fiber Bragg gratings, interferometric sensors, distributed fiber sensing, and biomedical fiber-based instrumentation
• Supercontinuum generation, parametric processes, soliton dynamics, and ultrafast nonlinear effects in fibers

Quantum photonics and quantum technologies focus on the development and engineering of photonic systems for quantum information science. It covers quantum communication links, photonic quantum processors, quantum-enhanced sensing and metrology platforms, as well as the underlying devices and components such as single-photon sources, detectors, and quantum memories. This topic also includes hybrid photonic integration, novel light–matter interaction regimes, and methods for generating, manipulating, storing, and transmitting quantum states of light. Applications in distributed quantum computing, secure communication, and precision measurement are also part of this field.

This topic covers the following areas, but is not limited to:

• Photonic computational circuits, quantum communication networks, and quantum sensor networks
• Quantum-safe telecom systems, software-defined quantum networks, and advanced quantum protocols
• Single-photon sources, photon-number-resolving detectors, quantum memories, encoders, transducers, and photonic materials
• On-chip architectures, scalable integration methods, and heterogeneous quantum platforms
• Strong coupling beyond perturbative limits, chiral quantum electrodynamics in waveguides, and cooperative effects of quantum states
• Photon-based quantum computing, sensing, and networking strategies
• Quantum-enhanced sensing, precision metrology, distributed quantum information processing, and next-generation quantum networks

Optical communication and networks focus on the design, implementation, and optimization of optical transmission systems and photonic network infrastructures. This topic covers long-haul and short-reach communication links, wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM/DWDM), coherent transmission systems, optical switching, signal processing, and photonic integration for communication. It also includes innovative network architectures and emerging technologies that enhance the performance, capacity, and reliability of optical networks.

This topic covers the following areas, but is not limited to:

• Long-haul and short-reach optical transmission systems and their performance optimization
• Wavelength-division multiplexing, dense WDM, and coherent communication techniques
• Optical switching, routing, and signal processing for high-speed networks
• Architectures and design strategies for optical networks, including resilient and scalable network topologies
• Photonic integration and on-chip solutions for communication systems

Biophotonics and biomedical optics focus on the interaction of light with biological systems and its applications in imaging, sensing, diagnostics, and therapy. This topic covers optical microscopy techniques, biosensors, molecular probes, fluorescence methods, therapeutic uses of light, and medical instrumentation for in vivo and clinical applications. It also includes the development of novel optical tools and methods to study, manipulate, and monitor biological processes at cellular and tissue levels.

This topic covers the following areas, but is not limited to:

• Optical microscopy and imaging techniques, including confocal, multiphoton, and optical coherence tomography
• Optical biosensors and diagnostic platforms for molecular and cellular detection
• Molecular probes, fluorescence labeling, and related techniques for biological imaging
• Therapeutic applications of light, including laser surgery, phototherapy, and optical modulation of biological tissues
• In vivo imaging, medical instrumentation, and technologies for monitoring and manipulating biological systems

This topic covers theoretical and experimental advances in controlling and engineering light–matter interactions using photonic and plasmonic structures, metamaterials, and novel material systems.

Areas of focus include, but are not limited to:

• Nanophotonic, plasmonic, and metamaterial systems for communication, computing, sensing, and energy applications
• High-Q nanophotonic resonators, bound states in the continuum (BICs), and quasi-BIC structures
• Zero-index, anisotropic, and chiral metamaterials
• Topology-optimized metasurfaces and advanced metamaterial designs
• Micro- and nanophotonics in dielectric, metallic, and low-dimensional materials
• Linear and nonlinear optical phenomena in nanophotonic, plasmonic, and metamaterial systems across UV, visible, infrared, mid-infrared, and THz spectral ranges, including metasurfaces and metalenses
• Advanced nanophotonic design methods, including inverse design, adjoint optimization, and machine learning approaches
• Quantum-confined systems such as quantum dots and nanowires
• Quantum optics at the nanoscale and quantum light propagation in nanophotonic, plasmonic, and metamaterial platforms
• Nanoscale control of optical forces, including optical tweezers, and optomechanical effects, such as cavity optomechanics and acoustic metamaterials
• Disorder, topological effects, and novel light–matter interaction phenomena in nanophotonics

Photonics for Sensors, Metrology & Applications explores the use of light-based technologies in precision measurement, sensing, and applied fields ranging from environmental monitoring to defense systems. This area emphasizes the development, advancement, and integration of optical methods and instruments that deliver higher accuracy, sensitivity, and reliability in diverse real-world applications.

Specific topics of interest include instruments, devices, methods, algorithms, and materials for, but not limited to:

• Optical frequency standards, optical clocks, and frequency combs for ultra-precise timing, navigation, and fundamental science
• Precision spectroscopy, quantum-enhanced metrology, and high-resolution measurement techniques for fundamental and applied studies
• Optical sensors for environmental monitoring, medical diagnostics, industrial process control, and structural health monitoring
• Remote sensing technologies, including advanced LiDAR systems, hyperspectral imaging, and photonic platforms for geoscience and autonomous systems
• Space and defense photonics, covering satellite communication, secure navigation, space-based sensing, and photonic systems for security and defense applications.

It focus on the real-time measurement, shaping, and correction of optical wavefront distortions in imaging and beam propagation systems. This field involves the integration of deformable mirrors, wavefront sensors, spatial light modulators, and feedback control systems to dynamically compensate for aberrations caused by atmospheric turbulence, thermal effects, or system imperfections. Research in this area also explores novel materials, high-speed control algorithms, and compact architectures for advanced optical systems. Applications span high-resolution astronomy, free-space optical communication, high-power laser systems, biomedical imaging, and precision instrumentation where enhanced focus, beam quality, and image clarity are essential.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Wavefront shaping and correction techniques like interferometry, Shack–Hartmann, deformable mirrors etc
• Adaptive optics in free-space optical links and atmospheric turbulence mitigation, astronomy
• Wavefront optimization in laser systems (beam quality enhancement, high-power correction, phase conjugation)

Structured light focuses on the design and control of light fields with tailored spatial, phase, and polarization distributions. It includes orbital angular momentum (OAM) beams, polarization-structured modes, and other complex optical fields that exhibit unique propagation dynamics, spin–orbit interactions. This area covers methods for generating and manipulating such beams using devices like spatial light modulators, metasurfaces, q-plates, and custom holographic elements. It also explores engineered beam shaping, adaptive correction, and new regimes of light–matter interaction enabled by customized optical fields. This topic includes high-capacity communication systems, advanced imaging, optical trapping, sensing, etc

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Techniques for engineered beam generation (SLMs, q-plates, metasurfaces, holography)
• Polarization-structured beams (radial, azimuthal, hybrid polarization modes)
• Spin–orbit coupling and light–matter interaction with structured light
• Propagation dynamics and turbulence resilience in free-space media
• Applications in optical communication, imaging, micromanipulation, and quantum technologies

Ultrafast and High-Intensity Optics encompasses the science and technology of generating, controlling, and applying extremely short and powerful light pulses. This area brings together advances in ultrafast pulse sources, nonlinear light–matter interactions, and the engineering of high-energy laser systems for both fundamental studies and cutting-edge applications.

Contributions are invited on themes including, but not limited to:

• Femtosecond and attosecond pulse generation, shaping, and characterisation
• High-harmonic generation and related processes for extreme ultraviolet and soft X-ray sources
• Optical parametric amplification, chirped-pulse amplification, and advanced ultrafast amplification schemes
• Nonlinear dynamics and strong-field interactions in extreme optical fields
• Petawatt-class and high-energy laser systems for fundamental physics, material processing, and high-field applications
• Ultrafast spectroscopy for probing electronic, vibrational, and spin dynamics in matter
• Carrier-envelope phase stabilization and few-cycle pulse technologies
• Ultrafast laser–plasma interactions and laser-driven particle or radiation sources
• Extreme nonlinear optics in gases, solids, and nanostructured materials
• Coherent control and waveform shaping for high-field and quantum applications
• Ultrafast fiber and semiconductor laser technologies for compact, high-repetition-rate systems
• Novel materials and dispersion management strategies for ultrashort pulse generation and compression

Optoelectronic and Photonic Devices form the foundation of modern photonics, enabling efficient light generation, detection, modulation, and integration for a wide range of applications in communications, computing, energy, and sensing. This area emphasizes innovations in device physics, materials, fabrication technologies, and integration platforms that push the boundaries of performance, scalability, and functionality.

Relevant directions cover, but are not limited to:

• Semiconductor lasers, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and emerging emitters based on new materials (e.g., perovskites, 2D semiconductors)
• Photodetectors, image sensors, and solar cells, including high-speed, broadband, and high-efficiency architectures
• Electro-optic, acousto-optic, and all-optical modulators, as well as fast optical switches for communication and signal processing
• Photonic integrated circuits (PICs), including silicon, III–V, lithium niobate, and heterogeneous integration platforms
• Hybrid electronic–photonic devices for co-packaged optics, neuromorphic computing, and next-generation interconnects
• Nanophotonic and plasmonic devices for enhanced light–matter interaction and miniaturized platforms
• Micro- and nano-cavity resonators, filters, and wavelength-selective components
• Quantum photonic devices, including single-photon sources, detectors, and integrated quantum circuits
• Emerging materials and device technologies for flexible, wearable, and energy-efficient optoelectronics
• Packaging, thermal management, and reliability studies for high-performance photonic devices

Optical Design, Fabrication, and Manufacturing focuses on the creation, optimization, and realization of optical components and systems for scientific, industrial, and commercial applications. This area covers theoretical design methods, material innovations, fabrication technologies, and advanced manufacturing approaches that enable high-performance, scalable, and cost-effective optics.

The scope of this track includes, but is not limited to:

• Lens, mirror, and complete optical system design, including aberration control, tolerance analysis, and optimization methods
• Optical coatings, thin-film technologies, and multilayer structures for reflection, transmission, polarization, and laser damage resistance
• Freeform optics, diffractive optics, and meta-optics for compact, high-efficiency optical systems
• MEMS-based micro-optical devices, micro-lenses, and micro-mirror arrays for adaptive and integrated systems
• Testing, metrology, and quality assurance methods for precision optics manufacturing and system-level verification
• Ultraprecision machining, polishing, and lithographic fabrication of advanced optical components
• Additive manufacturing and 3D printing technologies for prototyping and producing optical elements
• Novel optical materials, including gradient-index, chalcogenide, and nonlinear materials for advanced applications
• Assembly, packaging, and integration of optical components into modules and large-scale systems
• Reliability, thermal management, and lifecycle assessment of optics in demanding environments

Optical Microscopy, Imaging, and Interferometry address advanced methods and technologies for high-resolution visualization, quantitative measurement, and precision characterization of structures and dynamics across scales. This area emphasizes innovations in imaging modalities, interferometric techniques, computational methods, and system integration for scientific, biomedical, and industrial applications.

Submissions may address, but are not limited to:

• Super-resolution microscopy, structured illumination techniques, and novel strategies for sub-diffraction imaging
• Computational imaging approaches, phase retrieval, and digital holography for quantitative 3D imaging
• Optical coherence tomography (OCT), including polarization-sensitive, swept-source, and multimodal OCT systems
• Interferometric metrology, including phase-shifting, white-light, and laser interferometry for surface and wavefront characterization
• Adaptive optics for microscopy and imaging through scattering or aberrating media
• Light-sheet microscopy, multiphoton imaging, and advanced nonlinear optical imaging methods
• Quantitative phase imaging and label-free microscopy techniques for biomedical and material sciences
• Hyperspectral and spectroscopic imaging methods for functional and molecular contrast
• Endoscopic and miniaturized optical imaging systems for in vivo and clinical applications
• Machine learning and artificial intelligence–enabled image reconstruction, enhancement, and analysis

Microwave and Terahertz Photonics explores the generation, manipulation, and application of electromagnetic waves in the millimeter, submillimeter, and terahertz frequency ranges. This field emphasizes advances in sources, detectors, integrated systems, and measurement techniques for communication, sensing, imaging, and spectroscopy.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Terahertz sources, detectors, and generation techniques, including photonic and electronic approaches
• Terahertz imaging, spectroscopy, and diagnostic applications for materials, security, and biomedical systems
• Millimeter- and submillimeter-wave photonics for high-frequency signal processing and measurement
• Terahertz communication systems, wireless links, and high-speed data transfer applications
• Integration of terahertz systems with photonic platforms, including hybrid and chip-scale implementations
• Nonlinear and quantum phenomena in the terahertz regime
• Waveguides, metamaterials, and components for guiding and manipulating microwave and THz signals
• Frequency conversion, signal modulation, and detection techniques for THz photonics
• Applications of THz technology in sensing, imaging, spectroscopy, and industrial inspection
• Compact and portable THz sources and systems for real-world deployment

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Photonics focuses on the application of computational intelligence techniques for the design, analysis, and control of photonic systems. This area covers the use of AI/ML for optimizing device performance, reconstructing complex imaging data, automating experiments, and enabling smart photonic technologies across sensing, communication, and laser systems.

Key themes of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Inverse design and optimization of photonic structures, metasurfaces, and integrated devices using AI/ML techniques
• Application of AI in imaging, microscopy, and computational reconstruction for enhanced resolution and quantitative analysis
• Deep learning and machine learning methods for spectroscopy, sensing, and signal interpretation
• Smart control, adaptive tuning, and autonomous operation of lasers and complex optical systems
• Data-driven experiments and predictive modeling in photonics research
• AI-assisted design of optical communication networks and photonic circuits
• Reinforcement learning and optimization strategies for high-performance optical systems
• Machine learning for nonlinear dynamics, ultrafast optics, and light–matter interaction modeling
• Surrogate modeling, feature extraction, and data analytics for large-scale photonic datasets
• Integration of AI/ML frameworks with hardware for real-time photonic applications

Topological Photonics explores photonic systems whose properties are governed by the topology of their band structures, enabling robust light transport and novel optical phenomena. This area emphasizes the design, realization, and application of topologically protected modes, edge states, and non-trivial photonic lattices for next-generation photonic devices and systems.

This topic highlights advances in, but is not limited to:

• Topological edge states, protected modes, and unidirectional light propagation in photonic systems
• Photonic topological insulators and lattice structures exhibiting non-trivial topological properties
• Non-trivial band topology, topological phase transitions, and synthetic gauge fields in photonics
• Robust waveguiding, defect-immune light transport, and topologically protected optical modes
• Implementation of topological photonics in integrated photonic circuits and metasurfaces
• Non-Hermitian and Floquet topological photonic systems
• Topological effects in nonlinear and quantum photonics
• Edge-state-based sensing, communication, and signal processing applications
• Reconfigurable and tunable topological photonic devices
• Novel material platforms and designs for enhanced topological light–matter interactions