Emerging Frontiers in Photonic Lattices: from Fundamental Phenomena to Applications

Periodic structures are widely found in nature, such as the regularly arranged atoms inside metals and semiconductors. In photonics and optics, this periodicity translates into a spatially engineered refractive index, which modulated in one, two, or three dimensions. Photonic lattices, the physical realization of such modulation through periodic arrays of optical waveguides, resonators, or metamaterials, have emerged as powerful platforms for controlling light flow in unprecedented ways. While initially driven by photonic bandgap engineering, the field has been revolutionized by recent breakthroughs in topological photonics, non‑Hermitian optics, and synthetic dimensions. These advances make photonic lattices a versatile ground for exploring fundamental physics and developing robust photonic devices. The ability to precisely tailor lattice parameters further provides unparalleled opportunities to probe exotic wave phenomena.This Research Topic aims to collect cutting edge contributions that advance our understanding and application of photonic lattices across diverse material platforms and spectral ranges. The target systems range from femtosecond laser written waveguide arrays and silicon photonic circuits to exciton polariton condensates and reconfigurable metamaterials. A central objective is to bridge the gap between fundamental physics concepts, such as topological band theory, non Hermitian exceptional point dynamics, and gauge field engineering, and their experimental realizations and potential applications. We actively seek to promote the interdisciplinary study among optics, condensed matter physics, and quantum science, among others, encouraging manuscripts that combine analytical models, numerical simulations, and proof of principle measurements. We welcome submissions that address, but are not limited to, the following topics:• Topological and chiral photonic lattices, including Floquet and higher-order topological insulators.• Non-Hermitian and PT-symmetric lattice systems, exceptional points, and their applications.• Synthetic dimensions, gauge fields, and effective magnetic phenomena in lattice geometries.• Flat-band physics, slow light, and strong light-matter interaction in engineered lattices.• Nonlinear dynamics, soliton formation, and frequency combs in waveguide arrays.• Quantum walks, quantum simulation, and integrated quantum photonics in coupled systems.• Reconfigurable, programmable, or active photonic lattices utilizing phase-change materials, liquid crystals, or optomechanics.• Lattice-based light sources, topological lasers, and robust signal processing.• Novel fabrication techniques and realizations in fibers, femtosecond-laser-written arrays, silicon photonics, or exciton-polariton systems. Topic editors: Zhaoyang Zhang, Zhenkun Wu, Jiajun Wang, Sergei Koniakhin Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/83452/emerging-frontiers-in-photonic-lattices-from-fundamental-phenomena-to-applications