Flat Optics and Photonics for Next-Generation Computing and Communications

The quest for more efficient, compact, and intelligent optical systems for computing and communications has catalyzed a convergence of two transformative fields: integrated photonics and flat optics. While photonic integrated circuits provide robust on-chip signal processing, flat optics—exemplified by metasurfaces and diffractive elements—enables unprecedented free-space wavefront control in an ultra-thin form factor. Together, they promise to revolutionize applications from optical neural networks and LiDAR to ultra-high-bandwidth interconnects. The critical challenge lies in seamlessly co-designing and integrating these planar technologies to create unified systems that leverage the strengths of both guided and free-space light manipulation.This Research Topic aims to capture pioneering work at the intersection of flat optics and integrated photonics, specifically for advancing computing and communication technologies. We seek contributions that demonstrate how metasurfaces, diffractive elements, and other planar optical technologies can interface with, enhance, or be monolithically integrated into photonic circuits to create novel functionalities. The goal is to showcase systems that achieve dynamic control—such as beam steering, switching, and analog computing—with improved performance, footprint, and energy efficiency. We encourage submissions that address the full spectrum from novel device concepts and materials (e.g., tunable metasurfaces) to system-level integration and real-world application demonstrations.We welcome original research, review articles and perspectives. Specific themes include:* Co-designed Systems: Integrated photonic circuits coupled with metasurfaces for beam shaping, steering, or mode conversion.* Reconfigurable Flat Optics: Tunable and programmable metasurfaces using phase-change materials, MEMS, or liquid crystals for switching and modulation.* Flat Optics for Computing: Diffractive optical neural networks, metasurface-based optical accelerators, and Ising machines.* Interfaces and Coupling: Efficient coupling strategies between waveguides and metasurfaces, including grating couplers and edge-emitter metasystems.* Novel Materials and Fabrication: Advances in fabricating active, low-loss flat optical elements compatible with CMOS or heterogeneous integration.* System Applications: Demonstrations in LiDAR, holographic displays, optical interconnects (free-space and fiber), and on-chip sensors. Topic editors: Muhammad Shemyal Nisar, ATA UR RAHMAN KHALID, NAEEM ULLAH Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/79856/flat-optics-and-photonics-for-next-generation-computing-and-communications