Journal of Lasers, Optics & Photonics

Ultrafast laser optics has revolutionized precision microfabrication processes across various industries. This article presents a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in ultrafast laser optics technology and its applications in precision microfabrication. Photonics has transformed medical imaging, providing physicians with non-invasive and high-resolution techniques to visualize internal structures and functions. Optical coherence tomography uses light waves to create detailed cross-sectional images of tissues, enabling early detection of diseases like glaucoma and retinal disorders. Diffuse optical imaging uses near-infrared light to measure changes in tissue oxygenation and blood flow, aiding in brain imaging and breast cancer detection. We delve into the principles behind ultrafast laser systems, discuss recent innovations in laser sources and optics components, and explore cutting-edge techniques for achieving high-precision microfabrication. Additionally, we examine emerging trends and future directions in this rapidly evolving field.

Quantum optics has emerged as a promising paradigm for revolutionizing laser communication systems, enabling secure and high-capacity data transmission with unprecedented levels of security and efficiency. From solar power and energy-efficient lighting to environmental sensing and waste management, lasers are illuminating the path towards a more sustainable world. In this article, we explore the innovative applications of laserbased technologies in the realm of energy and sustainability. Solar power is a key pillar of renewable energy, and lasers are playing a significant role in enhancing its efficiency and effectiveness. Laser technologies are employed in various stages of the solar energy production process. This article provides a comprehensive review of recent advancements in quantum optics for laser communication systems. We explore key concepts in quantum communication protocols, quantum key distribution techniques, and quantum-enhanced sensing, highlighting their implications for advancing laser communication technology. Additionally, we discuss emerging trends, challenges, and future directions in leveraging quantum optics for next-generation communication systems.

Plasmonics, the study of the interaction between electromagnetic fields and free electrons in metal nanostructures, has emerged as a promising field with diverse applications in photonics and laser optics. Plasmonic structures exhibit unique optical properties, such as localized surface plasmon resonance and enhanced electromagnetic field confinement, which can be harnessed for a wide range of applications in next-generation laser optics. This article provides an overview of the recent advancements and applications of plasmonics in laser optics, highlighting their potential to revolutionize various aspects of laser technology. Plasmonic nanostructures, such as metallic nanoparticles, nanowires, and nanoantennas, offer versatile platforms for manipulating light at the nanoscale. These structures can confine light into sub wavelength volumes, leading to enhanced light-matter interactions and enabling applications such as surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy nonlinear optics, and optical sensing. By engineering the size, shape, and composition of plasmon nano structures, researchers can tailor their optical properties to meet specific application requirements in laser optics.

Adaptive Optics (AO) has emerged as a critical technology for laser beam shaping, enabling precise control over the spatial and temporal characteristics of laser beams. This paper reviews recent developments in AO systems tailored for laser beam shaping applications. We discuss advancements in wavefront sensing techniques, including Shack-Hartmann sensors, pyramid wavefront sensors, and phase retrieval methods, which enable accurate measurement of aberrations in the laser beam. Moreover, we explore novel deformable mirror designs and control algorithms that facilitate real-time correction of aberrations, allowing for efficient beam shaping with high fidelity. Additionally, we highlight applications of AOenabled laser beam shaping in fields such as laser materials processing, laser communication, and biomedical imaging. Finally, we discuss future directions and challenges in the field, including the integration of machine learning algorithms for adaptive optics control and the development of compact, low-cost AO systems for widespread adoption.